1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Fibroids and vaginal bleeding

Posted by leeosteo @leeosteo, Jun 10, 2023

I've been diagnosed with fibroids at 65 and my dr has been watching them for a while. Up until now, I've had no problems with this. Just this week I started to have mild cramps and small amount of vaginal bleeding. Has anyone experienced this?

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leeosteo | @leeosteo | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@leeosteo I’m presuming that you posted your question here because you are concerned you might have..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@leeosteo I’m presuming that you posted your question here because you are concerned you might have a gynecological cancer?

I was 67 when I noticed spotting/bleeding over a few days. I also had fibroids that were removed during a D & C about 10 years prior to that. I went to the gynecologist when I saw the spotting. About one month later I develop cramps that were unlike any I’d had since the age of 13 or 14. By then I was already scheduled for another D & C and hysteroscopy. After the D & C all the symptoms went away. However, the biopsy showed endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

My advice to you is to get that checked out as soon as you can. It could be fibroids but it could be something else. If I were you I’d insist on a follow up that could include the following which is what I had: ultrasound (that showed a thickened endometrial lining and two small fibroids), and then the D & C/hysteroscopy. My gynecologist thought I did not have the risk factors for endometrial cancer but actually I did. I had a late menopause (after the age 55) and never had children. Two risk factors.

Will you call or make an appointment with your gynecologist on Monday?

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naturegirl5, this is an update on my situation. After a lengthy discussion with my gyn we agreed to have hysteroscopy with D&C. The procedure was this past Monday. A 1.5 cm polyp was removed from inside my uterus. The polyp and lining were sent out for testing. I should have results in 1-2 weeks. The procedure went well but I'm still dealing with lingering anesthesia effects. I was given a cocktail of fentanyl, anti-nausea meds and tylenol. I was in recovery longer than planned because I couldn't keep water or crackers down. I was given a scopolamine transdermal patch to ease the nausea, which I removed 24 hrs after surgery. I've been having bad headaches and some dizziness starting day 2 post op. I am dehydrated from the anti-nausea meds so am slowly hydrating and alternating tylenol and advil as suggested by post op nurse. Scheduling my follow up appointment with my gyn today.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 4, 2023
In reply to @leeosteo "naturegirl5, this is an update on my situation. After a lengthy discussion with my gyn we..." + (show)
@leeosteo

naturegirl5, this is an update on my situation. After a lengthy discussion with my gyn we agreed to have hysteroscopy with D&C. The procedure was this past Monday. A 1.5 cm polyp was removed from inside my uterus. The polyp and lining were sent out for testing. I should have results in 1-2 weeks. The procedure went well but I'm still dealing with lingering anesthesia effects. I was given a cocktail of fentanyl, anti-nausea meds and tylenol. I was in recovery longer than planned because I couldn't keep water or crackers down. I was given a scopolamine transdermal patch to ease the nausea, which I removed 24 hrs after surgery. I've been having bad headaches and some dizziness starting day 2 post op. I am dehydrated from the anti-nausea meds so am slowly hydrating and alternating tylenol and advil as suggested by post op nurse. Scheduling my follow up appointment with my gyn today.

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@leeosteo I apologize for missing your posting. I was on vacation and somehow missed your update after I returned.

The aftereffects of the hysteroscopy with D & C were awful and I'm thinking quite unexpected on the part of your gynecologist and you. We are all different in how we react to procedures and anesthesia. Are you feeling any better today?

When is your follow-up appointment with your gynecologist? Will you get your results from pathology during your appointment?

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leeosteo | @leeosteo | Sep 5, 2023

Hi naturegirl15. My gyn follow up was today. Everything looks good although I'm still bleeding off and on. The gyn is suggesting this might be two fold: 1) I waited a week and half before going to the gym. Am back now and using weight machines. She's suggesting I focus on upper body and avoid lower body workout for the next 10 days, 2) at 66 yrs, my estrogen levels are so low that it's taking a bit longer for my lining to heal. I have a another appointment scheduled in two weeks. She said to cancel if the bleeding stops before then. If I'm still bleeding she may have me take low dose estrogen to assist with uterine healing.

Yes, the anesthesia was worse than the procedure. The gyn also mentioned that this particular anesthesiologist may have overdone the anesthesia with me.

The pathology results were benign for the fibroid and lining that was removed. I was relieved to hear that. The gyn said the lining thickness was probably the fibroid that wasn't clearly seen on the pelvic ultrasound. And the fibroid was likely the cause of the bleeding.

My question is... will this happen again? The gyn suggested it might. Usually when someone has a polyp/fibroid that it will either return (they didn't get it all) or I'm just prone to polyps/fibroids. I certainly don't want to be going through this every x yrs.

Our plan is to watch and address the symptoms e.g., bleeding at that time. Then determine next steps. I'd like to leave all my reproductive organs in place for as long as possible. I've been reading up on hormones and realize how important it is to keep what little estrogen, etc I have.

Are you aware of anyone taking HRT at this age (66)? I know there are risks and benefits which need to be considered.

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