undiagnosed, backache?

Hello  I noticed you hadn’t had any replies so just popped in to say hello and welcome. I didn’t have back ache as a symptom, but I think other ladies here might have done. Keep a list of anything like that and show it to your doctor as every bit of info can help point towards a diagnosis when used in conjunction with tests, scans etc. You don’t say where you are in your journey. If you have suspicions but haven’t yet seen your GP, I’d encourage you to get an appointment and see what they say. If they need to refer you to a gynaecologist then they can get the ball rolling. If you’re waiting for tests etc, the do mention it when you go for appointments. Backache can be caused by lots of things but if it’s accompanied by unusual bleeding (especially if you are post menopause) then do please get checked out. Womb cancer- if it is this -  caught early can be treated very successfully with a hysterectomy. Take care and do let us know how you get on. 

Thanks for your reply Fairycake,ive had post menopausal bleeding and my GP has requested a urgent referral with gynocologist ,im 67yrs.feeling anxious at the moment.

Hi jeanMH,

I was 72 when I was diagnosed, so take heart!!!! I was petrified of an operation at that age. I had keyhole surgery and can honestly say it hurt less than childbirth!   I used to get sciatica down one leg, but since my operation 3 years ago I've had no sign of it. That came and went and I couldn't pinpoint anything that started it. Now I am wondering if the womb was pressing on a nerve! Who knows! Good luck !!!!

Thank you,I also have aching in my hip,thigh and groin that sometimes go's down my leg,i was thinking this might also be a sign,I'm waiting for referal ,i'm feeling really anxious,trying not to worry but its hard,especially with Covid,I will have to go to hospital on my own.

Hi JeanMH,

If you have to go to appointments on your own, take a note book and pencil to jot things down. You won't take it all in at once. Are you sure you have no friend who could go with you? If you do have a hysterectomy you will need help with shopping at least afterwards. You mustn't lift anything heavier than a kettle for a while. xxxxx

I've just received phone call with apt for 11.15 Friday,my husband would come with me but im in UK and we are not allowed to take anyone with us due to Covid,They didn't say they would be doing any tests at this apt maybe its just to access what tests I might need.xxx

Hello jeanMH, sorry to hear you are feeling anxious, but it is totally understandable. I have had my op 8 weeks ago. Had to do the whole thing on my own cos of Covid restrictions. But really it hasn't been too bad, the NHS staff are really kind and supportive. Have you been assigned a CNS ( specialist nurse) yet? If they are free they will sit with you during your consultation as a second pair of ears. Definitely write everything you are worrying about now in a notepad, as it comes to you, and take it with you. Then you can also write down their answers. There is a lot to take in.  Try not to worry too much, the waiting to find out what is wrong is an awful time.  Any post menopausal bleeding is taken as abnormal, but it doesn't always mean cancer so I hope you get an appointment soon. Good luck.

Thank you Jigsaw33,my apt is Friday 11.15,they haven't said they are doing any tests that day though,so maybe its to see what tests they will need to do, x

Hi jeanMH

I'm the same age as you and after just 2 very brief episodes of PMB days apart had a chat with my GP who put me on 2 week wait cancer screening pathway. No other symptoms at all.

You'll find a huge amount of support on this forum. We've all been there and are in various stages of treatment. We understand the anxiety the waiting and not knowing causes. We're all here to try answer any questions you have. I only joined a couple of months ago but being able to talk about every stage of this journey and rollercoaster ride has been so therapeutic.

Welcome to the group. If you want to know what any of us have experienced so far just ask, or reading all the different posts helps.

Take care, Barb xx

Sorry, jeanMH,

I keep forgetting you can't take anyone in the hospital  at present! I had my cancer well before Covid, and attended all but the first appointment without my husband. They would just get bored hanging around, anyway!!! They are not allowed in for scans etc,normally. Just take a notebook with you. xxxxxxxx