Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

I went for my pap and while speaking to the dr I mentioned I have been spotting a few days before my period is due-She said this is not normal (of course-nothing with me is) and sent me for a ultrasound to rule out fibroids. I went yest and told by the nice tech that I don't have fibroids but I have a polyp - oh yippie I think I prefer the fibroid because that is quite common polyp not so common to me anyway. So I ask what is next and is this cancerous - she said no it does not appear cancerous and these polyps are usually benign not to worry-well that isn't going to happen does she not know who I am - Ms worry wart. She said I would prob need a D/C. I must vent how fed up I am first, HPV, ACSUS pap and now a polyp. I am 42 and never have been able to get pregnant so this body of mine does not do what it is supposed to do but it gives me this mess. I wish I was a freaken man sometimes. So now I am scared, a nervous mess and have to wait for the first week of Oct to speak with my doctor. I am so stressed you could not believe-sorry but I just can't help it. Worry Wart I am. Any advice would be helpful thanks.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

If you had a choice of a polyp or a fibroid, it would be easier to have a polyp because removing that is very easy. The doc just has to go in and snip the little stalk and the polyp is gone. But removing a fibroid is a LOT harder because those grow into the tissue much deeper and sometimes they can't be removed because of how deeply they are grown into the tissue. And fibroids grow rather large also, whereas polyps don't get that big.

My sister has had this procedure to remove polyps done many times. Each time I have been with her in the hospital. It's no big deal at all. She is the biggest baby about this stuff and yet she is able to handle it each time without any problems. If someone like her, who fears needles and anesthesia and everything else can handle it then you should have no problems.

It's better to get the polyp removed because otherwise you'll have the spotting continue and it will annoying you and it will put a huge damper on your sex life. Just do it and you'll be glad it's gone. But don't worry about it, there's literally nothing to be afraid of with this surgery. It's so easy that even my chicken sister has had it done a number of times!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Maybe we are related because I am just as scared of all those things just like your sister by biggest fear like most is cancer and everytime I find out I have any little thing this is what I think about first. They can tell me it is 99% non cancerous and 1 % chance of cancer and I will focus on the damn 1% I am so scared it takes over my mind sometimes. Thanks for your words they truly truly help.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp part II
 

Dr. called me today after having transvaginal sonsonohysterography o yest. which scared me because that was quick. She said everything overall looks fine but of course there is always a butt they suggested I do a sonohysteroprahpy with some saline stuff because they think it is a polyp but it is so tiny they can not truly see it and this will give them a clearer pix. Uggghhh does it end. I then asked her is this a bad thing like cancer and she reassured me that was not something I need to think about and she doubted that very much. She explained it is up to me if I want to do this other test and I agreed that I would because as much as I hate this crap I rather be safe than sorry. Since I am also up there in age 42 and never had children and want 1 at least if possible I figure it is best to do this now because I am truly running out of time. I have not been able to get pregnant and the doctors don't know why because we have both been checked and nothing has come up but that was a few years ago and now I want to try one last time. So lets see what happens-I am soooooo sick of this.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp part II
 

[QUOTE=kimiesoscared;4086599]Dr. called me today after having transvaginal sonsonohysterography o yest. which scared me because that was quick. She said everything overall looks fine but of course there is always a butt they suggested I do a sonohysteroprahpy with some saline stuff because they think it is a polyp but it is so tiny they can not truly see it and this will give them a clearer pix. Uggghhh does it end. I then asked her is this a bad thing like cancer and she reassured me that was not something I need to think about and she doubted that very much. She explained it is up to me if I want to do this other test and I agreed that I would because as much as I hate this crap I rather be safe than sorry. Since I am also up there in age 42 and never had children and want 1 at least if possible I figure it is best to do this now because I am truly running out of time. I have not been able to get pregnant and the doctors don't know why because we have both been checked and nothing has come up but that was a few years ago and now I want to try one last time. So lets see what happens-I am soooooo sick of this.[/QUOTE]


Kimmie...I hope that you're still reading this thread because I'd like to know how you made out! :wave:

