Way back in October 2010 I told you about the doctor’s visit when I was diagnosed with anemia and how I had probably been anemic for 2 years prior without being treated due to the inconsistent healthcare I receive at the rural health clinic. When I was diagnosed I told the ARNP about my often very heavy, long-lasting periods and we both decided that was probably the cause of my anemia. We also discussed my age and that it was probably perimenopause. (I should have asked for a GYN consult here but I didn’t since the ARNP seemed to not be concerned about the cause of the anemia).
If you don’t want to read all the details please feel free to skip to the bottom of this post.
Fast forward to my check-up on November 18th. This time I see a different ARNP, and there have been several other medical caregivers over the last year-never seeing the same person twice. She says my iron counts are good and we again discuss why I am anemic. She gets angry as she goes through my records and finds out I’ve still not had a gynecologic consult. She has the front desk make an appointment for me at the woman’s clinic on November 28th.
At this visit I see a very friendly and caring PA who is appalled that I have been having symptoms since September of 2008 and haven’t been referred until now. I explain that things have been worsening over the past 3 months. (Since December 4th I have only had 4 days with no heavy bleeding!) She performs a pelvic exam and attempts to due a PAP Smear but there is too much bleeding. At this point she feels I may have uterine fibroids and orders more tests. She sends me off for more lab work and a script for a transvaginal ultrasound with the diagnosis of Menorrhagia. I had the ultrasound December 13th and went back to the women’s clinic on December16th for a recheck and to get the results. At this appointment she states that I need to see the gynecologist to go over my treatment options, which she says will probably be a D&C. Due to the holidays I can’t schedule the consult until January 4th.
photo courtesy of cancerresearchuk.org
At the consult I meet the doctor and a medical student who is working with me. I am informed that my endometrium (the lining of my uterus) is about 10 times thicker than it should be and this could mean is is pre-cancerous, cancerous or just an abnormality. He says we need to do a biopsy and then depending on the results of that we will do either a D&C, Endometrial Ablation, or a daVinci Hysterectomy.
You can start reading again 🙂
So, today at 2:30pm ET I have an appointment for an Endometrial Biopsy. I’ve been told that after the biposy I’ll feel miserable and crampy for 3-4 days so please pray for me as I go through this ordeal, but also pray for my family. I really don’t want to drive them crazy…but I might.
Thanks for your care and concern. I really appreciate it.
Praying for the best results possible. Knowing about the procedure & possible after affects will help you cope too. No surprises!!
I’ll be praying, but how the medical profession could let this be going on from 2008 til now is absolutely wrong.
I was in a similar situation for a different condition a few years back and waited for many years until given the proper tests to get the proper diagnosis, then even after getting the proper diagnosis, still had to wait a full year for my surgery, wondering if I’d die in the meantime while waiting for it.
I have great empathy for you.
Glad to read that you’re getting medical care *finally* – it’s terrible for someone to have to go through this for years. Saying a prayer for you and your family, and for all of you to be able to deal with whatever the biopsy reveals. If you’re open to talking, please feel free to contact me as I have a friend who was able to avoid the hysterectomy for the same issues that you’re describing through what my company offers. ~Blessings
I’m praying that your results are only good news. I’ve posted a prayer request for you here: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/Prayers-for-Healing.html
Its amazing how completely screwed our current health care system is. Please take care. 🙂
Oh my goodness! This sounds awful (I read the whole post). I’m so sorry you’ve had to go thru all of that. I hope everything turns out well for you… please let us know how it goes.
Thanks Lindsay, the biopsy wasn’t bad at all. I get the results this Friday. I will be having a hysterectomy no matter what the results say so stay tuned for more of my roller coaster life!
Hugs to you Cindy. Good to hear that the biopsy wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. Keep us updated!
Sometimes our health system isn’t always what we expect it to be. I sure am glad that your biopsy went well.
Cindy i suffered for YEARS with similar problems only i kept going from dr to dr (gyn) until i found one who listened to me! I had a hysterectomy dec 08. best decision i ever made. i’d be happy to talk to you about it if youre interested. i even blogged about it.
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Thanks Pam, my hysterectomy is scheduled for February 29th!