abnormal bleeding sorry very long post!

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

This is my first post and I am glad I found this forum so I can ease my fears and get some advice. I am 40 yrs. old with three children. I had my tubes tied after my last child 7 1/2 yrs. ago. Have had no problems in these past years at all since my last child until last month. I had a period starting May 10. All things normal. It lasted until May 16. Then on May 19 during and after sex I started to spot. I spotted until May 26, then the flood gates opened again. I bled heavily for 5 days. It has been bright red too. Then it slowed. Now I am still spotting. I have right pelvic and back pains that run down my right leg. I actually called my doctor on the 26th. and went in for an exam on the 27th. She said everything felt normal. They checked my iron. It was 11.2 so I picked up a bottle of vitamins that contains iron. They also took some blood to check my hormones and thyroid levels. I am still waithing for those results. I am also scheduled for an ultrasound for June 9. I think I may be in perimenopause but am not sure. I have no hot flashes or anything like that. Gynological cancers don't run in my family so this probably couldn't be that. Maybe fibroids? Thanks for any advice you can give!

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Hi sandrak,

Welcome! It seems odd that your bleeding started after having sex--maybe tissue became irritated. Has it been consistent spotting for some time? Fibroids are very common, and usually are the first thing suspected to cause abnormal bleeding. My philosophy is this, if they say its fibroids, insist on a biopsy. I was clueless about these things, and accepted my gyno telling me it was fibroids for 1.5 years, and it was cancer--stage 3 by the time I was diagnosed. I was uninsured at the time. BUT most of the time it is fibroids, and then there is the possibility of endometriosis. Most of the time it is NOT cancer. I wish I could give some definitive answers, but it is too difficult to speculate. And I know how hard it is to wait, tomorrow I get my results from a biopsy of a lump in my throat, after waiting 2 weeks. Rolling Eyes

Post back on the results of your ultrasound. If your results indicate fibroids, or anything unusual, it may be prudent to request a biopsy. I will have you in my prayers, and let us believe for a good outcome!

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

Thank you for your response! I only started this abnormal bleeding and spotting in May. I have been married to the same person for 20 years and don't recall this happening before. Strange! Anyway, I just called my doctor for my blood test results. Someone is supposed to call me back today. I will post those results.
I really hope and pray that you will get some good news tomorrow. Please let me know how that turns out! I will keep you in my prayers.

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

I just talked with my doctor and she said my thyroid levels were completely normal. My hormone levels are a 2. She told me the range for menopause is 15-62. She was saying so much info. I couldn't keep up with her. But it looks like my blood tests were all normal. Now, I will go and have the ultrasound on June 9. My doctor said she suspects a fibroid or adenomysis. I have never heard of the latter one. Anyway, I don't think it is cancer because I have all the symptoms of adenomysis. I will find out for sure Tuesday!

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Your latest news sounds very encouraging! I dont know anything about adenomyosis either so I posting an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic's website:

[quote]Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) also grows within the muscular walls of the uterus. This is most likely to happen late in your childbearing years and after you've had children.

Adenomyosis isn't the same as endometriosis — a condition in which the uterine lining becomes implanted outside the uterus — although women with adenomyosis often also have endometriosis. The cause of adenomyosis remains unknown, but the disease typically disappears after menopause. For women who experience severe discomfort from adenomyosis, there are treatments that can help, but hysterectomy is the only cure.

Although adenomyosis can be quite painful, the condition is generally harmless. Learn more about adenomyosis, including its signs and symptoms, when you should see a doctor and what the best treatment might be for you. [/quote]

Hang in sandrak, and let us all know how next Tuesday turns out! We all rejoice to hear good news! God bless you,

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

Thank you so much for posting this info. for me, rmaureen. I do have the symptoms of this except the enlarged uterus. She said it felt normal. I have read with adenomysis the uterus becomes 2 to 3 times larger. Maybe this just hasn't happened with mine yet. I will have more answers Tuesday and I will post them.
Thank you so much for your concern!

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

I had my ultrasound today and it showed a small cyst on my right ovary. My endometrial lining is also 9.28 mm. Since I had two periods in May, I wonder if this has caused my lining to become thicker?
I am having another ultrasound in 8 weeks.