I had an endometrial biopsy done in August and got the results last week. (Yeah, long time to be in torture). I had it done because my ultrasound came back with a thickened endometrial lining (16 mm's). Thankfully, it came back "good news" but, during the biopsy, they also picked up fragments of a polyp and figures that it may be the cause of my neverending spotting (light and on and off since April). I'm waiting for an appointment for a sonohysterogram (the saline infusion ultrasound) now. She said that if there is still polyps, she will do a hysteroscopy in hospital to remove whatever polyps may be there. I'm assuming that they are benign as well since the fragments of the polyps were there in the biopsy sample and I'm assuming that they'd also done that to get the "good" label. But, I'm spotting even more now since the biopsy. :( She said that if it isn't the polyps causing the spotting, it may just be my body's way of ending off. I somehow doubt that the fragments were the totality of the polyp/polyps so, I'm sure that I have a chance of ending up in an O.R. to have whatever removed.

Please update us on how you made out with the sonohysterogram and if you have had anything further done and how it all went. I am very much like you...a total worry-wart! :jester:

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

[QUOTE=kimiesoscared;4086112]Maybe we are related because I am just as scared of all those things just like your sister by biggest fear like most is cancer and everytime I find out I have any little thing this is what I think about first. They can tell me it is 99% non cancerous and 1 % chance of cancer and I will focus on the damn 1% I am so scared it takes over my mind sometimes. Thanks for your words they truly truly help.[/QUOTE]

Kimmie...if this helps....I was told that only 1% of polyps before the age of 65or those that are found during perimenopause are cancerous. It's rare for uterine polyps during this stage of things to be cancerous so, take heart and relax a bit. I'm holding onto that otherwise, a psychiatric ward will be my next stop!!! White coats with arms that tie in the back aren't my idea of a fashion statement so, I'm sticking to those figures and reassurance. ;)

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Yes I will definitely give an update - I scheduled hysteroscopy - unfortunately they said it has to be scheduled a week after period because that is the best time to see the lining-ugggh meaning my appt for hysteroscopy if for ending of October-so another few weeks of simply waiting. In addition, I am waiting for my pap results/hpv to come in and hopefuly pap is normal and HPV is still dormant - and the good news is this coming week I go for a Mammo - yippie - I'm so happy happy happy-NOT I TRULY HATE THIS CRAP. This is so scary but what can I do. One of my co-workers never has gone for a pap/mammo and she is 43 and she said she never will and she is as happy as can be - I am checking all this stuff and I feel miserable, afraid and sooooo fed up - I just want to have normal results - seems like everyone in my circle can not truly relate because all their tests are normal and I always have some stuff going on. Anyway sorry I am happy everything worked out for you and I wish you the best - sorry for venting but I am so fed up with all this I just want to live worry free-if that is at all possible.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

I will join you at the ward -LOL thanks so much I heard the same statistics so that is good news. Thanks so much!!!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

I feel your pain. Do a search on this womens health board and you'll see all of my posts about my repeated polyp removal surgeries.

The first year my doc found the polyp, I had it removed only to have another one less than 6 months later removed! The following year I had another one removed. This year I had a 4th one removed! All were done in the hospital with me under MAC anesthesia except once when I got general cause the anesthesiologist was a bit of a pill.

As my sis posted to you earlier in the thread, I truly am a big baby when it comes to hospitals and particularly surgeries. But now I've had this done 4 times in the last 4 years and I'm not scared anymore. Except the IV still scares me but the procedure itself is nothing cause you're out.

Every time I've gone in to get this done, my gyne says to me in the operating room, "We gotta stop meeting like this! But I hope its the last time for you!" But then inevitably, I get another one. I'm about due for another one at this point so we'll see what she says about it.

But my point is that I completely understand your frustration! Every subsequent time I've had to go through this, I've gotten so mad! But I have gotten through it and I'm fine even though I hate hospitals and all that stuff.

