Bleeding 12 years after hysterectomy

[Chel4]

What could be the possible reasons for vaginal bleeding when a woman has not had her uterus or cervix for nearly 12 years? In 1994, I had a total hysterectomy (removal of my uterus, cervix, & one ovary). My cervix was removed because of pre-cancerous tissues. I began experiencing a vaginal discharge in Nov. 2005 after recommencing sexual relations after abstaining for six years.  Also in Nov. 2005 I noticed old blood coming from the vaginal area (it was brown) and a slight smell.  I thought maybe the sex was too hard. I was checked in December 2005 by my general practitioner for STDs and HIV.  All the rest results came back normal and/or negative.  The smell and discharge decreased; almost faded totally away.  But now in January 2006, although I have not had intercourse since November 2005, I began smelling the smell again and the discharge has increased.  It has changed in its look and consistency.  It has been white, milky, but lately it has been somewhat watery.  Recently I had a rush discharge where I had to run to the restroom. There was blood on my dress.  The blood is pink.  I went to my primary care physician who said I had a bladder infection because she thought I was bleeding from my urine are and she prescribed an antibiotic.  She did not do a pap smear.  I went to a different doctor later that day and she did a pap smear.  She confirmed that I was actually bleeding from the vaginal area, more specifcally I believe she said from my vaginal cuff.  I am nervously and anxiously awaiting the results.  What are possibilities?

[Bootlegteen47]

I know your question was a long time ago, but I have the same thing. My total hyst was done almost 2 years ago due to uterine cancer. I was moving heavy boxes at work and two days later I had some vaginal bleeding. That was yesterday, it stopped now, but should I call doc? What was your outcome?

thanks.

[cschwenk50]

Not sure how to post to this thread so I hope this works.. I am 14 months post total hysterectomy( mine was due to fibroids which ended up being stage 4 appendix cancer). I have had some light blood on toilet paper upon wiping, also some feeling of urination urgency. With my history, I showed up at my doc office unannounced. I am blessed with a fantastic doc. She did urine test and an exam. I was told that since there is no estrogen in my body, my vagina is atrophying..the skin is quite thin and very dry..she compared this to the elderly and how thin the skin can get. It takes very little to cause a scratch or scrape. She recommended that I use a diaper rash ointment to help with dryness. Of course every woman should be proactive when there is any type of vaginal bleeding but the lack of estrogen does cause trouble for us. Estrogen is what keeps our muscles nourished and strong..the vagina is a muscle of sorts and that lack of nourishment makes it less tha perfect..I would never ignore these symptoms of course( I have an oncologist appt on Tuesday and will be bringing this up, even though my tests and scan show no cancer..praise God, just to be safe).. I hope this helps some

[Palanakaj]

I am totally surprised to hear that no Dr. has found out is wrong with these ladies. I have friend who is going thru this same thing. I myself had my hysterectomy at a very young age but I so far have Not had any problems, I'm not 71 y.o. I was a nurse and I will check around to see if someone has an idea of what could be wrong.  Pj

[iwishiknewthen]

My daughter who is 33 had a total hysto at age 25. Before this she had approx. 17 lap surgeries because she suffered from sever endometrios and polycystic ovaries. Her tubes disconnected and had to be removed first. Since the hysterectomy she has suffered from chronic pelvic pain cause unknown. The doctors assume it is coming from the scar tissue and each time you go into remove it then more will come and it is a harder substance. So we have sworn off let another doctor do that. Now this last year about every third month she will experience an increase amount of pain and bleeding vaginally. this first time it happened we went to the ER because she had a sudden onset of head pain and loss consciousness. The findings after the cat scan,ultra sound, pelvic and the the doctor stating well the blood has to be coming from somewhere but I am not sure where. The loss of consciousness sometimes when your pain gets to great your body will shut down. The cat scan show nothing so I am going to go ahead and discharge you follow up with your GYN on Monday. So our next step was a visit to the GYN who's reply was "Well there is nothing left in there that I can help with you need to see maybe a general surgeon. Next trip to general surgeon whose response is No this is pelvic pain and bleeding you need to see a GYN. So we continue on and it still keeps happening no one knows why and no one seemd to think it urgent enough to do anything about. We just came home from the er yet again a couple hours ago with the same results. My daughter explains the pain like something inside is ripping. Each time the is more pain and more bleeding. Thank you all for listening and letting me know that there are more woman out there with the same issues so that at least I know we are not alone!

[missjones1963]

Hi, I think you are right. The Brownish discharge can be dryness. And especially after sex, the minimal blood mixed with body fluid will come down eventually. Ovestin cream can do wonders, ask your doc about it. It will keep you internally healthy. Regards proper bleeding (red blood). This shouldnt happen after many years,  following a hysterectomy, and therefore should be investigated asap. Dont allow yourselves to be fobbed off. Especially if anyone still has their ovaries.  Ovarian cancer kills, its very hard to detect, therefore not a high survival rate. Ask for an emergancy appointnent with the doctor, and all tests be made priority, regards results.

[baylor18]

Hi nikkiGDM - thank you for your recent post -  your answer gave me information that i couldn't find for my bleeding 12 weeks post hysterectomy. itis mostly years post hysterectomy, and although yours has been serveral years, your bleeding due to low estrogen, and a bacterial infection has calmed me - that perhaps that's what i am experiencing now.  thanks for writing about your experience.