I have to take blood thinners (Apixaban) for Atrial Fibrillation. I have been bleeding for two weeks. My womb lining is 26mm thick and I have fibroids. I have had oestrogen feeding breast cancer so cancer in my womb is a definite possibility. I am on a fast track to get the hysteroscopy but the bleeding is leaving me feeling tired and sick. Stopping the blood thinners would risk a stroke but losing blood is also a worry. It is as if I am suddenly shedding this thickened lining. Like the worst period I used to have 20 years ago. I am very obese and even night time pads don’t really contain the blood. It’s not so much the amount, more how about what is coming out behaves, if that makes sense. It always seems to escape the back of even the longest pad. I am exhausted washing sheets, mattress protectors and even my duvet. Does anyone have ant tips to deal with this while I wait for my hysteroscopy?
Hello FionaMac,
Welcome to the Womb group. I am sorry to hear of your previous breast cancer and also your Atrial Fibrillation.
It is good that given the circumstances you have been referred for an urgent hysteroscopy. They will be able to use a tiny camera to take a closer look and also take a small sample for testing.
I also had heavy bleeding and it can be really draining and make you feel miserable. When I first attended hospital with heavy bleeding and also when I saw the nurse for my biopsy I was told both times and clearly-that if I needed to change a pad more than once and hour or if the bleeding was soaking through clothing or onto bedding then this was a circumstance that I should call either the gynae oncology team or NHS111 as this would be classed as haemorrhaging and there was also a risk of developing anaemia. I was also told to look out for clots.
I would imagine that the blood thinners are also affecting the bleeding but as you say they should not just be stopped. There is medication however that could be prescribed to lessen the bleeding. If it is making you feel tired and sick then this would be a good reason to get checked out and not just wait until the hysteroscopy appointment.
Hope this helps a bit but if talking to someone would help then please do give the Support Line a call and speak with one of the nurses. The details are below. If there is anything else you need, please do ask
Jane
That’s good to know. The heavy and prolonged bleeding can make you feel rubbish though. The consultant at A+E mentioned hormone tablets if my bleeding continued heavily but after a few days it was manageable and my biopsy etc was done very quickly. Give your GP a call in the am perhaps, see if there is an option for you while you wait or even if it can be bought forward for you
