I am a 59 year old woman with two grown up children and a husband, living on a farm outside Belfast. I work part time in a Civil service type position which fits around my caring responsibilities for my mum and looking after the family home and pet animals.
I had been on HRT treatment due to severe menopause symptoms including anxiety, depression, bone pain, hot flushes and night-time sweats. The HRT was in the form of patches plus I attended a local gynae clinic every 3 months for a pessary which contained HRT and prevented UTI infections which I had suffered from in the past.
During Covid I was not being monitored whilst on HRT. I continued with my prescriptions and felt fine. However, in December 2021 I experienced bleeding and put this down to not changing my HRT patch as required due to Christmas festivities. The bleeding stopped and I just got on with life. Luckily in February 2022 I was called for a change in my HRT pessary. On my way out of the appointment my doctor asked if I had experienced any irregular bleeding, I immediately told her, and she said this was a “red flag” and advised me that I would receive an urgent appointment for a biopsy.
Investigations
The biopsy was carried out with just some local anaesthetic. It was uncomfortable and sore. The results arrived a few weeks later. The letter advised me that I had Atypical hyperplasia within an endometrial polyp. A statement in the letter eased my immediate fear stating that this was not cancer. It is a pre-cancerous condition but the abnormal cells can turn cancerous if they are not treated. I was called for another biopsy but insufficient cells were collected so I was called in for a biopsy under general anaesthetic. This was a much easier experience, but more rest needed afterwards. The results of this biopsy were clear and I thought that my health issue was resolved.
My gynaecologist had advised me that I would need biopsies every 3 months to keep an eye on things. After another 3 months I returned for the next biopsy and opted to get it done using just local anaesthetic with gas and air. It was really painful, and I started to dread this procedure. The results of this biopsy were again inconclusive due to an insufficient sample.
My hysterectomy
My gynaecologist called me to an appointment for a discussion on a way forward. The option of a total hysterectomy was discussed but I was unsure. However, I put my name forward as the waiting list was two years on the NHS in Northern Ireland. I researched my condition and the options available to me. I learnt that a biopsy takes only a small amount of womb lining and there was a higher risk of cancer cells already being present in another part of my womb. This made me feel anxious. At the following appointment I decided to proceed with the hysterectomy. I was lucky to have private medical insurance however it was for diagnostic reasons only and I did not think I would be covered.
I fully acknowledge that women with cancer in the area of the womb, cervix and ovaries need to be seen and treated as a first priority and much sooner than they are currently. However, being on a waiting list for two years for a pre-cancerous condition is too risky and not a wait that any woman deserves. The NHS needs to prioritise cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.
After a letter from my GP and my gynaecologist I waited with bated breath on a decision from the private insurance company. I was accepted for the procedure and what a relief as by this stage I was starting to worry. It had been over 2 years since my initial diagnosis. My husband and I vowed that we would have “found the money” as the risks were too high.
I saw another gynaecologist and she advised that I should get the total hysterectomy as soon as possible. I was booked in for 8 weeks’ time in a private hospital in Belfast. The hysterectomy would involve one incision across my lower abdomen for the removal of my womb, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries.
The day of the procedure
I was exhausted. Going in for the procedure having tried to do too much housework, cleaning and cooking beforehand plus catch up with work. My husband was there to meet me soon after the operation. The consultant called to see me in my ward to advise that the procedure had gone well with no complications. She said all my organs that were removed had been sent to the labs for testing and that she would let me know the results. Later I got some tea and toast, and it tasted great after fasting from 6am that day.
Once the anaesthetic wore off, I was given morphine. No pain that night and a top up of morphine the next day was great. I stayed in two nights and was surprised to learn that I was due home at lunch time on day 3. I definitely did not feel well enough to go home. Off I went with painkillers, compression stockings to prevent me getting a blood clot in my legs and blood thinning injections. I was totally reliant on my family as I could barely sit up and only walk very slowly. My pain killers were codeine and paracetamol, and I took these religiously every 4 hours to keep the pain at bay. I needed help getting the pressure stockings on as I could not bend from the waist down. Getting the injections in my tummy every day were needed but not pleasant.
Recovery
I was aware that after the operation my consultant said that I would hear from her within the first two weeks if the results were of concern. I phoned the consultants secretary on day 13 as the anxiety was becoming too much. My results showed that pre-cancerous cells were found in my womb and now were gone as all my gynae organs were removed. What a relief!
Now it’s almost 12 weeks since my total hysterectomy, I’m back at work with a phased return and back to walking in the park, swimming and yoga.
If you have any questions or concerns about any worrying symptoms you are having, our Ask Eve nurses are here to give free and confidential information and advice. You can get in touch on nurse@eveappeal.org.uk or 0808 802 0019.