View Full Version : Referred to Gynae for further tests!
I recently had an ultrasound scan which showed I have a thickened womb lining. The doctor is referring me to the Gynae clinic and she said usually they will do a hysteroscopy and a biopsy to rule out cancer!
I feel sick to my stomach, shaking all over....
Carrie8484
29-07-16, 17:47
How old are you mojo ? I also have a thickened womb lining (ultrasound diagnosed) but nothing else was done about it.
I'm 55 Carrie. I was on HRT for menopause and started getting some bleeding so the dr sent me for an ultrasound. I had that and an internal (transvaginal) scan at the same time. I asked the sonographer if she could see anything suspicious and she said nothing to cause her concern, just a few fibroids which are very common apparently. Then my doctor tells me I have a thickened lining and need to be fast-tracked to hospital for more tests!
countrygirl
29-07-16, 19:06
This is incredibly common in women on hrt and also in women not on hrt! My friend has had this many times since meno. It has never been cancer. Has anyone explained that they take this seriously because if your thickened womb lining was left for a very long time untreated then there is the possibility of it turning cancerous. This is generally what has happened to old ladies who develop womb cancer 30 years after meno, they have had thick womb lining for years and years with no symptoms.
So almost certainly your womb lining is just thick, thats all nothing else. They obviously have to do the tests to be 100% certain it is not turning cancerous. They they treat to get rid of the lining if its thick enough and does not resolve itself.
Totally understandable that you are worrying but honestly the chances of you having womb cancer are very very slight.
My friend had to take a course of progesterone tablets for a time and then when she stopped she had huge bleed that cleared the lining.
When you have your hysteroscopy it is possible to have sedation and having had a few of these proceedures I would always want sedation or at very least them using local anaethetic on the cervix before they put the camera in. It seems standard now that they do it without anything and in some people its painful depending on the skill of the operator!
Oh thank you Countrygirl, that has reassured me somewhat now. I'm trying to use my rational head; I didn't have any problems prior to starting the HRT, the sonographer at the scan said she couldn't see anything to concern her unduly, another doctor had actually phoned me on Wednesday to say he couldn't see anything of concern on the scan, and this was just my own GP ringing me with the full results. Hopefully, as you say, it is just NHS protocol to fast track in cases like this.
Carrie8484
29-07-16, 20:28
My mother in law is 55, had some post meno bleeding, they did the US and transvaginal, found fibroids , and saw a thickened womb lining. Biopsy taken, standard procedure. No problems were found as it is apparently very common. Fibroids were removed and no more bleeding. i hope this puts you at ease. My mother in law was also worried at the mention of 'biopsy' but its completely normal procedure. Ive had 3 colposcopies were they've taken biopsies of my cervix each time and everything has been ok.
I guess my thickened womb lining isn't being investigated due to my age.
You'll be fine x
Oh thank you Countrygirl, that has reassured me somewhat now. I'm trying to use my rational head; I didn't have any problems prior to starting the HRT, the sonographer at the scan said she couldn't see anything to concern her unduly, another doctor had actually phoned me on Wednesday to say he couldn't see anything of concern on the scan, and this was just my own GP ringing me with the full results. Hopefully, as you say, it is just NHS protocol to fast track in cases like this.
Hey Mojo, I'm really not even worried about you. Your doctor is being smart and saving you real trouble, is all. :hugs: sending you some nice hugs!
dizzy daisy
29-07-16, 21:04
Try not to worry as this is standard procedure. It's more likely to be a result of fibroids or just the hormone levels causing any bleeding/ spotting - it's very common xxx
Shazamataz
30-07-16, 00:32
My mother in law is 55, had some post meno bleeding, they did the US and transvaginal, found fibroids , and saw a thickened womb lining. Biopsy taken, standard procedure. No problems were found as it is apparently very common. Fibroids were removed and no more bleeding. i hope this puts you at ease. My mother in law was also worried at the mention of 'biopsy' but its completely normal procedure. Ive had 3 colposcopies were they've taken biopsies of my cervix each time and everything has been ok.
I guess my thickened womb lining isn't being investigated due to my age.
You'll be fine x
I thought you said COLONOSCOPIES and wondered what your cervix was doing up there! haha
Mojo, sounds like you are fine and it's just standard procedure. Here they are very good with gynacological issues as well as breast scans as there is a good prevention programme. Probably same where you are.
The fact that it's happening fast is a GOOD thing!
I know somebody who has regular breast cysts and every single time they are fast tracked. Been having them for over 20 years and still get fast tracked. I think it's just standard procedure.
I'm getting myself into a tizz here! The GP surgery phoned this morning to say there was a letter waiting for me to collect and then I could book my urgent appointment online. The letter contained a unique number and password to enable me to do this.
