Looking for Info

I'm not sure where to start looking. I have always had very painful cramps with my periods and even considered a partial hyst. to stop them but for the last few months I haven't had any, at all. My periods have also changed some, gotten heavier for the first day or 2 or just spotting for the cycle. This past month I have had intermittent spotting and bleeding for 3 weeks. I wanted to do some online research but I don't even know what to put in the search engine, spotting brings up too many options and I don't really have any other symptoms. I thought I may be starting perimenopause based on the symptoms listed for that. My mother went into menopause at 50 and I am 38 so that wouldn't be too unlikely. I also have never had any children. Does anyone have any resources they can point me to? Thanx

You've found a great web site!! These ladies are absolutely fantastic.

I would first talk to a doctor and see if they can help to pinpoint the cause of the pain. If you know what is going on, it's easier to look for things on the internet. For instance, my pain and heavy periods is caused by fibroids. It was much easier for me to look up "treatment of fibroids" on the internet. When my doctor suggested a medication, I was able to come here to this website and ask the ladies. The responses with what I had read enabled me to make my decision with confidence.

Remember that you're not alone in this.
Good luck and lots of hugs!!

I like to have the info before I go to the doc, but it still would be a good idea to keep track of your pain and your bleeding and then discuss it with your doc.

You may want to search for "abnormal bleeding" or irregular bleeding". You will get a lot of the same results, but it can give you an idea of what you could be up against.

There are a lot of options to consider before you consider a hyster, but it really depends on the cause of your symptom.

We'll be here if you need us.

Thanx Debbie & PaNik
I don't have any insurance right now and am on unemployment. While I could probably afford an appointment I couldn't afford any tests.
I'm not having any pain right now either, just the spotting and extended periods. I almost don't know I'm having one since I don't get the debilitating cramps I used to get. When I asked a doctor about those before they said there weren't any other symptoms to warrant the next step of exploratory surgery, just take pain relievers and deal.
I'm going to try the search terms PaNik suggested and start there, any further hints would be great. Thanx

Hello,

You might find this site helpful http://www.4woman.gov/faq/hysterectomy.htm It talks about what is done in a hyst and explains the physical makeup of a women. I know we are women, but I know much more about myself after having done some research. I also used www.acog, www.emedem.com, www.gynecare.com as they were helpful and you can search for a DR on the acog site.

I am 37 and have fibroids that were noted 15 years ago. I had a D & C for uterine polyps 3 years ago, but the problems are back again. I had a pelvic ultrasound, but it didn't show anything significant. I insisted on a vaginal ultrasound and they determined the fibroids have prominent growth and the uterus is enlarged. I am scheduled for a TAH, hopefully keeping the ovaries, in one month. I am like you where sometimes the bleeding is horrible, clotting, pain, and then i'll have a month were I only bleed lightly for three days. My fibroids will only continue to grow and I have them inside and outside of the uterus, so it's time for the uterus to go. I have no children also, and went through the fertility stuff(when I was married) to no avail and accepted that biological kids will not happen for me.

One word of caution: beware of the biased opinions that can be driving a website and information provided. This site is wonderful for support and others experiences, but we are not doctors and cannot give medical advice. I know money is an issue, but so is your health. Good Luck to you and I hope you can find a competent doctor to help you.

Darlene

Lexy, I think it is absolutely inhumane that you can't afford to go to a Dr. for treatment and that you have to search the web for relief instead and try to do it yourself. In any other country you would get the professional help you need and deserve. JMHO, we have a long way to go here in the US.
Julia

I am unemployed and have minimal insurance. I do not get unemployment, but I do not let that stop me from getting medical treatment. You might check into getting state aid.

I don't qualify for state aid but I do believe there is something through unemployment I may be able to get. I'm trying to find the link now. Knowing my luck it will take months to get in the system. lol

Hi Lexy,

I hope that you are able to obtain some type of medical coverage. These days it seems essential!

Meantime, I'm providing a link to a list of resources that are located at the top of this forum. These are links to other websites that have great information. If you scroll to the bottom of this list, you'll see a link to an even larger forum here at Hystersisters where we have compiled links to MANY websites with information on all types of gynecological problems. Hope this helps you with your research!

Link to Resources List



Beth

Lexy:

I suffered hideous cramps from day one (hmmm, that's 36 years of pain...)and copious bleeding. Recently the pain increased, although my bleeding pattern changed to become lighter. Because of bad pap smears I decided to go ahead with the hyst.; to doc told me that my fibroids were huge, and that I had adenomyeosis. Both conditions will cause irregular bleeding and severe pain. If you haven't been checked for those, or for endometriosis, you might want to look in that direction. For low-cost help, look to your county health facility or find a Planned Parenthood that has a clinic or referrals for this. They are used to treating uninsured or underinsured clients.

Good luck.