Post Menopausal Bleeding - Advice please

FormerMember over 6 years ago

5 replies
59 subscribers
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I am hoping that there is someone who can relate to my symptoms and provide advice! The reason I am posting asking for advice and not consulting a GP yet is that I am caring for my husband who has stage 4 terminal lung cancer. We are seeing his oncologist tomorrow and he has not responded well to his last cycle of treatment and I am hoping that they will not withdraw any form of treatment. I need to keep strong for my husband during his limited time. I already spend a lot of time at the cancer centre, clinics, GP appointments, visits from respiratory nurses and Macmillan nurses for which I am eternally grateful but do not want to waste time with seeing GP and possibly having to go for further tests for myself on top of everything!

I am 55 and started the menopause around 9 years ago. I take HRT. Almost 6 months ago I had some slight vaginal bleeding (the blood was noticeable after passing urine when wiping with toilet tissue). I did see my GP and she gave me a pelvic exam and said she could see some inflammation of the cervix. There was slight blood in urine. I was told that due to me taking HRT I would have to stop taking it for 3 months before any further investigation would be made. I did not have any more bouts of bleeding and had a terrible time with my menopausal symptoms whilst not taking the HRT. I was given the all clear to starting taking HRT again end of February however I have noticed blood again the last 2 days after passing urine. There is no visible blood in the toilet pan - just on the toilet paper. I have not noticed any blood in my underwear. I have developed pelvic pain particularly near either side of the hips and sometimes around the belly button area. I do feel the need to go to the toilet frequently but I do drink a lot of fluid throughout the day - around 3 litres. There is no pain or burning when passing water. The only bothersome of the blood on the toilet paper.

I really need to be able to be there for my hubby and don't want to worry or concern him about my health. I am struggling with the whole situation as we do not have any family near us to support us so I need to concentrate on my husband's health. I really would appreciate anyone's input if they recognise this pattern. I have come across the blood test CA125 - instead of possibly being referred to gynaecologists and waiting for hospital appointments could I simply have this test to indicate whether or not this may be serious?

Thank you.

FormerMember over 6 years ago

I have no experience with HRT so can’t say anything in that regard..I appreciate the situation with your husband but you really should get this checked out with your GP. Maybe ask them about the blood test?

Carolyn28 over 6 years ago

welcome to the online community

I agree with the other reply

Only a blood test will reveal high levels of CA125 and the first port of call is always a GP even if you have private cover or choose to pay for yourself you still need a GP referral .

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/diagnosis/

As the article explains there are many possible diagnoses other than cancer.

I don't have experience of HRT either but I have had very mild cystitis with a similar symptom.

I'm from the breast group and on the whole there is a two week referral rule and I think that's for all situations where the GP suspects something and deems further checks are required.

All in all I had 1 appointment per fortnight until I had a mastectomy which is sometimes day surgery but more usually overnight, May 8th to July 1st, nothing happens that quickly and your symptoms do sound mild and I think with your proximity to cancer you're on higher alert than some of us.

ALL cancers are more treatable when caught early, you know that, perhaps you just need us to tell you it's okay to take care of yourself?

Book the appointment and come back and let us know how you get on, we'll be here for you to share your worries and fears so that you can focus on your husband

hugs

Carolyn

xxxx

real life success stories to remind you that people do survive breast cancer

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer/f/38/t/115457

Dr Peter Harvey

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Arla over 6 years ago

Hi Ditzee,

A CA125 test won't always give you a diagnosis, as far as I know, I'm not a medic, they are mostly used as an indicator for ovarian cancer, but even then the CA125 level can be raised by other things, like infection.

As the others have said please make an appointment or even a telephone appointment if you are pushed for time with your gp, you could have something simple, like a urine infection, but that would still need treatment. To check your womb is ok the first step is usually an ultrasound scan, it doesn't take long, 20mins maximum.

If you explain your circumstances with your husband to your gp they will hopefully be able to come up with a course of action where you can get investigated without too much impact on your home life.

I cant imagine how tough things must be for you at the moment but it's important to take care of yourself too, have you been in touch with your local hospice? They usually provide great help and support for families and caregivers at any stage of treatment.

Lots of love and please let us know how you get on

xxx

Stargazy over 6 years ago

Hi Ditzee17,back in August 2017 my husband was in the middle of a course of radiotherapy when I had very ligh bleeding on toilet tissue.I convinced myself it was the return of the polyps I had removed a few years previously and it would do no harm to wait till my husband's treatment was finished.

It wasn't till Nov that I finally got round to seeing gyne.I was shocked to being diagnosed with womb cancer.Hysterectomy in Dec.Stage 1a.grade 2 Serous which is aggressive.

I am a lot older than you 73 at the time diagnosis. Please don't put off any longer getting an appointment to start the process off finding the cause of your bleeding.I know the feeling all too well that you just can't deal with one more thing while dealing with partners cancer,I still regret not going to the g.p

The ladies on this forum will answer any questions or concerns you have.They are a fab bunch.Good wishes to you and your husband.x

Stargazy

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Carolyn28

Hi Carolyn

Sorry for delay in replying but been pre-occupied with hubby's treatment and care. I did contact my GP (she has been my GP for 12 years and knows my circumstances) and she advised to stop HRT. Within 3 days of stopping it I stopped bleeding. My GP has told me to not take HRT for 3 months and see her in August - unless circumstances change. She advised that HRT can cause thickening of the lining of the womb which can lead to post menopausal bleeding.

So far no further signs of bleeding just dealing with the side effects of menopause - the night sweats are back with a vengeance lol.

Hugs back to you Carolyn and hope you are getting on ok?

Love Debbie xxx

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