A week and a half ago I was referred for a hysteroscopy for post-menopausal bleeding/cramping. A t/v u/s found thickening of the womb lining in one area. I've been told it could be 4 weeks before the appointment and am going a bit crazy with the waiting.
I had breast cancer 2 years ago (clear now) and am on Exemestane so my womb lining should be thin. My oncologist obviously couldn't diagnose at this point, but she made the same serious/sympathetic faces that I got with the breast cancer pre-diagnosis, as if she knew but couldn't tell me. There was no suggestion that it could be anything else. Or nothing.
The symptoms I've read don't mention cramping. At best it's a constant background niggle with the odd twinge, and at worst it's like day 2 period cramps. Not as bad as day 1, but uncomfortable. It isn't really blood either, more a pinky-brown discharge on the liner.
Did anyone else get cramping?
Welcome to the group. I had cramp type pain and same type of discharge/bleeding. While waiting for my hysterectomy and still working I would have episodes of pain throughout the day but paracetamol would work in alleviating it. Pain during the night was a bit worse. I often had nausea as well which is an unusual symptom. I particularly remember as when the GP was making the referral she was running through the symptoms and I was thinking, aw gawd, I've got every one of them. I hope your appointment comes through soon.
A x
Thank you so much for your response and welcome.
I've had a bit of nausea as well. It's a strange sort of mild nausea with the watering mouth but not actually thinking I was going to throw up. I don't remember having that before, not even with the chemo. I didn't connect it, because I've had a nasty cold with nausea and vomiting, but this was after most of that had gone off. Oh man. Is that how yours was?
I'm fortunate that the cramps are not keeping me awake at night, but this isn't sounding hopeful, is it?
Keep an open mind, that's what I did even though the signs were there, even after I'd been told it was cancer, I was still a bit in denial. You don't know till you know. Keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on.
A x
Thank you. I know you're right and I shouldn't speculate. I'm just in pain, don't want to bother my DH or family moaning about it, and am trying to connect the dots ahead of a horrid, increasing wait. It's really hard to forget about when you hurt all the time.
I read your profile. That's a tough prognosis. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be buying trouble when you're kind enough to give excellent advice through all that. How are you managing? x
If you still have a CNS because of your previous cancer, I would think about contacting her and explaining the pain. She may think it's priority and bring it forward.
I'm ok, thank you for asking. I'm currently stable, struggle some days with fatigue, get down days. I feel I should be making the most of this time as this may be my 1 shot. The aggressiveness and speed it got to bone worries me sometimes as if it comes back more aggressive I won't stand much chance.
May be worth seeing your GP for pain relief and asking if they can do anything. Fingers crossed it's not what you think.
A x
My breast care nurse knows all about it, also the GP and the oncologist. I think I'm on the fastest pathway that's available here at the moment. The NHS is creaking, bless it. I know - I work for the NHS.
I've got pain relief and nothing helps much, or gives me other side effects, so I'm not bothering. I have sensitivities to lots of things so I'm somewhat limited. But weirdly, it isn't the intensity of the pain that gets me down, but the constancy of it. Even a small pain with no let-up is exhausting, mentally and physically. Actually it's not been as constant today after 2 weeks of being non-stop and 6 weeks before that of being intermittent, so maybe things are calming down.
I know what you mean. The worry is exhausting before you even start on the treatment side effects and the actual cancer itself. I've been going through in my own head what are the most important things to achieve, just in case, you know? Hugs to you. x
Hello all. My very first symptom was an off-white, slightly pink discharge. A tiny amount. Two days later I had what felt like a real period (bleeding and cramping) after approximately 2 years of continuous HRT. I reported it to my GP the very same day and she set the investigative wheels in motion immediately. Blood test (CA125 of 46) TVU (thickened endometrium plus ovarian mass, which turned out to be a cyst) then a referral to gynae for a hysteroscopy. To be honest, I was more worried about the ovarian 'mass' than my womb. I was stunned when I got the EC diagnosis. So yes, cramping can be a symptom.
Hi there, just an update for you. I had my hysteroscopy and was told I had vaginal atrophy from taking Exemestane, causing the bleeding/discharge, and a hidden polyp causing the cramping. I'm now being fast-tracked for removal of the polyp. They took a biopsy of the womb lining which will take a few weeks for the results. Fingers crossed.
Hope you're doing OK, and thank you for answering me. x
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