lesley1234
06-03-2009, 06:37 PM
I'm 50 years old and have prolonged periods for up to 6 weeks, which vary from light to heavy , light to heavy, during that time. I've been on Prometrium for 9 months and take it 14 days a month. Sometimes I'll go for a couple months without a period.
In May, my pap smear came back with atypical cells. Because of the recent prolonged bleeding, I had a vaginal utrasound done on Monday. It showed a thickened uterine lining of 15mm and a hemmorhagic cyst on my right ovary. I'm going in for my 2nd biopsy in the last 6 months because of the thickened lining. The tech asked me if I've had abdominal surgery, which I haven't.
Is it normal for a woman going through perimenopause to have these issues? Does it mean I should have an hysterectomy? Ablation?
I would really appreciate some feedback.
In May, my pap smear came back with atypical cells. Because of the recent prolonged bleeding, I had a vaginal utrasound done on Monday. It showed a thickened uterine lining of 15mm and a hemmorhagic cyst on my right ovary. I'm going in for my 2nd biopsy in the last 6 months because of the thickened lining. The tech asked me if I've had abdominal surgery, which I haven't.
Is it normal for a woman going through perimenopause to have these issues? Does it mean I should have an hysterectomy? Ablation?
I would really appreciate some feedback.
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herekittykitty
06-03-2009, 10:29 PM
Did you have atypical endometrial cells in your pap test or was it cervical cells? If you have atypical cervical cells you need to have a colposcopy and cervical biopsy. If you have atypical endometrial cells you need a uterine biopsy. You may need both. Your uterine lining can be thickened at different points in your cycle, but is really concerning to women who have gone through menopause. A thickened lining in peri-menopause is usually due to an estrogen to progesterone ratio that is off.
You definately need to follow up on the atypical cells, no matter which kind they were.
You definately need to follow up on the atypical cells, no matter which kind they were.
lesley1234
06-04-2009, 07:22 PM
The doctor didn't tell me what kind of atypical cells they were. At the time she just said wait 6 months & do another pap test. She's doing a uterine biopsy today, but I'll ask about the pap results. I have been on Progesterone for 8-9 months but it doesn't seem to be resolving the thick uterus. I've also had cramps & lower backache for a week , but no bleeding.
Thank you for responding. I'll let you know what happens.
Thank you for responding. I'll let you know what happens.
lesley1234
06-09-2009, 01:13 PM
I had the biopsy on Thursday & now I'm bleeding again, not just spotting from the procedure. I was checking out women who had an ablation & that doesn't seem to be the way to go. I'll probably have a D & C & the doc is going to check my progesterone absorption to see if she needs to up that. Haven't heard the results of the biopsy yet.
I also have a cyst on my ovary. Can they just shrink & go away, or do they always have to burst open? It sounds really painful if they do.
I also have a cyst on my ovary. Can they just shrink & go away, or do they always have to burst open? It sounds really painful if they do.
herekittykitty
06-09-2009, 04:27 PM
I also have a cyst on my ovary. Can they just shrink & go away, or do they always have to burst open? It sounds really painful if they do.
Most women have cysts on their ovaries from time to time during their cycles. They are called functional cysts and are harmless. Sometimes they do continue to grow and burst, but most of the time they don't.
How was the biopsy? Did you have a cervical biopsy or a uterine biopsy?
Most women have cysts on their ovaries from time to time during their cycles. They are called functional cysts and are harmless. Sometimes they do continue to grow and burst, but most of the time they don't.
How was the biopsy? Did you have a cervical biopsy or a uterine biopsy?
lesley1234
06-11-2009, 07:41 PM
My doctor did a uterine biopsy & I got word today that its negative for cancer. I go in Monday to talk to her about what the next step is, D & C, ablation or hysterectomy. I've been bleeding again heavily since 2 days after the biopsy.
I also have what the nurse said is a complex cyst on my right ovary. She said that normally simple cysts go away on their own, but she wasn't sure about the kind I have, what happens to them.
I'm supposed to drive 8-9 hours next Friday, but now my husband is concerned about it possibly bursting & being on the road by myself.
Do you or anybody know anything about complex cysts?
I also have what the nurse said is a complex cyst on my right ovary. She said that normally simple cysts go away on their own, but she wasn't sure about the kind I have, what happens to them.
I'm supposed to drive 8-9 hours next Friday, but now my husband is concerned about it possibly bursting & being on the road by myself.
Do you or anybody know anything about complex cysts?
herekittykitty
06-11-2009, 08:47 PM
The only thing I know is that to be a complex cyst, it has a solid component to it as well as a cystic component.
I had a cyst rupture years ago. I had pain for weeks beforehand. Everytime I would lie down in the bed on my back I would hurt. After it burst, the pain stopped. I bled one little bit for about an hour and that was it. I have never had one burst since, but I still get them. I get the functional cysts which have been found via ultrasound, not the complex cysts like you have.
Good news on the biopsy. Congratulations! I hope you get this other resolved.
