Which Dr. is right?

[Ann S]

I've been going through menopause for the last 2 1/2 yrs.......night sweats, irregular periods, etc. Finally, I thought my periods had stopped and so had the sweats. Then, 8 months later, I got it again. The menopause seemed to have triggered a lot of other serious health problems. When I was seeing a specialist for those, he seemed to be concerned that I had gotten my period again. He said that gyn was not his area, but it could be a warning sign of cancer and at the very least, he thought they would do a D & C. I told him I had just had a pap test about a month ago and they had said everything was fine. He thought I should still check into it further. At the time, I was still overwhelmed by all the serious diagnosises for the other health problems and didn't pursue it. Besides, what good would it do to go back to the same gyn (nurse practitioner) and the insurance won't cover another one for a yr. (even with insurance, my medical costs have been mounting because of the other health problems.) Anyway, since getting my period after the 8 mo. stretch, I had a little spotting for 2 days about 3 weeks after that, then nothing again for 3 months. Last week, one day I notice some brown spotting, the next day a few red spots, the 3rd day a few brown ones. Since this, I've noticed a very foul oder. (Sorry about the graphic description). If anyone can understand and follow this post, I would appreciate any ideas and advice! Is this normal? Thanks, Ann

[Kay T]

I've known several women of menopause age who have not had a period in months and then had one. I don't think there's anything unusual about that. However, the one thing that bothers me is the foul order you mentioned. From everything I know, that's an indication that you should be checked.

[sferg]

Ann:
A pap smear is not that accurate. There are many, too many, false positives and negatives. I'll give you an example. My cousin always had a smear done every year. Two years ago her smear came back positive. She waas diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the cervix, with spread to the bladder and colon. How did her yearly smear miss this over the recent past? The explanation her oncology doc gave her, smears are only 50% accurate. It's a hit and miss attempt at best. With the foul odour you described I would get my butt to the gynocologist ASAP. If the proceedure is deemed medically necessary will your insurance pick it up? Being from Canada the insurance or HMO system is something I don't understand.
Good luck,
Shelly

[joy]

You should be covered as there is a problem. Better to be safe than sorry, even though it is a pain to have to get tests done. That odor may or may not be something to be concerned about, but I wouldn't take any chances. I'm sure you will be okay; maybe infection but please check it out anyway. Good luck. Let us know.
Joy