Failed Hysteroscopy

Hi DebAP

Welcome to the Womb group. 

I am sorry to hear that you have had some worrying symptoms and have a thickened womb lining.

A thickened womb lining can have different causes and where there is a possibility of cancer being a cause they tend to want to rule it out as soon as possible. Hence the testing. 

Usually this is the ultrasound which in your case showed a thickened lining and that, along with the bleeding and pain is usually followed by the hysteroscopy. This is to try to have a closer look and to take a biopsy. Sometimes hysteroscopies can be more difficult to perform for reasons such as yours. 

I would imagine that the doctor will want to consult with colleagues about the best way forward now- as there are symptoms that need addressing but without the biopsy they do not yet have the full picture. 

A scan would be an obvious next step for them to do as it will give them a much clearer picture of what is going on inside. I had a CT scan pretty much straight away. They may well also do some blood tests, if they have not yet already done so. These would be to check on general health and to check certain markers that may be raised, if there was a cancer present. 

A hysterectomy is usually the next step if cancer is found, but it can also be done for other reasons such as a thickened lining that is either causing problems now (it is as you are getting pain and bleeding) or if there is a possibility that it might in the near future. 

I had my hysterectomy in April 2022 and it was done via keyhole. It was straight forward, I had very little pain and was home the next day. I recovered quickly. 

I know that it is worrying but at the moment try to take comfort that although you have got some symptoms - they are checking them out and will hopefully be able to give you some answers soon. Once you know what you are dealing with, then a plan can be made. 

If talking things through would help then please do give the Support Line a call. They are there from 8am-8pm everyday and the number is at the end of this. 

There are lots of lovely ladies on this forum who have been through the testing stage and they will understand so if there is anything you want to ask, please do so.

Jane

Hi DebAP, my situation isn't exactly the same as yours but I had a failed biopsy in December. Tomorrow I am having a hysteroscopy/biopsy under general anaesthetic and I'm absolutely terrified (pathetic I know). I'm 55 and have a 8mm womb lining thickening, found by ultrasound same as you.  I had blood in urine, period type pains and a heavy bleed after the scan. I have had the threat of cancer over me since October and I'm an absolute mess at present. I have been told that the results will be up to 9 weeks in my area...which is outrageous after the wait I've already had. I have turned to the ladies on here and they've been amazingly supportive to me and I'm sure they will be with you too. Stay in touch 

Hey Maz25, will be thinking of you tomorrow. I had a hysteroscopy under GA in November 2021 and it was honestly so easy. A walk down to theatre, a light anaesthetic nap and I was awake again 45 mins later, had a hot drink and toast there on the ward and then went home, Hope it’s as smooth for you, 

Thanks for your reply. I am absolutely dreading it honestly,  I hate anaesthetic but had to have it this way as you know. If it's just a light anaesthetic did you feel/hear anything? Were you groggy afterwards?

Hi Maz,

I had it under GA and no grogginess at all, nice cuppa and biscuits after and home. Good luck tomorrow x

• Thanks for reply Hop5. What about the pain after? Sorry for all the questions 

I had my hysteroscopy under GA in September 23 and did not have pain after, I tend to suffer with low blood pressure after GA so took a bit longer before I could go home, but still the same day. Hopefully the results time frame has been over estimated, as I had my results within a couple of weeks. Hope all goes smoothly for you.

Ask away. No pain at all x

Thanks B74, all you ladies give honest/helpful advice and it's much appreciated. Unfortunately I don't think the results will be any quicker as the nurses told me and I know people who have waited that long...and that was for bad news aswell.  So it's not a case of no news is good news anymore. This really is the worst few months of my life and it's probably only going to get worse. I'm so glad I found this forum. 

The anaesthetist was lovely and walked with me to the day theatre. Going under felt like as natural as dropping off and having a little nap. I said light anaesthetic because I woke up afterwards without any grogginess. Didn’t feel or hear anything and no pain at all afterwards. A breeze compared to my failed one.