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Hi Sandrak:

Did your doctor mention scheduling a biopsy? Although your previous post sounds very encouraging, my philosophy is to rule out the worse, and work from there! Cyst on ovaries can occur for various reasons, even hormonal. I had two inconsequential to my cancer diagnosis--they went away simply using birth control pills. Do keep us posted, but you might consider asking your doc point blank for a biopsy for a better assessment. Take care for now,

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

I did ask her about that and she said it might be a possibility and she was saying something about a D&C maybe. I actually saw the NP and she is going to show everything to my gyno. tomorrow and he will make the final decision. Do you think I may need a biosopy? I had a period starting May 10. It went the full week until about the 16th. I then started spotting on the 19th. That went on until the 26th. On the 26th., I starting bleeding heavily again. I wonder if my lining is thicker because I may be about to start my period again. If I had a period on May 10, then it should be time for another one? She didn't mention the word cancer so I don't think she was concerned about that. Should I be concerned?

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Hi sandarak,

Its not that I think you should assume cancer, its just there are occasions--and this happened to me--that testing does not go far enough. Your bleeding is likely adenomyosis, but when you have symptoms like abnormal bleeding, you need a definitive answer. It is the wise and prudent thing to do.

I don't want you to worry, but even if one was to rule out cancer, you want answers as to what you are truly dealing with--whether it be endometriosis, adenomysis, or fibroids. I would say this about any medical condition where a doctor has only speculated, and not done adequate testing. Ultra sounds are limited. I had three before I was diagnosed with cancer--they showed many fibroids, a thickened endometrial lining, they showed huge cysts on my ovaries (these disappeared with birth control) and I was anemic. This went on for over a year and a half worth of ultrasounds. Had a biopsy, or possibly a D&C been done, they would had found the cancer much earlier.

And really, finding an answer to what is really going on is pertinent to what kind of treatment options will be prescribed. Assume the best, and as I mentioned before, most of the time, these things are not cancer. The only problem is, those less likely times when it is cancer--and a light approach to a patient's symptoms exacerbates a serious medical condition and delays treatment. See what your gynecologists says, and be optimistic. As I said, it all sounds hopeful, but I rather be sure, armed with answers to what is causing such bleeding. Then you will know what can be done to stop it. Take care now, and keep us posted here.
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

When I went to the doctor on the 9th. the person performing the ultrasound said I would start my period in about 2 days. It has been 4. What reason could be that I haven't started yet? I don't even feel like I am about to start except some pelvic pains. No tender breasts or anything like that.

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

I really would not put too much faith into someone predicting and missing when your period occurs, particularly when you are already experiencing abnormal bleeding. i suggest keeping a record on unsual spotting, and the days bleeding occurs and stop on--to present to your doctors. Also, you might call the nurse and ask their take on your period being off schedule--I wish I had the knowledge to answer your question adequately, Keep us posted.

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

I have my period again and it is very heavy. I get these cramps and then pass very large tissue looking clots. Also, the blood from my period has an odor to it. I can smell the odor when I wipe. It is not blood that has been sitting around, it is fresh bright red blood. Sorry for all the graphic info. I just wonder if all this is normal. It is bright red like a fresh wound or something. I have also developed this strange rash on my face and neck, and behind my ears. It itches somewhat and is painful to the touch. I don't know what has caused this. Could all this be related?

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Before I was diagnosed, my gynecologist informed me that color of the blood can indicate something wrong, particularly in relation to great blood loss spurring anemia on. If I recall correctly, they considered it a medical emergency if you are filling up pads twice an hour, and was told bright color red, to orange-red could indicate problems . To me, filling up one pad in one hour, for that matter two, indicates something is going on. You get to losing too much blood, feeling weak or dizzy, I suggest going to urgent care or through emergency. I had no insurance before I was diagnosed and actually fainted a couple of times and eventually went through emergency which unfortunately blew me off. Had they examined me thoroughly, I would had been several months ahead on a diagnosis. Also, sandrak, call your nurse or doctor about these changes. Take care for now, and keep us posted.

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

sandrak · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

Thank you rmaureen. I may call my doctor if it keeps up. I am putting caladryl lotion on my rash. So, maybe that will help clear the rash up. I am scheduled for another ultrasound in August. If things don't improve before then, I will go back sooner.

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