I had a cyst rupture years ago. I had pain for weeks beforehand. Everytime I would lie down in the bed on my back I would hurt. After it burst, the pain stopped. I bled one little bit for about an hour and that was it. I have never had one burst since, but I still get them. I get the functional cysts which have been found via ultrasound, not the complex cysts like you have.
Good news on the biopsy. Congratulations! I hope you get this other resolved.
MSNik
06-15-2009, 11:42 PM
Ladies forgive me jumping in so late, but I just found this post. im going thru a very similar thing- and also went thru the uterine biopsy a month ago and learned that I have a complex cyst. But let me back up.....for the past two years Ive dealt with insanely heavy periods for 7 days a month, followed by breakthru bleeding and spotting the rest of the month. I had Novasure the ablation, done almost a year ago..and honestly, dont waste your time. too many people are saying the same thing. Even if it does work, it wont last beyond a year...
With a cyst, its very risky, because the ablation will cause the cyst to rupture, which is why now, when I now know I have this cyst, my doc is talking to me about hysterectomy. Im angry. I spent all that money and time on ablation - it didnt work, and now Im dealing with this as well. ...I also have a history of uterine fibroids...which seem to randomly show up and then dissappear on the pelvic ultrasound.
Im scared to death to have the hysterectomy....never having had children (and not planning to- i have 3 stepchildren who live with me) I am being told that laproscopic is out of the question, my vaginal muscles too tight- it will have to be abdominal. That also scares me. If you get additional info on your complex cyst, please post Id like to hear what your doctor says.
N
With a cyst, its very risky, because the ablation will cause the cyst to rupture, which is why now, when I now know I have this cyst, my doc is talking to me about hysterectomy. Im angry. I spent all that money and time on ablation - it didnt work, and now Im dealing with this as well. ...I also have a history of uterine fibroids...which seem to randomly show up and then dissappear on the pelvic ultrasound.
Im scared to death to have the hysterectomy....never having had children (and not planning to- i have 3 stepchildren who live with me) I am being told that laproscopic is out of the question, my vaginal muscles too tight- it will have to be abdominal. That also scares me. If you get additional info on your complex cyst, please post Id like to hear what your doctor says.
N
lesley1234
06-16-2009, 01:56 PM
I talked with my doc yesterday. She seems to be really against a hysterectomy since I'm so close to menopause. I've done some research on the ablation & I don't think I want to go with that either. Too many stories of the bleeding returning & really severe cramps & weight gain. MSNik, did you have those problems? She didn't think doing a D&C would help much either.
So I'm going to try taking progesterone every day for 2 months & see if that reduces the lining of my uterus. She said it could cause irregular bleeding, but I have that already.
She doesn't seem to be too concerned about the abnormal pap test, just repeat it in a few months.
The cyst I have is only a couple of centimeters, so I don't have to worry about it bursting or twisting. She's going to do another ultrasound in early August to see what's happening with it. She's hoping the progesterone will make it go away, but if it doesn't, I'll definitely have to have surgery to remove it & my ovary. The only way to tell if its cancer is to do a biopsy on it. Although she's doing one of those "something 125"? blood tests, I don't think it tells for sure if its cancer.
She believes its possible that my high estrogen level could also be caused environmentally, that I should start eating organically, to avoid added hormones in beef, etc.
At the start of all this, I felt like i'd just like to have a hysterectomy & be done with it, but it is a major surgery & takes quite a while to recover fully from it. My husband & I own a couple of restaurants & I really can't afford the down time.
So, for now its wait & see ...
MSNik, Why does your doc want to do a hysterectomy? If its because of the cyst, why can't they just remove that? Do you know how large it is? You didn't say how old you are. I wish you could wait to see if the daily progesterone works for me to get rid of it. I know our circumstances could be totally different. Have you tried hormone therapy yet?
So I'm going to try taking progesterone every day for 2 months & see if that reduces the lining of my uterus. She said it could cause irregular bleeding, but I have that already.
She doesn't seem to be too concerned about the abnormal pap test, just repeat it in a few months.
The cyst I have is only a couple of centimeters, so I don't have to worry about it bursting or twisting. She's going to do another ultrasound in early August to see what's happening with it. She's hoping the progesterone will make it go away, but if it doesn't, I'll definitely have to have surgery to remove it & my ovary. The only way to tell if its cancer is to do a biopsy on it. Although she's doing one of those "something 125"? blood tests, I don't think it tells for sure if its cancer.
She believes its possible that my high estrogen level could also be caused environmentally, that I should start eating organically, to avoid added hormones in beef, etc.
At the start of all this, I felt like i'd just like to have a hysterectomy & be done with it, but it is a major surgery & takes quite a while to recover fully from it. My husband & I own a couple of restaurants & I really can't afford the down time.
So, for now its wait & see ...
MSNik, Why does your doc want to do a hysterectomy? If its because of the cyst, why can't they just remove that? Do you know how large it is? You didn't say how old you are. I wish you could wait to see if the daily progesterone works for me to get rid of it. I know our circumstances could be totally different. Have you tried hormone therapy yet?
