Absolutely devastated

Hello,

I am in a similar boat - 54 years old and menopause hasn't started yet. I have been on Zoledex (like Lupron) for several years now -- although some don't recommend it for too long. It did shrink my very large fibroid a little, and you cease to have periods when on it. We were trying to get me through to menopause; however, I am now also considering hysterectomy, as it is pushing on a kidney now. My doctor says it is time. I am with you, however, I do not want a major surgery, and am very scared of it -- although my stomach is like a 21-23 week pregnancy, I know it would be a relief to get back to a more normal body. 

Have you asked your doctor about Lupron or Zoledex? I tried the Emsya, it didn't do anything to help. 

Best wishes to you. It's a stressful time, I know. I do know many women who have had a hysterectomy, so I try to keep in mind that they are all doing well now when I am at my most frightened. 

Jamie 

I got the same answer hysterectomy and I'm only 35 but since I said I wanted kids they said myomectomy. I have a couple fibriods to like 4 one as big as a canalop. Was told again after surgery more than likely it will grow again and I will need a hysterectomy. I just feel like doctors get lazy and just want to get rid of your uterus. If i were you I would get a second opinion . I was going to get a second opinon but since they told me that they will try the laparoscopic first and if they can't get the other one they will open me up. So I agreed I just want them to try first. But you defiantly should get a second opinion. I don't know why doctors and people think because you had kids or are over 40 you should just get rid of your uterus. Don't get discourage you have other options. And if money is not an issue for you. I would talk to a couple specialist. Goodluck.

Ho sooty

I agree with pam, get a second opinion so that you will be given other options. As for my case it helped me get rid of stress because my first OB did not even discussed with me about my fibroids. She just gave me medications which I also have doubts because of what I read on the internet. Goodluck. 😊

Hello, I am so sorry for your struggles, believe me or not but I was in your shoes. I just had an open myomectomy for 15 intramural (inside) and pedunculated external ones with various sizes from 13 cm to 2 cm. 4-5 of them were inside and were not able to measure but the doctor done his miracles and took them all out. I am doing very well and was discharged yesterday. My daughter had a keyhole as well with same doctor on Tuesday this week. 

I am similar age and I live in UK. A couple of years back was refused surgery by NHS as I live in a poor area.I have tried to put up with the symptoms but it was too much. 

It is possible to have an open myomectomy as I have seen and read about cases far worse than you. You just need a competent doctor and you may have to travel like a did, but is worth it. 

I had to go away with my daughter as we both had very bad experiences with nhs. We went abroad last sunday and we are now in the process of returning tomorrow. The doctor was recommend to me by a locum english doctor at the gynecology a&e where I end up after collapsing due to blood loss. 

The cost for both surgery was less than I was quoted only for my hysterectomy. 

Just do not gave up and if you want the details or to chat I am happy to do so. 

  

find a doctor who is capable of doing an open myomectomy. There is no such thing as too many fibroids for myomectomy, is doctor being lazy and trying to get your money for an easier and faster operation rather than spend 3-4 hours doing a challenging one. 

I agree - there is no such thing as too many fibroids for a myomectomy - there is only a case for too many fibroids for the skill of the surgeon.  I had 53 removed and the surgeon who did my myomectomy had removed 150 before.

With skill in laparoscopic surgery improving there are also surgeons now saying they can remove huge numbers of fibroids using this method too.

We are not allowed to name surgeons here but if you private message me I can give you some names as a starting point.

Stay strong - you have got options.

 

Hi Sooty, Ask your GP to refer you to a specialist lapro centre - try that avenue, they have extremely skilled surgeons who will see if keyhole myomectomy is possible. Plenty of these in the UK on the NHS. If you PM me I can give you details. Also if you started a conversation on here regarding keyhole surgeons, I'm sure you'd get more details & some good recommendations.

Best Wishes

I went on birth control to control the bleeding and it actually helped to shrink the fibroids. I stayed on it until 52. When I went off it, I found out I had gone through menopause already (aside from forced periods due to birth control). I would not have this done if you are not sure. You might end up with other problems.

You are so close to menopause. It could happen in a few months. Maybe go on the pill for 6 months, then off to see how things are then?

If you are in the UK under NHS Choices you are entitled to have a second opinion and go anywhere for your treatment

I am 6 months post hysterectomy and it is the best thing I did.  I am 49 and had a massive fibroid (3 llb in weight!) and loads of small ones.  I dreaded the surgery but it was not bad at all.  I was given an epidural for post op pain.  I was in a lot of discomfort for first week but no real pain.  Took it really easy first 2 weeks and then started walking a little more each day.  5 weeks of work and my muscles are still not recovered but they had been stretched a long time.  

I feel like a weight has been lifted literally.  My bladder no longer leaks, no bleeding and my clothes fit.  

I retained my ovaries so will go through menopause normally.  I now wish I had had it done way earlier!