On the letter it gave the necessary details and I booked the first available appointment - next Wednesday at 2pm - but on the bottom of the letter it said:
'Under the NHS Constitution you have the right to start non-emergency consultant led treatment within 18 weeks from referral - or where cancer is suspected, to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of an urgent referral'
I'm panicking now I've read that because the doctor must suspect I have cancer if she's referred me under the 2 week rule!
Sorry about all this, I feel awful keep bugging you all about it but I don't have anyone else to talk to.
MyNameIsTerry
01-08-16, 14:42
Mojo,
Ask your GP. If they suspect cancer, they would tell you. It would be very bad of them to just hand you a letter.
GP's know that non essential tests can take a long time. What if your GP just doesn't want to wait?
Carnation had this problem not long ago. Her GP referred her and when she spoke to the hospital she was confronted with an urgent appointment. Her GP had only said the test was to rule it out and it turned out to be a load of BS because her GP got it wrong and it was just an infection as her dentist told her.
So, please be open to other possibilities here. Only your GP knows why they have booked that and anyone, regardless of an anxiety disorder, would be panicking over seeing that! A GP should have more common sense. Ask them why they have done this.
Carrie8484
01-08-16, 14:50
Mojo, this is perfectly normal procedure. Honestly!
Doctor's need to cover their backs, so many, many referrals are done under the 2 weeks rule.
Otherwise you may be waiting months for an appointment.
Your appointment is very routine and the clinic will see hundreds of women every week with exactly the same issue as yours.
Almost every referral I've had had been under the 2 weeks rule, and with all women's Gynae issues this tends to be the case - a fast tracked service.
Please don't worry! X
Thank you Terry and Carrie. It was just seeing the word "cancer" that set me off I think. God alone only knows why they feel the need to put that bit in - as if people aren't worried enough without them saying "Oh we suspect you might have cancer, so you'll get a faster appointment" :ohmy:
Carrie8484
01-08-16, 15:32
Ive just worked out I've had 5 women's health related referrals in the past 2 years. 3 Gynae and 2 breast. All have been under the 2 week ('cancer') rule - it's a very normal but a scary (to us anxiety sufferers At least) way of wording it. My mum was fast tracked a couple of weeks ago for a mole, the letter had the words cancer in it a few times., she was sent to the dermatology cancer clinic etc. Turns out it was nothing. The GP told her she was not worried at all about the mole but warned her the wording of the letter would say cancer investigation etc! Just goes to show that GP's know this too - it can scare people but it really isn't anything to worry about X
MyNameIsTerry
01-08-16, 15:43
I guess this is the NHS being open & honest? That would scare anyone.
Carrie has explained it all perfectly. I really think if your GP has a concern over cancer, they would have pulled you in for a chat first. They would very rollicking later for poor management if not and most (hopefully all GP's) would have the good sense to know how emotive the situation would be to not discuss it first.
dizzy daisy
01-08-16, 19:45
Thats right, it is perfectly normal procedure to be referred under the 2 week rule. It doesn't necessarily mean your GP suspects cancer but rather they would like to 100% rule it out. I've been referred twice under this rule now when I've presented with a breast lump. My GP said I don't think it's anything at all to worry about, but with all symptoms that could possible point to cancer we have to refer under the 2 week rule just to be 100% sure. It's to cover their backs Hun that's all and it will give you complete peace of mind to know without doubt that you are fine. take care xxx
Thank you everyone, you are all so kind and patient with me!
I've calmed down a bit now, I think well if it is something to worry about at least I'm doing all the right things by getting it checked out straight away.
Let's hope all is OK, and keep everything crossed for me :grouphug:
November of 2012 I had the tests you're going to have. I was scared out of my mind, I had been bleeding for 7 weeks.
I went straight to the gynecologist, didn't want to waste time at my GP.
Gyn immediately did the pap smear and endometrial biopsy, sent me to the blood lab upstairs for bloodwork.
I had to go to a seperate facility for the transvaginal ultrasound, but had that done within a couple days.
1 week wait (horrible) for results, perimenopause and fibroids.
Rescan in 6 months to make sure they were not growing.
What is the 2 week rule you are all taking about?
MyNameIsTerry
02-08-16, 04:11
What is the 2 week rule you are all taking about?
It's just a fast track procedure for potential cancers as to rule them out or get people to treatment stage quickly. Otherwise they would wait months.
It's just a fast track procedure for potential cancers as to rule them out or get people to treatment stage quickly. Otherwise they would wait months.
I'm sorry for being clueless, but why "wait months"?
Gosh, "fast track for potentail cancer" would scare the life out of most people.
Sounds like the stretch the truth a bit so patients don't have to wait.