You'll be fine! You just need to believe me because I'm an expert on this surgery at this point and I know what I'm talking about! Don't worry because even the recovery is a breeze. Its no big deal at all.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Hi, Thanks for your extremely encouraging words they truly help. I am scared and in all honesty fed up with my VJJ and all my insides at this point - sometimes I wish I was a man but hubby may not be too happy with this but anyway thank you for your words, your strength and I hope everyone works out for you too and that from this day foward you never ever get another polyp because enough is enough! Thanks so much :)

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Kimie...I know what you mean about being fed right up with this stuff (thus my nick LOL) I've had enough too and I'd certainly be fed right up if I were Kszan. Kszan...I'm SO sorry that you've had to endure so much! It doesn't seem fair, does it?

Kimie, at least with the hysteroscope, they'll be able to remove any polyps at the same time....at least, I think they will??? Your co-worker who has never gone for a PAP may find herself in trouble down the road because we never know what is going on until symptoms appear and for some things, it might be at an advanced stage when they do finally look at problems. I so hope that she will consider a PAP very soon. I get one every year...or, year and a half at the latest. I also go through my mammograms and blood work, ECG and whatever else they ask me to do...well....I've tried to dodge the routine 50 year old colonscopy but, have agreed each year thus far to the Fecal Occult Blood Test. I go every 6 months for my dental cleaning and check up and every 2 years maximum now for my eyes. I'm being a "good girl" LOL

The one thing that I will say is that it seems the more you go to a doctor, the more they will find wrong to test! ROFLMAO!! My grandmother rarely went to a doctor. She had to feel like she was dying before she'd go. She lived until she was nearly 95 LOL.

Thus far, I've put off making the appointment for my sonohysterogram for 1 week. I just got through a thyroid biopsy 2 weeks ago, an appointment for the results of my endometrial biopsy a week and a bit ago and I really needed a rest from tests. I go to see my endocrine surgeon on Friday of this week to see where I go next with my thyroid issues. And, at some point, I need surgery on both eyes for cataracts (yeah, really early but, the docs figure it is genetic and likely, I was born with the tendency for them to form. Once formed about 20 years ago and is only now progressing). So, I have quite a bit of "White Coat Phobia" now. It takes me a lot of courage to get to appointments now and tests. I'm wearing down and am just about at the end of my rope with all of this worry and fear.

Kszan...I admire your tenacity and your words have helped me tremendously as well. If I have to have polyps removed....I guess I won't be quite so terrified now, hearing your story. The doc said that if I do have polyps, she will give me the choice of sedation or general. I think I'd rather have the sedation than the general....less complications?? Can you fill me in on that aspect of things and your experiences with both, please?

And, have you had a sonohysterogram? What's it like? I've had the uterine biopsy and didn't find it too bad at all. I wouldn't want it every day....but, it's certainly not as bad as some women have made it out to be on the net LOL!

Thanks Ladies! It helps to have others in the same boat, rowing with the same oars, trying to get the Paradise (no more uterine problems! LOL)

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

[QUOTE=Kszan;4090295]I feel your pain. Do a search on this womens health board and you'll see all of my posts about my repeated polyp removal surgeries.

The first year my doc found the polyp, I had it removed only to have another one less than 6 months later removed! The following year I had another one removed. This year I had a 4th one removed! All were done in the hospital with me under MAC anesthesia except once when I got general cause the anesthesiologist was a bit of a pill.

As my sis posted to you earlier in the thread, I truly am a big baby when it comes to hospitals and particularly surgeries. But now I've had this done 4 times in the last 4 years and I'm not scared anymore. Except the IV still scares me but the procedure itself is nothing cause you're out.

Every time I've gone in to get this done, my gyne says to me in the operating room, "We gotta stop meeting like this! But I hope its the last time for you!" But then inevitably, I get another one. I'm about due for another one at this point so we'll see what she says about it.

But my point is that I completely understand your frustration! Every subsequent time I've had to go through this, I've gotten so mad! But I have gotten through it and I'm fine even though I hate hospitals and all that stuff.

