Hi
My biopsy came back as negative for cancer however the pathologist suggested another urgent biopsy should be carried out to determine what is causing the thickening of my womb. Last year I experienced bleeding even though I’m past the menopause. Last year when an ultrasound scan revealed my womb lining was 7mm thick. A biopsy came back negative. Earlier this year I was referred again for an urgent biopsy because the latest scan revealed the lining is now 11mm thick. The gynaecologist wants me to have a hysteroscopy and I’m now on the urgent waiting list to have one. I’ve been told this will be done as an outpatient. Is this the norm? I found getting the biopsy on both occasions very painful because no local anaesthetic was offered.
On Thursday I experienced pain in my lower abdomen and started passing blood that is black in colour. I phoned the hospital’s gynaecology dept to find out when I’m likely to get my appointment because this pain and black blood are giving me cause for concern. The gynaecologist’s PA said she would check and phone me back. When she did she told me I’ve been waiting six weeks (since my biopsy) but the actual waiting time for this type of urgent appointment is 27 weeks. I’ve actually got another 21 weeks to wait. I couldn’t believe. When I asked why this was she said it’s due to the impact of Covid. I’m at my wit’s end. My cousin had womb cancer in her 50s. Just wondering if someone could please give me some advice.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
SJ
Hello SJ1
I am sorry that you are having these symptoms and can understand how worrying they are.
I had a hysteroscopy last year and I did find it somewhat painful but manageable. From my experience on here it does seem normal to have them as an outpatient procedure however some ladies are offered a general anaesthetic and it may be something that it is worth talking to your doctors about.
With regard to having pain in your lower abdomen and passing black blood I would advise that you call your GP first thing today and get checked over. These are new symptoms and the doctor needs to be aware of them. If they are a cause for concern then the GP may actually be able to request a quicker hysteroscopy for you. I think also it would be an opportunity to query the urgent appointment that you have been told about. Waiting for another 21 weeks with these new symptoms is not the best idea. That sounds more like a routine list. During my diagnosis last year my GP was able to contact the consultant directly and I was offered an appointment the following day. My GP was also able to access my notes and explain more about what was happening.
Please consider giving your GP surgery a call. You are not making a fuss about nothing. They already want to do a hysteroscopy and the pain and the black blood are new symptoms that need addressing.
Jane
