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?

[Samariah]

I feel your pain Weezy, as I am a cancer survivor now for two years and I also take tamoxafin and some other drug I can not pronounce let alone spell.

[Samariah]

I am 47 years old.  One January 28, 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer of my left breast.  I was immediately placed on chemo therapy for 18 ks, then under went a partial mastectomy and reconstruction of both breasts.  Then the long road to radiation treatments everyday for 11 weeks.  From my very first chemo treatment to present time, I have not had a single period.  I had a total hysterectomy fresh off of the radiation treatments.  Several years prior to this, I had two cases of cervical cancer of which both times I had minor surgery to remove the cancer cells successfully.  I had also suffered as a teen with very heavy periods and endometreous (spelling?) I gave birth to three children, miscarried 4.  Needless to say, I have a long and extensive history of OBGYN issues.  Some where in the middle of all this, I also under went a bladder sling surgery.  Now for my current issue.  Three weeks or so ago, I started feeling bloated, cramps, back ache, moody, just like I was about to get my period.  I shrugged it off as I told myself, that is absurd, as I have no lady parts.  Three days ago I started to notice a very dark discharge on my under garments, like old blood.  A very pungent smell.  I am cancer free, but ever since my diagnosis I have had nothing but health issues from depression,several broken bones of the back and knee caused by thinning of the bones, chemo brain (anyone who has had chemo will know what that means) I get sick if someone sneezes on me, too many to list.  I am scared to death, I can't take another diagnosis that just ***** the breath from you lungs then floors you.  Forced meno pause has taken its toll on me as well, hot flashes that make you think you are going  to burst into flame from the inside out.  It gives me some hope to know so many others are having the same issues.  Pray for me as I will be praying for you as well, I will call my dr in the morning.

[old_before_my_time]

How do these "criminals" get away with this - robbing us of our sex organs and our very selves?!?! I am 8 years post-hysterectomy and am still horrified and appalled by the actions of these so-called doctors.

Do you still have your cervix? If so, that could be the cause of your bleeding. Did/do you have endometriosis? Sometimes endo on the vaginal cuff can cause bleeding. So can vaginal atrophy.

Pain can be caused by any number of things and is next to impossible to diagnose (as you have discovered) - nerve damage, adhesions, infection are a few that come to mind. You could have a hospital acquired infection that is hard to diagnose and treat. And doctors and hospitals hate admitting to hospital acquired infections because some states require that they report them and they are fined. And any doctor is hesitant to admit to poor care by one of their peers. I know how frustrating it is to hit dead ends all the time. I wish I had some suggestions but I don't.

I had bowel problems post-hysterectomy (along with a whole laundry list of after effects) and the first words out of the gastroenterologist's mouth were "they were not caused by the surgery." Hmmm, well then why did they start right after the surgery when I had never had these problems?!?

[ShielaA]

I had a complete hysterectomy 2 and a half years ago. ( not by my choice, my dr took it upon himself to decide for me). I have had MAJOR PAIN AND BLEEDING EVER SINCE!! I have went to 2 urologists and a 3 gyno's. Also have had 6 cat scans. Still no one can give me an answer as to why this is happening. I just need answers. if someone knows please help.

[MunchkinsRfun]

Amen to that! I was wondering the exact same thing!

[Amykay1]

Dearest Prissy, I went looking for help with why I had vaginal bleeding after total hysterectomy 11 years ago and I read your heartbreaking story. It has been almost a year that you posted it. How are you now? your condition sounded life threatening. I am praying you are still here on Earth, and God bless your brave family.