I had this a few years ago, because of my fear of being "put to sleep" I had it done as an out patient, and I was so pleased I did, the procedure was no more painful than period pain, and I could watch what was happening with the camera on the screen, he even showed me my cesarean scar, and everything came back as normal, just part and parcel of getting "old" , good luck, i'm sure you'll be fine xx
MyNameIsTerry
02-08-16, 13:22
It's our NHS, Nancy. Some tests take months because there is such a long queue. So, the fast track is aimed at cancer patients because there is a government target to test them all within 2 weeks. This helps keep things working to the target, which they are being monitored on, unlike before when doctors had to chase things up.
So, if a doctor wants to rule it out of just needs quicker tests, the fast track is there. If they don't, they make it non emergency and you wait until there is an appointment.
I guess it's like sending something in the post by first or second class. First has an expected quick delivery target. Second has a woolly "we'll do it when we get round to it" approach.
Yes, it would be quite a shock for anyone to open a letter like that and see cancer mentioned. I don't know why the NHS don't consider that? In many cases a GP may tell you to expect it but when their receptionists just hand them over it's a shock. No anxiety disorder is needed to be scared by a letter like that! :ohmy:
I think it tends to apply more to people over 50 who are more "at risk" of potential cancers so GPs scare the life out of us by wanting to test for everything...just in case they are sued.
On the NHS over here you can wait for months for tests
Not to take away from the original poster but, I think we're agreeing, it's a valid point.
When I went to my Gynecologist, I was frantic, literally shaking on the table. She told me right away, I don't think this is cancer, we do have to rule out just to be on the safe side.
I had 3 tests immediately, the last a couple days later. I waited 1 week to the day and had my answer.
In that time, I thought I was going to lose my mind.
From what I'm reading here, NHS is not a good fit for a person with HA... At. All.
That's why it's best to stay away from the GP unless tests are absolutely essential.
I was railroaded into the tests to be honest, but I can't complain because what if there is something wrong and I don't bother to go for the test because I'm "too scared"?
Got to put on the big girl pants and get on with this. Prior to last year I hadn't had a smear test for 18 years, and all the letters they kept sending me for mammograms went in the bin because I was too frightened to go. In the end I did both and they both came back absolutely fine, but they may not have and then I'd be forever blaming myself for not taking advantage of the free tests. In many countries those tests have to be paid for so we are very lucky in many ways.
With this business, I started on HRT in February hoping it would help with my anxiety, night sweats and insomnia. All was OK until June when I experienced some bleeding (the type of HRT I was taking was supposedly a "no bleed" one) I phoned my doctor and she explained that this was quite normal and should clear up within the first 6 months, although with some women it could go on longer. So I put up with it but I wasn't happy because I hadn't had periods for almost 4 years and to have them back again was horrible ( plus omg the price of tampons now!!!) Then I had another appointment for something completely different and happened to mention I was still bleeding on and off. The menopause nurse said it sounded hormonal but just to be on the safe side she would send me for an ultrasound - that's when they found the fibroids and thickened endometrium, and that's when I first heard the word cancer mentioned. Of course I was petrified but reading up on this it would appear that a thickened endometrium is not cancer in itself, but can develop into cancer if not treated and that's why I need to go for the hysteroscopy and biopsy. I'm guessing there's a chance that the cells could be cancerous, but if I hadn't reported the bleeding then it would have just carried on. Perhaps I've dodged a bullet? I certainly hope so.
You've certainly done the right thing in getting this checked out, Mojo. Then at least you will know for sure that you are in the clear. It's horrible waiting for the test itself but hopefully you will be able to get the results on the day and put an end to the matter once and for all (which you wouldn't have been able to do if you had turned a blind eye...)
Hey Mojo, we're all here for you. I know you must be feeling anxious/scared. I know that everything is good with you. I think it's wonderful they are checking everything out so quickly. I'm not sure in the U.S. they do this and care so much. The healthcare in UK sounds really good.
Girl18, my experience is that in the US, the drs do care and there is no long waiting for testing... ever.
spacebunnyx
03-08-16, 14:58
Totally agree with what others have said. The NHS moves quickly if there is even a remote chance it could be cancer. I've had 101 gynae related tests and investigations and when I had precancerous cells I was seen and operated on in 10 days.
Xxx
Girl18, my experience is that in the US, the drs do care and there is no long waiting for testing... ever.
I think I came off confusing in my post. What I meant was that most doctors in the US kind of shove you off sometimes and don't care to listen to you. They'll prescribe you drugs and send you on your way instead of doing more testing.
Also I noticed in the UK mental health seems to be more important. At least that's the feeling I get. Can anyone confirm?
I think I came off confusing in my post. What I meant was that most doctors in the US kind of shove you off sometimes and don't care to listen to you. They'll prescribe you drugs and send you on your way instead of doing more testing.
