Ultrasound

Thursday:

Another ordeal over. Pelvic ultrasound. I drank the required water but then in the hour I was supposed to be holding it I went to the toilet twice, then at the clinic when my appointment was 40 minutes late I went twice more (trying not to empty completely). Seemed fine, the radiologist (??) didn't comment.

I've had two other pelvic ultrasounds over the past three years, the other two reports suggested adenomyosis (the uterine lining growing where it shouldn't), this time the technician told me there was a fibroid which is a different sort of growth that looks very similar. I haven't seen an official report yet. Obviously I need to know which it is before progressing with any treatment, I might need an MRI. I see my doctor tomorrow and I think she will refer me to a gynaecologist.

I'm back on my healthy eating today. I know from repeated experience that day three of strict low carbs is when I have my cravings, I have to brace myself for that and not just say "I feel terrible so I'm going to eat whatever I want". If I can get through a few days I'll be fine. Today for the first time in ages I'm going to achieve my water goals. Only two cups to go!

My brother had been trying to contact me for a couple of days. His phone is ancient broken rubbish but since he has no landline or email/internet it's the only way to talk to him. And if I call him it goes straight to voicemail, which I don't know if he ever checks, so I have to wait for him to call me. After lots of calls dropping out without us being able to hear each other, he walked up the hill today to get better reception and I shouted at him over the noise of the trucks on the main road. Probably quite funny, in a way. Anyway, he's coming over on Saturday. He couldn't hear any of my queries as to what time, so I eventually gave up on getting any details. Based on past visits, it will be "for lunch" but arriving long after we've eaten because he is late for everything, and staying through until the kids have gone to bed.

Hmm now there is a Christmas present idea. A phone that actually works. Maybe one he could use internet on if he's somewhere they have free Wi-Fi? But that might be a bit complicated for him. A phone that works would do.

That ongoing saga of Aiden's furniture may finally be resolved, the handyman guy called yesterday to say he'll be here on Saturday, with the correct part, to finish putting together the unfinished chest of drawers we've had since Christmas! I can always hope.

Adenomyosis

Friday:

I was able to look up my pelvic ultrasound results online today. I haven't seen my doctor yet but I'm as capable as reading the report, finding definitions for the terms, and then searching the internet for things to alarm me as anyone.

Turns out I have a small submucosal echogenic nodule which suggests adenomyosis (directly from the report). This means some of the lining of my uterus has grown into the muscular wall, causing heavy and irregular periods and the between-period bleeding. It is not a dangerous condition but in some people can be extremely painful, to the extent that you feel like you are in the last stages of giving birth. There are some treatments (mainly to control the pain) but the only cure is a hysterectomy. The causes are unclear, but may be related to too much estrogen or trauma (like during pregnancy or a C-section). It is most common in women of my age - between child bearing and menopause. It generally goes away when you hit menopause.

Since I only have a small nodule and annoying symptoms but very little pain, I am not planning to have a hysterectomy. One thing I have had trouble finding on the internet is the progression (if any) of the condition. Will the nodule stay small, or will it grow and get worse? Over the last couple of years I've gone from light spotting between periods to quite prolonged and heavy flow, so that would indicate it is gradually getting worse.

Things I have been attributing to possible peri-menopause and/or just being overweight and unhealthy may have been influenced by this. Feeling run down, depressed, fuzzy brain, PMS, night sweats, clots and my uneven periods even though I am on the pill (sorry if that is TMI, but if you've read this far you're not too squeamish). It can also cause migraines, enlarged uterus (which I don't have), really bad cramps, and rapid weight gain, among other things.

Recommendations include eating mainly unprocessed food, getting enough sleep, hormone-balancing drugs and anti-inflammitories.

Obviously I need to talk to my doctor soon.