Are these symptoms familiar to anyone?

3mayflowers

Howdy - I just came across this site last night, and thought I'd get you're opinion since you guys are the experts. I am 38 and am scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound in 5 days (Monday) but the wait is so hard. I think I just need someone to talk to. About 2 1/2 years ago, my periods started to change from being exactly the same every month to alternating between very heavy with tons of large clots to short and very light. Then I started spotting in between which I have never ever done before. For the last 6 months there has been increased spotting, my normal discharge changed from clearish white to yellowish green and thick. SORRY - I know it's gross and embarrassing to talk about. My last period was right after Valentines day, and since then the discharge has been constant, pink or white and I am now 2 weeks late for my period. I have had 3 seperate days in between where I bled for a few hours and that was it. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm just having such a hard time waiting for the ultrasound. It would be nice to know what's going on.

Of course, I mentioned all of this to my doctor about 3 times over the last year and a half, but she kept telling me it's my age. Two weeks ago I finally said enough - I had one of those bleeding episodes for a few hours two weeks after my period and went to see another doctor and he was great - did a pap smear and referred for the ultrasound.

Do the fibroids or polyps have these symptoms? Could this just be menopause related? Those of you who have been diagnosed through ultrasound, is it reliable - I realize every situation is different. How long do you have to wait after the ultrasound to find anything out? I just find myself so distracted during the day, I'm trying to be a good mom to my two girls but my mind is elsewhere right now.

11 years ago, I had a d&c because I was pregnant, but the baby died at 22 weeks. I should have delivered but the doctor made a decision to do the surgery which was the worst thing that ever could have happened. I didn't know what was going on because I was in shock and didn't even know what it was. They had to do a second surgery the next morning because the surgery was "incomplete". I had a transfusion and nearly died because they left me bleeding for 18 hours. When I was pregnant the second time the ultrasound showed scar tissue - could this be related to the scar tissue from the surgery?

Sorry for all the questions, it's just reassuring to talk to anyone right now! Thanks for listening to my rambling, I really appreciate it.

Charmaine

rmaureen · Experienced user Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Hi Charmaine:

I just ran across your post today, and I wanted to welcome you. I notice you posted a few weeks ago, how did your test turn out?

I applaud you for getting a second opinion. You are rather young to be going through menopause, and I suppose that is a possibility, nevertheless---your symptoms warrant further investigation. Yes, fibroids can produce the symptoms you describe.

A little of my history here. I had an ultrasound, which revealed multiple fibroids and cysts. My doctor declared they were benign without further investigation. I went through an additional 1.5 years with endometrial cancer, totally unaware and trusting my doctors.

Should the ultrasound reveal an abnormality, INSIST they rule out cancer. RULE IT OUT TOTALLY! Insist on a biopsy, scans are whatever it takes to rule the possiblity of cancer out. Why this is not done routinely, I will never know. I would had preferred to be inconvenienced with a test which turned out in vain, then to go unaware an additional 18 months to be diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. I dont write this to alarm you, most cases turn out ok.
Most of the time, as with my sister, it turns out not to be cancer. For her it was endometriosis.

Persist and insist, until you rule out cancer, and until you find out what it is you are dealing with. Again, most likely it is fibroids BUT be on the safe side, and push for answers until you get them. You are in my prayers,

Take care,

Rhonda

3mayflowers

Hi Rhonda,
Thank-you SO MUCH for replying! I really appreciate it, talking to other women is so helpful!

Yes, I had my ultrasound. I actually got in early - I was phoning every day to see if there was a cancellation and managed to squeak in a few days earlier than planned. It turns out that I have a functioning ovarian cyst. This is causing my body to go into "pretend pregnancy" mode, which is so strange emotionally and physically. As of when I had the ultrasound, the lining in my uterus was 3 cm thick. I am tired and I feel bloated. I can't explain it but I just DO NOT feel like myself these days.

My doctor requested bloodwork, which I'm just waiting for the results - she wants to put me on the birth control pill to regulate my cycle again. She said that when I get my next period it's going to be a killer - can't wait for that. I don't know what to expect from this, it's been many many years since I was on the pill and I can't remember the side effects. She's also ordered a follow up ultrasound, which is already booked for May 1st.

I won't rest easy until I have the all clear, I think you have a good point - it would be pretty good idea to ask for a biopsy and further testing. That's what the doctors are getting paid the big bucks for, right?

I think that's all I know for now - again, I really appreciate you writing back. Don't worry about alarming me either!! I feel so bad that you went through what you did. But we trust what we are told right? How are we supposed to know any different? Did you have to go through chemo, radiation etc? I would imagine you had to have a hysterectomy. How are you doing now?

Thanks so much for your support! Hope you had a great Easter,

Charmaine

rmaureen · Experienced user Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 99

Hi Charmaine,

I am so glad you have decided to pursue answers to this. Even though your tests revealed this cyst, I would not just settle for birth control pills as an answer. Yes, take them, but make sure cancer is ruled out. I too was prescribed birth control pills, and my cysts dissappeared according to my second ultrasound. However, my fibroids and excessive bleeding remained. I became severely anemic over time and felt ill all the time. Before I was diagnosed, I had two blood transfusions. Throughout all of this, I said to myself... well at least I know its not cancer, my pap came back normal and the doctors say the cysts are benign. They were BIG TIME WRONG!

I thank God I am cancer free, and I am examined every three months by my oncologists. In fact, I have an exam this Thursday. After two years has passed (that will be September 2007), I am to be examined every 6 months. You are correct, I had a radical hysterectomy...in fact, this is how the cancer was found, as the operation initally was scheduled due to the fibroids and excessive bleeding. I went through 30 rounds of radiation, and brachytherapy where I received radiaiton through an internal inplant. Unfortunately, I have been experiencing other medical problems, so its been tough times for me, but I trust God to make it better. I feel myself getting stronger, slowly but surely.

Charmaine, continue to insist on more than this ultrasound. Tell the doctor you want to rule any possiblity of cancer, or endometriosis for that matter--- totally out! Yes, this is what they get paid for, and should do their jobs to the best of their ability. I feel too often women are told to disregard these symptoms, and and regrettably this leads to late diagonosing of this disease. Patients should be treated as if it were their own mother, sister, or daughter. Would not one eliminate any possibilty of the symptoms being caused by cancer? It only makes sense to do so given strange symptoms. Dont just settle for pap smears either.

Charmaine, most likely its just a cyst and hormonal changes are making you feel tired and bloated. Still you need to rule out anything more serious---its just the prudent thing to do! Please keep us posted on your tests and experiences, and I am here for you any time you want to talk.

Take care now,

Rhonda

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