Also I noticed in the UK mental health seems to be more important. At least that's the feeling I get. Can anyone confirm?
It's a mixed bag, TBH. I've had nothing but excellent service re: my anxiety issues. The NHS is a great thing and we need to protect it, unfortunately it is hampered by a lack of funding and many of the services cannot cope with the amount of patients; hence the often long waiting times. I fear the privatisation that is happening in certain areas will eventually kill it off :(
What I meant was that most doctors in the US kind of shove you off sometimes and don't care to listen to you. They'll prescribe you drugs and send you on your way instead of doing more testing.
In my experience in 57 years with myself, my children, my loved ones and friends, this is 100% incorrect.
In my experience in 57 years with myself, my children, my loved ones and friends, this is 100% incorrect.
Yeah, unfortunately the structure of our health care system and medical insurance programs reinforces this. Insurance companies would rather pay for your MD to give you a medication than go for a CT or ultrasound. It's way cheaper. So many times they won't cover something more extensive. It's all about the numbers as well - aka how to squeeze in as many patients as possible to make the most money. It's more like an assembly line most of the time.
That's not to say there aren't good doctors here who do treat patients very well. It's just tough to find sometimes.
I feel very fortunate to not have come across any the way you describe.
I hate medical tests, waiting for test results is what gets my health anxiety in an uproar.
I feel like the drs alays send us for tests, no longer do we have my mother's old Dr Smith who when she had a lump in her breast, patted her back and said "in my heart, I don't feel it's cancer".. and sent her home.
Today we're shipped off for mammogram, ultrasound, mri...
MyNameIsTerry
04-08-16, 06:35
It's a mixed bag, TBH. I've had nothing but excellent service re: my anxiety issues. The NHS is a great thing and we need to protect it, unfortunately it is hampered by a lack of funding and many of the services cannot cope with the amount of patients; hence the often long waiting times. I fear the privatisation that is happening in certain areas will eventually kill it off :(
Mental health services are effectively privatised already. They just call it IAPT.
In England & Wales, any Level 2 & 3 services (which are the CBT type services) come under IAPT and many of these treatments are not administered by the NHS, the NHS give funds to charities such as MIND and Rethink who have a network of smaller charities that receive the cash and provide the service.
It's only CMHT's and the hospitals that are NHS. IAPT came in to cut down waiting times by increasing the number of therapists trained to a lesser level. The NHS didn't provide the therapists, they couldn't.
Definitely a mixed bag with GP's though. What mine knows about antidepressants could probably by written on the back of a beer mat.
---------- Post added at 06:35 ---------- Previous post was at 06:28 ----------
Yeah, unfortunately the structure of our health care system and medical insurance programs reinforces this. Insurance companies would rather pay for your MD to give you a medication than go for a CT or ultrasound. It's way cheaper. So many times they won't cover something more extensive. It's all about the numbers as well - aka how to squeeze in as many patients as possible to make the most money. It's more like an assembly line most of the time.
That's not to say there aren't good doctors here who do treat patients very well. It's just tough to find sometimes.
It's the same here though. Doctors are forever being told to stop wasting money on unnecessary testing. Sadly, some GP's rather than spend more time with a patient will get them out of the surgery by sending them for tests. This costs the NHS in other areas, rather than the GP's surgery which is effectively a small business of sorts, and the larger NHS as in the local trust carry the can.
I can remember by GP years ago telling me blood testing had a quota on it and if surgeries overshot they would pop up on a red flag list and potentially affected financially.
When you go beyond a surgery and into the larger NHS at trust level you will find that the issues are similar to your insurance companies. We have had plenty of news items about trusts refusing to buy in drugs that they deem, or have been told by the higher executive elements of the NHS, and this includes quite serious physical conditions & diseases. The current one is a new HIV drug.
What often happens is parents set up charity campaigns for very sick children if they can access a treatment in the US and people give their cash to get them their. The same for quality of life treatments for children that the NHS turn down funding for. Whilst it makes you despair at the NHS, it does show the kindness of the public.
Mental health services are effectively privatised already. They just call it IAPT.
In England & Wales, any Level 2 & 3 services (which are the CBT type services) come under IAPT and many of these treatments are not administered by the NHS, the NHS give funds to charities such as MIND and Rethink who have a network of smaller charities that receive the cash and provide the service.
It's only CMHT's and the hospitals that are NHS. IAPT came in to cut down waiting times by increasing the number of therapists trained to a lesser level. The NHS didn't provide the therapists, they couldn't.
Definitely a mixed bag with GP's though. What mine knows about antidepressants could probably by written on the back of a beer mat.
Well I didn't know that! IAPT was a good experience though. I did a stress management course through them and it helped lots.
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