You'll be fine! You just need to believe me because I'm an expert on this surgery at this point and I know what I'm talking about! Don't worry because even the recovery is a breeze. Its no big deal at all.[/QUOTE]

Hi - can you give me some information about sedation and this procedure? I have to go at the end of October to have a D+C and polyp removal. My doctor told me I would be sedated, but not general anesthesia. I am very worried I will feel pain. She tried to remove this polyp with local anesthesia to my cervix. That part was OK but once she was inside my uterus and poking around the pain was so bad she had to stop the procedure. So that's why I now have to go to a surgical center to have this done under sedation. I understand the sedation part, but it's not clear to me how that will inhibit the pain. I didn't think sedation alone would inhibit the pain. Perhaps they will also give me something to kill the pain????

Can you be specific on what your anesthesia was?

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

The MAC or Twilight or whatever you want to call it sedation is really easy. I prefer it personally over general because you don't have to get a breathing tube, you are still breathing on your own. Basically, they shoot up your IV with Versed, which puts you to sleep. Next thing you know, you're waking up in recovery and you're done. And no sore throat like with general because you didn't have to have a breathing tube. It's really, really easy and I had it done 3 times that way. That is always my preference when I go have this procedure done.

The other thing I want to make sure to mention is regarding nausea afterwards. If you're at concerned about nausea when you wake up then tell every person in charge of your treatment, ALL OF THEM, that you want every possible medication, before during and after the procedure, to prevent yourself from getting sick off the anesthesia. I always tell them that, I am very adamant about it and I keep telling them that, so they always give me a ton of stuff to prevent that from happening. And I've been just fine. I have had these 4 surgeries plus my tonsils and gall bladder out in the last 4 years and I've not gotten sick after any of them because of how vocal I was with everyone about making sure to give me everything they had to prevent me from getting sick. The meds they have for anti-nausea are really strong stuff and it works but you just have to make sure they understand that it's a major concern of yours and they will take care of it.

I wouldn't be at all afraid of the sedation part. Honestly that's probably the easiest part of the whole thing. For me the hardest part of all of this is getting the IV put in. But once that's done I'm fine. They literally put the Versed in your IV and less than 5 minutes you're totally asleep and don't feel anything. Well, actually the most recent time I had it done, I remember feeling like a gentle rocking sensation as if I was in a hammock or something but it was no big deal. Other than that, you feel nothing until they are waking you up in recovery. The Versed is a strong amnesiac drug to help you forget what happened and it's what makes you feel like you just fell asleep as you are waking up in recovery so you feel like no time has passed at all. The more I had this done the more I thought it was really interesting that I could have slept for an hour or more and not remembered any of it only to wake up feeling like I had just fell asleep a second ago. It's nothing to fear, it's really very interesting.

I hope that helps you all with your questions. Feel free to ask me anything else about it. Like I said, I am such a pro at this surgery, I know all there is to know about it!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

[QUOTE=Kszan;4094702]The MAC or Twilight or whatever you want to call it sedation is really easy. I prefer it personally over general because you don't have to get a breathing tube, you are still breathing on your own. Basically, they shoot up your IV with Versed, which puts you to sleep. Next thing you know, you're waking up in recovery and you're done. And no sore throat like with general because you didn't have to have a breathing tube. It's really, really easy and I had it done 3 times that way. That is always my preference when I go have this procedure done.

The other thing I want to make sure to mention is regarding nausea afterwards. If you're at concerned about nausea when you wake up then tell every person in charge of your treatment, ALL OF THEM, that you want every possible medication, before during and after the procedure, to prevent yourself from getting sick off the anesthesia. I always tell them that, I am very adamant about it and I keep telling them that, so they always give me a ton of stuff to prevent that from happening. And I've been just fine. I have had these 4 surgeries plus my tonsils and gall bladder out in the last 4 years and I've not gotten sick after any of them because of how vocal I was with everyone about making sure to give me everything they had to prevent me from getting sick. The meds they have for anti-nausea are really strong stuff and it works but you just have to make sure they understand that it's a major concern of yours and they will take care of it.

