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What would cause very thick uterine wall with prolonged bleeding with normal hormone levels ( non menopausal 43 yr old_

By October 21, 2008 - 2:23pm
 
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I am 43. Tests shows very normal levels of hormones. I went to the doctor for I have always had regular periods which lasted 4 days and were typical. Normal typical flow the first 2 days then tapering off. No cramps except in the past few years I'd get them in my right leg. Wow! painful ones on the 3rd day then they'd go away. My periods have/had been like clockwork from the time I started at age 15 until I began my period this past August ( which was late by 5 days) and it just wouldn't stop. Not heavy... just kept going and going... Saw OB-GYN 2.5 weeks ago who put me on Provera for 10 days to stop it. It finally stopped last night.( Last time I had even seen an OB-GYN was 7 years ago. ( I know... not wise) Had ultrasound done today and was told my uterine wall is extremely thick with an even extra thickness in one section. I am to have a EMB on the 29th. (biopsy)

My blood levels were actually good. No anemia. Was told I am NOT even pre-menopausal.

I had a tubal ligation done in 1988 after my son was born and have never taken any birth control pills.

Any idea what's going on. The tech couldn't tell me what my doctor is looking for ( which I can understand) but patience has never been a virtue for me in areas like this.

Good, bad or ugly...
Would like to have some idea.

Thanks!

Dawn

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(reply to Diane Porter)

Hi. This is Dawn. I wanted to update on what was discovered.

The biopsy showed cancerous cells throughout the Uterine wall. They wanted to do surgery as soon as they found out but I asked them to wait until I was able to see my 1st grandson born which was due on Dec. 3rd. They weren't too pleased with my request but gave in. I had intended to travel to Texas to see y daughter Bobbi. Well,That didn't happen for we took a short trip locally at Thanksgiving which was about 3 hours driving ended up with me such extreme cramping that my husband said No Way. Glad he has common sense. :o)

Anyway, I had surgery done on the 13th. I was scared to death! I'm only 43 and though I had desired 1 more child for I remarried last February and we had discussed it... My husband loves my children. ( They are grown though) He got me a kitten. :o) And jokingly said, " Honey, since they're taking all your goody stuff... If you want... You can have a boob job next year. ( I like mine just how they are)

I will have the results back on the 26th for my doctor sent out whatever it was to the lab but he said he got everything! Just being extra cautious for I did fail to mention earlier in my post that I am in remission from CML. Have been for 14 months now.( A type of leukemia- But I look at it like... Hey! Of all leukemia's; If you're going to get it- this is the one that's best treated!) I take Gleevec daily and other than my checkups... Never give that much thought.

Whether of not I have to do radiation is unsure right now. But what IS IMPORTANT IS:

Though My pap was normal. ( which involves just the cervix) I knew my body and my doctor ( though he kept me on edge for what seemed like a lifetime) LISTENED TO ME and step by step- through elimination- found the answers and has been so wonderfully supportive.

He is not placing me on any HRT at this time. I am walking around well and after a week finally got food to stay down. :o) I'm not sure what to expect from all this for I am now in immediate menopause. Things like...

What changes will happen with my body?
Will sex still feel the same? ( I think my husband is worried on that one too)
What does a "hot flash" feel like?
Will I have them?
Why do I have NO appetite?
I have lost 14 pounds since surgery. I went in weighing 115. I now weigh 100lbs which I have been at that weight before. I am 5ft tall. Is it normal to lose like that?
These kind of questions are in my head.

Other than the gas pains from hell which have laid me out twice while shopping at Walmart this week (LOL- I actually had to lay down in aisle 5 and my husband wasn't sure whether to be scared or to laugh) and being more tired than I would like to be- which I'm hoping will go away soon enough for its been less than 2 weeks since surgery... I AM HERE!!!!

Dawn

December 24, 2008 - 2:08pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Diane Porter)

The tech that did my ultrasound today... asked how soon my next appt was with my doctor. I said...the 29th when I am scheduled for the biopsy. I do know that I was told it is NOT endometriosis.

I asked a lot of questions as the ultrasound was being done and got kind of vague, not too specific answers as it progressed and it got really quiet when he did the internal probe ultrasound. ( I had the regular and then emptied my bladder and he " peeked" in. ( Best way to put it)

Here is what I was told in addition to what I wrote earlier.

Tech: Oh, the 29th? Ah. Ok. That's only a week away. Good!
Me: " So... can I have an opinion of what YOU think is going on here?
Tech: Um, Ah... Well... Im not your doctor but dont you worry. We'll do what needs to be done. In fact, I am taking this report to him in just a moment when we're done so I am sure he'll explain it all to you.

He stepped out for a minute. Came back.

Me: But Im just due to return on the 29th for the biopsy. ( EMB)
Tech: Well, actually you'll also be meeting with the doctor for a full consult that day also.

he bid a good day. He was actually very nice and all but he seemed a little distant on any opinions when I asked. Kept saying.... The doctor will tell you. Thats why he's the doctor.

Well... THATS all I know. Oh, I did discover if I increase my potassium a week before my periods were due...the cramping in my leg was so much better.

My mind is really wondering here....

The tech didn't say a thing about cysts or anything. I asked him... Do you see any like... Ovarian cysts or something. He DID respond to that with a.. Ah nope.

It all seems to be focusing on the unterus thing.

Waiting sucks.

October 21, 2008 - 8:01pm

Dawn,
I'm not sure, but let me do some research and find out.

And, honestly, I don't understand why the tech (or the doctor) couldn't tell you what they are looking for...it's your body, and patience has nothing to do with it. In my opinion, it has to do with having a good patient-doctor relationship, which includes the patient having information (the good, bad and ugly, as you said), in order for you to be well-informed and well-researched. I believe most doctors want this reciprocal relationship with their patients.

So..off of my soap box and onto finding you some answers!

October 21, 2008 - 2:45pm
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