Bladder retention, fibroids and hysterectomy

If it happens again - try altering your position to pee. Lying down might help - as it would get the fibroid off the top of your bladder. I know its not particularly hygienic, but maybe try in the bath?

I think if its causing urinary retention - Myomectomy or Hysterectomy would be advisable.

Bladder pressure has been one of my main symptoms: retention as well as frequency. It was very distressing to begin with before I knew it was a result of fibroids.

 I find that my symptoms of bladder pressure reduce significantly when I eat an anti-inflammatory diet. That means excluding gluten, dairy and sugar for me. 

One thing that saved me from going to hospital to be catheterised when the retention was really impossible was to put my fingers inside the Vagina and push upwards on the mass of the fibroid which could be felt inside. It allowed the urine to flow by releasing the pressure on the blockage. You get urine on your hand but it’s way better than Hospital!

Hope this helps. 

Thank you for your interesting replies. 

Well I don’t want anymore children, mine are 17 next month and 20 come February. I’m 46 yrs old so menopause could a while away. 

Thanks for the tips about diet and the trick for the bladder retention. The whole going to the hospital and  waiting forever to get sorted not to mention the pain and discomfort it’s not enjoyable. 

Fibroids have a lot to answer for!

Hi,

I had the same as you - with a bladder infection that lasted over a year because I simply could not produce flow to clear it. I am now 8 months post UFE, and much better. I can wee again!

I may still opt for to have them removed because they are just THAT big and I cannot do sit-ups properly...but the relief for my bladder is real & I still have my uterus!

Good luck. My heart is with you. 

Poor you, must have been horrid having an infection like that. Anything not right with the waterworks is horrible. 

I was offered UFE but for some reason she thought it wouldn’t be that successful. For me, the thought of never having debilitating periods and constant battles with weeing and potentially more retention- hysterectomy would be the only 100% guaranteed way to get rid. I do respect people wanting to keep their uterus completely, but for me keeping it means problems. 

I've tried it all but in my experience for very large fibroids, the only way to be free is hysterectomy. Of course myomectomy is always an option but they often come back, so if child bearing years are over, having an operation & a quality of life back seems the option I didn't want to have to take but probably the nest route.

The thought of being able to hold onto a wee again, not look pregnant, not have swelling & a hard lump in the abdomen, (13cm) reduce back pressure, makes me wonder why I've waited until 47 & had 10 years of crime scene periods, back pain, bladder retention & fibroid growth! In the old days my Mum would have had a hysterectomy 10 years ago & just done it, I think there is sometimes a freedom to not knowing too much. Sometimes forums delay people into having a hysterectomy, even though they've been told to by a number of consultants! Is has with me! I do eat alkaline as much as I can, no diary, no meat, no flour, so clean & green at least 80% of the time & it helps, with pressure symptoms but I have to take an iron supplement.