I wouldn't be at all afraid of the sedation part. Honestly that's probably the easiest part of the whole thing. For me the hardest part of all of this is getting the IV put in. But once that's done I'm fine. They literally put the Versed in your IV and less than 5 minutes you're totally asleep and don't feel anything. Well, actually the most recent time I had it done, I remember feeling like a gentle rocking sensation as if I was in a hammock or something but it was no big deal. Other than that, you feel nothing until they are waking you up in recovery. The Versed is a strong amnesiac drug to help you forget what happened and it's what makes you feel like you just fell asleep as you are waking up in recovery so you feel like no time has passed at all. The more I had this done the more I thought it was really interesting that I could have slept for an hour or more and not remembered any of it only to wake up feeling like I had just fell asleep a second ago. It's nothing to fear, it's really very interesting.

I hope that helps you all with your questions. Feel free to ask me anything else about it. Like I said, I am such a pro at this surgery, I know all there is to know about it![/QUOTE]


Thank you for all of that as I'm not sure whether I'll be heading for polyp removal or not....depends upon the results of the sonohysterogram (I've yet to book it...bad girl....procrastinating for a couple of weeks).

Could you tell me if you've had a sonohysterogram (saline infusion ultrasound) and what it feels like? Should I be scared? I've had a uterine biopsy and found it not horrible....not something I'd want done every day but, not the horror I've read about on the net. If you could help me by sharing that with me, maybe I could force myself to actually make this appointment now! :angel:

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Yes, I have had the saline ultrasound done each time to diagnose the polyp. It's the only way for them to see it since the uterine wall commonly sits flat and you could only see the polyp when they fill it up with the saline.

That's pretty easy, too. They have to lay back on the table in the same position you do for a pelvic exam. The doctor inserts a catheter type thing through your cervix (which does hurt a little but if you'd had a biopsy then it's not much worse than that) and fills up the uterus with saline. It feels cold and a little weird but not that horrible. And then they look for the polyp on the screen and let you know if it's there. Then they let the water out in a little tray below the table and you're all set.

Quite honestly it feels weird but not something to be afraid of. The very first time I had it done I was freaking out because I didn't know what to expect. But since I've had it done now so many times, I know it's not as big of a deal as I made it out to be. The part that is most uncomfortable is when the doc threads the catheter through your cervix. As I said, the pinching sensation is very much like a biopsy type feeling. And it feels weird when the water is inside, too. But overall it's really not a big deal at all. You'll be fine, I'm sure.

I'm telling you, I'm such a huge baby about all of this stuff. But I went through it multiple times and I'm still here to tell you about it. That's why I tell you not to worry because I'm sure it will be no problem for you.

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Thank you SO much Kszan!!! You've put my mind more at ease! I wasn't really all that bothered by the pinching of the pipelle going in for the biopsy so, if that's what it feels like (more or less), I can handle that for that second or two. I was worried about that and the saline as they said it would cause cramping. I was expecting it to be horrid cramping...like worse menstrual cramps type thing. With the uterine biopsy, it was a pinch, then some pretty "fiery" cramping for a couple of secs and it was over. I was worried about the saline because I know that it's going to be a few minutes worth to get the frames/shots they need so was worried it would be uncomfortable for a longer period of time.

They have also prescribed Doxycycline to take 2 hours prior to the test and said..."It may make you nauseous and cause vomiting". They said to take Gravol an hour prior to taking the antibiotic but, I have weird reactions to Gravol so, I'm bypassing it and hoping for the best or that I can tough it out if I do feel nauseous. It doesn't make the testing any easier when they're giving you meds that make you feel nauseous to begin with LOL. The doc who did the biopsy uses Misoprostol (Cytotec) prior to the biopsy to soften the cervix and also told me to take Gravol because it might cause nauseousness but, again I couldn't use it so, I went without but, had no problems with the nauseousness. Talk about CRAMPING though! Holy crow, that med causes cramping and bleeding and you have to insert two of those tabs 12 hours before the biopsy. I went in cramping and bleeding on top of the biopsy LOL. The prep med was worse than the test! LOL HOURS worth of prior cramping.