MSNik
06-16-2009, 05:21 PM
HI Lesley..lets see if I answer all your questions. Yes to cramping- and yes its severe. I never had cramps before the ablation! I am so sorry I ever had it for more reasons then I can mention.
I also have cysts, and some are tiny, a few MM, a few are bigger, a few CM and I have a fibroid which is growing rapidly. A month ago, the size of a pea, at my last ultrasound, the size of a walnut...dont be fooled, even tiny cysts can rupture. They dont do any damage, the fluid is absorbed back into the body and passes naturally, but it HURTS like the dickens when they rupture. Some of mine, in the past years have sent me to the ER, thinking it was an appendicitis attack!
Interesting you would mention Progesterone. My doctor put me on a 10 mg pill a day about 35 days ago. He gave me a 60 day supply! Do we have the same doctor?? :D Let me tell you, its a low dose, and it was prescribed becaue he actually told me that it MIGHT stop the bleeding. I havent stopped bleeding. IN fact, I spoke to my nurse this morning asking her if this might be causing the very light but constant mucus-y type blood that Im getting daily and she said yes, its thinning out your uterine lining. Wonderful. This isnt making sense to me because he promised it would eventually help. Its not helping. But on the other hand, it isnt really affecting me in anyway.
SO, why the hysteretomy? The fibroid cannot be removed due to the placement of it...the ablation caused me SO MUCH Scarring that I can no longer get uterine biopsies safely, and with good results...the last two I had, they couldnt get tissue samples, due to the amount of scarring from the ablation- the bleeding is horrendous under normal conditions, this week, Ive gone from having a 20 tampon day to a light mucus-y flow, which seems to be the norm now. One day Im flooding, the next its nearly nothing, but not a day this month has gone by that I havent bled...and I have MS on top of all of this. Im 42 years old, and have never had children (this due to the fact that I married a man with 3 kids who live with us fulltime, and THAT my friend, is what I call birth control) long story short- it seems like a good solution to a never ending problem. MY MS doesnt cause me big problems, however the bleeding affects my MS symtoms- neuropahy is worse when I bleed, the tingling and numbess in my hands and feet- also the hot flashes which come with MS are more pronounced during your period, and since I have a period constantly, Im all messed up! I dont know. Im terrified to have the surgery- the doc says extra long recovery time, and I also have a job which is demanding- Im a director for a big company and on the road constantly...I cant take 6 weeks off right now, but maybe in the fall or early 2010. I dont know. Im freaking out daily about this...
so, keep in touch. let me know how the hormone therapy works for you. I made an appt for next week with my GYN, so he will probably either increase it, or take me off it- Ill keep you posted.
Sometimes, I hate being female!
Nikki
I also have cysts, and some are tiny, a few MM, a few are bigger, a few CM and I have a fibroid which is growing rapidly. A month ago, the size of a pea, at my last ultrasound, the size of a walnut...dont be fooled, even tiny cysts can rupture. They dont do any damage, the fluid is absorbed back into the body and passes naturally, but it HURTS like the dickens when they rupture. Some of mine, in the past years have sent me to the ER, thinking it was an appendicitis attack!
Interesting you would mention Progesterone. My doctor put me on a 10 mg pill a day about 35 days ago. He gave me a 60 day supply! Do we have the same doctor?? :D Let me tell you, its a low dose, and it was prescribed becaue he actually told me that it MIGHT stop the bleeding. I havent stopped bleeding. IN fact, I spoke to my nurse this morning asking her if this might be causing the very light but constant mucus-y type blood that Im getting daily and she said yes, its thinning out your uterine lining. Wonderful. This isnt making sense to me because he promised it would eventually help. Its not helping. But on the other hand, it isnt really affecting me in anyway.
SO, why the hysteretomy? The fibroid cannot be removed due to the placement of it...the ablation caused me SO MUCH Scarring that I can no longer get uterine biopsies safely, and with good results...the last two I had, they couldnt get tissue samples, due to the amount of scarring from the ablation- the bleeding is horrendous under normal conditions, this week, Ive gone from having a 20 tampon day to a light mucus-y flow, which seems to be the norm now. One day Im flooding, the next its nearly nothing, but not a day this month has gone by that I havent bled...and I have MS on top of all of this. Im 42 years old, and have never had children (this due to the fact that I married a man with 3 kids who live with us fulltime, and THAT my friend, is what I call birth control) long story short- it seems like a good solution to a never ending problem. MY MS doesnt cause me big problems, however the bleeding affects my MS symtoms- neuropahy is worse when I bleed, the tingling and numbess in my hands and feet- also the hot flashes which come with MS are more pronounced during your period, and since I have a period constantly, Im all messed up! I dont know. Im terrified to have the surgery- the doc says extra long recovery time, and I also have a job which is demanding- Im a director for a big company and on the road constantly...I cant take 6 weeks off right now, but maybe in the fall or early 2010. I dont know. Im freaking out daily about this...
so, keep in touch. let me know how the hormone therapy works for you. I made an appt for next week with my GYN, so he will probably either increase it, or take me off it- Ill keep you posted.
Sometimes, I hate being female!
Nikki