Awful day

[MrsPaddingtonBear]

So yesterday was the worst day I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been bleeding almost constantly since February. I’ve been on zoladex and now Prostap for 18 months. No improvement, in fact seems worse on Prostap. I get the letter no one wants, your smear test is due. Oh great can’t do that in my state. But wait, I have Tranexamic acid to stop bleeding, I call my gp about a related matter and discuss smear. She tells me we can do it if you’re not bleeding heavily but why bother ( I’m having a total hysterectomy in October) putting yourself through it. Me being sensible/stubborn took the tablets and headed off to appointment. Nurse was fantastic she listened while I explained my situation. Due to family history and my past medical history we agreed we’d go ahead. OMG worst decision ever. My husband ended up coming behind the curtain to hold my hand. The pain was horrendous. The nurse tried her best. She couldn’t see anything as the examination just made me bleed that badly. She had to stop. I just ended up in floods of tears apologising for wasting her time. She insisted I hadn’t and tried to comfort me telling me my surgery was soon and that everything would be tested in the lab afterwards and that I’d never have to have a smear again, she said there was light at the end of the tunnel. I spent the rest of the day bleeding and in pain. Today I’m still sore and have stomach ache. I think everything from the last two years dealing with all my treatment and being so I’ll just built up and poured out yesterday and I’ve never cried so much in the doctors and all the way home. I felt so deflated, disappointed with my body and worried I’d wasted her time. I was also conscious that the smear is importantl. Up very early today having a cup of tea with my lovely labrador at my feet sensing something isn’t right with Mum today. Having quiet time processing everything and just relaxing and trying to be positive that at least I went and tried.

[Stephanie87]

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this, what a horrible experience. I hope you are settled down about it now, and the nurse was right. It’s not your fault and it’s never a waste of time. You should absolutely be proof of yourself for going and trying, some of the effects of endometriosis and the drugs can be so overwhelming on your mind and body, and I think a lot of us have had absolute lows of anxiety and depression. Have you got a date for your hysterectomy yet? Hopefully it will come round quick for you so your suffering can end. I know many women daunt a hysterectomy, but for many it’s such a blessing and I wish I had been given the option already. I have just been started on zoladex and tibolone (4 weeks ago) following my op to remove cysts and adhesions. The headaches I have been getting are absolutely awful, and I am constantly exhausted. Did you have any of this at the start? I see you have been on zoladex a long time, and I am only subject to another three-six months of it (fingers crossed). Take care lovely xx

[MrsPaddingtonBear in reply to Stephanie87]

Hi

Thanks for your reply. Feeling a bit calmer thanks to my beautiful girl, who strangely used to be a therapy dog until she got cancer herself twice. I had headaches on zoladex but it worked in the fact I had no periods for a year. Then it stopped working and I went straight onto Prostap. No difference on Prostap, not working, constantly bleeding and exhausted and lots of random sudden body/joint pains.My hysterectomy is on the 5th of October, so yes the nurse was right, the end is in sight.

[Stephanie87 in reply to MrsPaddingtonBear]

Hi Paddington,

I hope your hysterectomy went well and that you are recovering nicely. Hopefully this is the end of your problems.

Take care lovely xx

[Jingles11]

Hi there, I just want to give you a bit of hope, I was in pretty much in the same position as you a year ago. Endometriosis Adenomyosis and fibroids causing horrendous bleeding/flooding and pain.Prostap didn’t do much for me apart from make me feel emotionally rubbish and blood loss was marginally improved, I was on it for 5 months.Previously I had been on Zoladex which was a bit better pain wise and tranexamic acid used to make me vomit but I had to take it as i was so depleted from the excessive bleeding. Fast forward, I had my total hysterectomy last November and it’s fantastic I feel so much better, it’s scary but so worth it, I had an abdominal incision too but compared to what I had been through it was a massive relief. I hope you get the treatment you want and asap. Just to let you know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Best of luck X

[AlexaMac]

You are being beyond brave, we all need that safety valve of tears from time to time. Mostly mine have been when l am on my own as hubby bless him does not deal well with women’s tears.

I am like you have a tight vaginal passage, mine is due to my age as l am 22 years past menopause but l can feel for you in your situation.

I am now on cancer watch and wait, due to a tumour being found in my womb when l had my partial hysterectomy, then had it completed about 10 weeks later. Enough of me, today is about you, please, if you need a chat or simply to offload to someone l will come back when l see an email with your name, wishing you well beyond this soon.

Alexa🌸🌸

[HPVisanSTI]

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear of your awful experience.

I just wanted to clarify that in the uk, smear samples are only examined for cell changes if you're one of the ~13% who are positive for 'high risk' hpv strains. (The strains that can cause cell changes and cancer.)

So unless you already know your hpv status, why not start by doing a simple self vaginal swab hpv test? Available for about £35 from Medicines Online. You only need to worry about a smear if you're positive for hpv.

Hx