First check-up since hysterectomy/internal brachytherapy

Bramble65

Hi Emma and Pauline, great to hear how well Pauline is now doing despite the UTI after use of the dilators.

First of all the Consultant will ask questions about how Pauline feels, both physically and probably mentally and ask if there's anything she wants to discuss. Patients still attend these sessions alone in most health trusts so it may be a good idea to ask if you can accompany her if you feel you need to. If you can't go together she can ask permission to record the conversation. I've had to attend all my consultations alone but now am allowed to take someone with me since my incurable diagnosis. My bestie comes with me, hubby looks after the dog!

The reason for the dilators will become clear as Pauline will undergo an internal examination with a gloved finger, sometimes with a camera, to feel everything is as it should be. The dilators will have ensure the entrance to the vagina has remained supple to make the examination more comfortable.

She should ask if she'll always have face to face consultations or telephone. Some health trusts offer a periodic CT scan but I don't think that's the norm due to financial constraints. 

Hoe that helps, hugs, Barb xx

Hi Emma

Not sure if this will help in anyway but I had my 1st Gynae appointment yesterday since starting chemo, I have 2 more cycles to go and then 3 x Brachy so should finish Oncology appointments in Oct so its not the end of my treatment but 4 months since my hysterectomy.

My husband was allowed in with me yesterday.  Everything was pretty much as Barb has said below. This being my 1st internal was painless.

Like Pauline I too have had UTIs but due to the hysterectomy. They have put me in hospital 3 times now since April.  My consultant has put a plan togther for after my Brachy to tackle this going forward as I never suffered with them prior to the operation. He explained that UTI's can really take it out of you and also can take a long time on antibiotics to completely cure in cases like mine. 

I hope all goes well at the appointment and Pauline's fatigue improves soon. x 

Hugs Robin x

Hi Emma, the dilators are plastic and sterile on first use, so I’d be surprised if it was them that caused the UTI, maybe more likely a reaction to the lubricant - my brachy nurse advised me to try a tiny amount first of the one she gave me to see I reacted at all. There’s lots of different water based ones available to try, She also said that some women find ti easier to use them just before or just after a bath. 

At my check I was weighed and measured, had a chat with the oncologist about how I was, and then a brief internal with a very small speculum that I barely felt, and a gentle feel around with a gloved finger. Very quick and nothing to worry about. 

Thanks MarmiteFan59 - we have been using dilators and washing them in between (with soap and water).

I would agree about the bath, but unfortunately, Pauline doesn't use the bath as she badly broke her ankle 18 months ago and she hasn't got the confidence she used to have.

Thank you for the clear picture of what may happen at the check-up, this is much appreciated.

I personally, wouldn’t use soap as it’s very drying and would irritate my innards! Does Pauline shower? Would likely work just as well.