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Fibroids

Posted , 8 users are following.

patricia27802
patricia27802

Hi all

Just putting a general question here but does any woman ever refuse Hysterectomy before trying any other treatment? I just get the feeling that Gynocology get away with pushing Hysterectomy on women of a certain age and not offering choice such as Myomectomy or UFE. I have seen loads of ladies on here go from Esyma then happily to Hysterectomy without question.

I am happy if a woman reached that decision herself. I must be a lone voice in wanting to try anything to avoid a Hysterectomy at all cost. I have tried Esyma and UFE and now I want a Myomectomy but if all other ladies just don't bother asking for an alternative then it's never going to change.

Rant over sorry just had to get that off my chest .

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • f91864
    f91864 patricia27802

    Posted

    In the 21st century, its up to women to be educated on their choices before they see the gynocologist, especially if he's male. I made it absolutely clear at all my appointments that I wanted a myomectomy and so was never offered a hysterectomy.  Whateever womens age they need to be assertive when dealing with gynocologist and should not be intimidated by them into a procedure they do not want. I realise a lot of women have had lots of problems with fibroids and are fed up, but that does not mean you allow the gynaocologist to make the decision for you to have a hysterectomy.  One of the reasons its offered is that its an easier operation from Gynocologist point of view, whilst myomectomy requires a lot more skill and can take longer on the operating table.  I had a myomectomy for multiple fibroids (32) a year and half ago, and now have a great quality of life, because I am older, the fibroids are unlikely to return. 

    Ask for what you want, tell them you've already done your research, age should not limit your choices.

    • patricia27802
      patricia27802 f91864

      Posted

      F91864

      Hi thanks for your reply and I totally agree. I made the mistake of believing what the first Gynocolgist said. It was only after an Endo Ablation made things worse that I decided to do my own research. I found out about UFE and had to push for it. And I am now pushing for a Myomectomy and they keep saying only if I agree to a Hysterectomy in advance which I will not do.

      I have now insisted on a 2nd opinion and I will be seeing a laprascopic Gynocolgist in August. But I intend to argue the toss with him don't know how far it will get me but I have to try.. I have said no to Hysterectomy from day 1. I have no problem with another woman having one if it's her decision. But I get annoyed when people say it is the only option for Fibroids. It is not and I feel angry that Gynocology don't give Ladies options. The point I was making was that if more women refused they would not push so hard for women to have life changing surgery. And would offer other choices. It meant to be equality for women but in Gynocology it seems this rules does not apply.

      Men would not put up with this so why should I. Sorry for ranting. Must stop going on here

      Really glad you got a Myomectomy I have one Fibroid 7.5cm. You have given me the boost I need so thank you and I hope you get well soon

    • f91864
      f91864 patricia27802

      Posted

      Seeing a Laproscopic Gyocologist is good, especially in your case where there is only 1 average size fibroid, depending on its position you may be a candidate for key hole surgery or surgical removal via the vagina. I didnt have that choice as I had 32 multiple fibroids, some were 7.5cm, so had to go for an open Myomectomy, which is 6 weeks recovery, although I started feeling better in week 3. Push for a Myomectomy and you'll get it.  I wish one day Panorama would do a documentary on this subject to help more women make the right choices and stop gynocologist from promoting hysterectomy as the cure all for fibroid problems. No one should be discrimnated against because of age or post code. Gynocologist should be honest about their skill level and be prepared to refer patients to more experienced gynocologist rather than push for hysterectomy.  When you have a myomectomy you will be asked to sign a piece of paper that if there is an extreme loss of blood and your life is at risk (which is very rare less than 1%), a hysterectomy will be done and also that your happy to receive blood. But you'll find that if you are with a competent gynocologist then you'll be given relevant drugs during the surgery to stop any heavy bleediing. I had minimal blood loss, even with the removal of 32 fibroids.  Best of luck, let us know how your appointment goes in August. Your right men would not put up it, so why should women in the 21st century?

  • Cecile914
    Cecile914 patricia27802

    Posted

    I agree. When I saw my gyno last year first thing pushed was the hysterectomy. And it was only on my insistence that we did the myomectomy. And even after that was still offered as the solution to the complications I had with continued bleeding post  myomectomy. I do agree women certainly have to do their own research and ask questions. I also wanted to aavoid that option at all cost but did come close over the past few month 
  • Carebear2
    Carebear2 patricia27802

    Posted

    I'm 36 and after having my twins removed that I miscarried the surgeon said I should consider a hysterectomy as my fibroid was 8-9cm and made it very hard to get the twins out(failed removal procedure the previous day) I'm like you and I'm trying to avoid a hysterectomy, I told them it's not what I want. Another surgeon booked me for a myomectomy in August but the letter that came said hysterectomy 😱 I rung straight up and they gave me another appt with a different surgeon to ease my mind and he advised me to leave the fibroids as my problems might not get better with surgery and it might cause scaring so I can't conceive again. I'm so confused now🤔

    • patricia27802
      patricia27802 Carebear2

      Posted

      Carebear2

      Hi I am really sorry this happened to you. I say keep pushing for the Myomectomy. Insist on seeing a Laprascopic Gynocolgist (!they are more skilled in Myomectomy) as they won't refer you to a more experienced colleague. There is a risk of adhesions yes but with Hysterectomy you will never be able to conceive again. Keep pushing for it over and over and do lots of reasearch so you can stand up to them. If they know you have done research When they push you can push back. Just dont be pushed into Hysterectomy they only push as it's an easier procedure for them to do. You need to do what is best for you. If you can leave them then do. That's it if you don't have heavy periods. Bladder pressure etc not sure if Fibroids can affect the ability to conceive. So you would need to find out.

      Hope this helps

      Good luck to you hope you get it sorted.

  • camelia61043
    camelia61043 patricia27802

    Posted

    Hi Patricia you are right, the doctors do push hysterectomy mainly cause it is easier for them to do it. I am in a fibroids group on Facebook and almost 85% of he women had or are about to have hysterectomy. And based on their stories they could have had myomectomy instead, some fibroids are up to 10cm. Also there are quite a big numbers of them on drugs. When I have asked why they don't seek a 2nd opinion or they insist in having myomectomy as I know it can be done via myomectomy if the doctor is skilled or specialised in, the answers weren't too polite. So I guess is up to them to know what they want. I can tell you as a doctor what is easier for me to perform, you should be able to ask questions, research and chose what is best fir your body. Unfortunately many women believes hysterectomy is the best as the doctor says so and they would not ask for 2nd referral.

  • deanna29824
    deanna29824 patricia27802

    Posted

    I refused partial hysterectomy. I had 2 OBGYN doctors and PCP recommend partial hysterectomy for me. Neither bothered to inform me of all of my fibroid treatment options. Their decision was solely based on the fact that I do not want anymore kids. I did my own research and decided for myself that I did not want or need my uterus removed. Doctors who continue to recommend hysterectomy over other options are not practicing modern medicine.  I had UFE and am happy with the decision I made for myself. A doctor can make a recommendation for you, not make you do something. You have to do your own research and figure out what is best for you. 
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