I'm sure that I'll have more questions as I go along and I'm working up my courage to pick up the phone and make that appointment.

THANK YOU for being here for those of us who are travelling through what you've already been through. It helps so much to have someone to talk about it with. It takes some of the fear out of it all.

HUGS!!!!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help! If you think of anything else, don't hesitate to ask.

I don't remember any cramping with the saline. I just remember it felt really weird having the water in there.

I've never had to take cytotec, but I've heard some women have. I guess it's something that some doctors use and others don't.

I think you'll be alright. Just let me know if you have any other questions!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Thank you Kszan! I so appreciate you being here. :)

I'm sure that I'll have more questions for you. :)

Thanks to you, I've just made my appointment. It's set for October 19th. I have the transvaginal ultrasound portion on the 15th, then the sonohysterogram on the 19th. I'm scared but, I keep thinking of you saying that you've been through it so many times and here you are, still walking and living to help those of us who are shaking in our boots over it! LOL

I will "pay this forward" by trying to help others in the same way that you are helping me through this. You don't know how appreciative I am for your help and being here for me! :) I won't be one of the ones that just totally disappears and doesn't give updates or keep in touch. I hate that when others do it. :)

HUGS!!!!

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

Hi just an FYI. I had the sonohyesterogram done, and used Cytotec. Ive had really bad problems with trying to have biopsies and them not being able to get a good sample.
The test was easy as cake. I was terrified to use the Cytotec, which I was told to insert the night before...but other then some minimal cramping- I slept thru the night and had no real problems.
The test went much easier because I used it...and the test itself, didnt hurt nearly as badly as the biopsies they had attempted to do previously. I was up and about that night, with minimal problems.
The end result, is Im now trying to schedule a hysterectomy, but have been told "i have time" its not immediate and urgent...
Good luck to you....its not soo very bad ..
Nikki

Re: Here I go again yet another prob - polyp
 

[QUOTE=MSNik;4095651]Hi just an FYI. I had the sonohyesterogram done, and used Cytotec. Ive had really bad problems with trying to have biopsies and them not being able to get a good sample.
The test was easy as cake. I was terrified to use the Cytotec, which I was told to insert the night before...but other then some minimal cramping- I slept thru the night and had no real problems.
The test went much easier because I used it...and the test itself, didnt hurt nearly as badly as the biopsies they had attempted to do previously. I was up and about that night, with minimal problems.
The end result, is Im now trying to schedule a hysterectomy, but have been told "i have time" its not immediate and urgent...
Good luck to you....its not soo very bad ..
Nikki[/QUOTE]


Thank you MSNik for your response as well. It really helps to bolster my courage to go and do these tests to hear from others who have had it done and been ok. :)

I have no idea why I'm so worried about this since I've already had a biopsy and did fine with it. Maybe, I'm just wearing thin on patience and nerve now as well as developing white coat phobia LOL? I'm going tomorrow (Friday) to get the results of my thyroid biopsy & ultrasound done a week after the uterine biopsy. Oh what fun! LOL

With the Sonohysterogram, I won't be using the Misoprostol this time because they are not prescribing it. The doc I had do the biopsy did prescribe it. I had some pretty uncomfortable cramping with it as well as a light flow of bleeding. Perhaps, it's due to the fact that I haven't had any menstrual cramping for so long and have forgotten what it's like??? I didn't sleep well that night. Part of it might have been the worry/anxiety over the biopsy??? However, I'm sure that it must have helped because it was done and over so quickly.

I'm wondering if the catheter used in the Sonohysterogram is thinner than the pipelle used for the biopsy? The reason I'm wondering is because they didn't even think of using the Misoprostol for this and yet, they still have to enter the cervix into the uterus in the same fashion. Hmmmm??? I guess if I reach out and grab the doc's hair with a good yank and a yell, I'll know that I should have asked for the Misoprostol again, huh?! :dizzy:

Thanks again! It really helps!!! I'm getting braver. :)