Posted , 7 users are following.
Hello friends...
I have a large subserosal fibroid. I'm measuring at about 5 months pregnant. I don't experience the bleeding that many do. But I have frequency with urination, bowel issues, cervical pressure, fatigue and my abdomen is distended. I've talked to two docs. One suggests Hysterectomy (not my ovaries, but the uterus, Fallopian tubes and cervix), the other is suggesting UAE. I've done exhaustive research and still can't decide. Neither has suggested a Mymomectomy. I'm wondering about that. I have a beautiful and healthy boy and at 42, am not going to have more children. Why am attachment to keep the uterus? Well, because in my research, I've read and believe the uterus is also a huge part of the ability for a woman to experience vaginal orgasm (not clitoral). I know this stuff is personal... but I would love to hear anyone's experience with this as well as any success or failure with the above mentioned surgeries. Please help... feeling so lost and overwhelmed.
0 likes, 14 replies
camelia61043 jenniferH108
Posted
Hi Jennifer where do you live? I think you should find a doctor who can do an open myomectomy. You can try UAE but it may not work as I have read stories where the procedure failed. If you don't want hysterectomy don't accept it, they can also give you medication to shrink them but be aware of the side effects.
jenniferH108 camelia61043
Posted
I live in the states. An open Myomectomy vs laparoscopic? I have read some other posts about the medicine.... would rather not go that route. Did you have a procedure done? I wonder what the determining factors are for some who've not had success with the UAE.
camelia61043 jenniferH108
Posted
linda96127 jenniferH108
Posted
Hi Jennifer. I had four fibroids and was very overwhelmed with what to do. Just like you I did a lot of research. My periods were extremely heavy and extremely long. I also became anemic. Long story short, I decided for UAE. I had it done on July 31. I am not sure of the success yet since I have not had my first period since then. The procedure was not as bad as I had expected and did not experience as much pain as some women do. I stayed on top of my medication and the pain never got more than a three out of 10. Do some soul-searching and decide what is best for you. Everyone is different. Good luck with your journey. I know how hard it is and it's so nice to talk to others.
jenniferH108 linda96127
Posted
Linda96127... thank you so much for your response. I feel so sad around this entire thing. More than I thought I would. All the research is overwhelming and some of it leads me down the road of blame... if I'm estrogen dominant, what did I do to contribute to this, even if without knowing. To much caffeine, alcohol, diet, etc, etc.... just knowing there are others out there helps. Thank you.
linda96127 jenniferH108
Posted
Please don't blame yourself. Many times it is hereditary . You will find the procedure that works best for you. Once you decide, except your decision, and trust that you can be brave. I could no longer live with my fibroid problems any longer. We women are braver than we think!
patricia27802 jenniferH108
Posted
Hi Jennifer
It depends on the size of your Fibroid with Myomectomy. I read that if it's over 10cm then it's an open procedure if not it can be done laprascopic.
I had a 11cm Fibroid and had UFE done January 2016. It had then shrunk to 7.5cm 6 months later. I am now waiting to have a Laprascopic Myomectomy.
I only had the choice of UFE or Hysterectomy and the latter was never gonna happen. Didn't want the tablets as had bad side effects. Like you I wanted to keep my Uterus. I don't see why they do Hysterectomy for Fibroids but if every woman ( apart from
The ones having Blood a Transfusion every month) refused they would offer Women more options than a Hysterectomy for Fibroids.
Whatever you decide good luck
jenniferH108 patricia27802
Posted
Patricia27802,
Might I ask your age? As I mentioned, I'm not having more babies but am still not certain I want them to take my uterus. Mine is big...bigger than 10cm. I believe it's 13 at this point. Perhaps an UAE and then Myomectomy? Not sure...
patricia27802 jenniferH108
Posted
I will be 51 at the end of September. No sign of Menopause either. I know you have a MRI scan with Radiology to test for suitability for UAE. So may be worth looking into if open Myomectomy is a problem x
sandra69486 jenniferH108
Posted
scubagal jenniferH108
Posted
Hi Jennifer,
I experienced exactly the same as you, however, my uterus was extended to the size of a 7 1/2 month pregnancy. Whatever you decide, please do it quickly as I hesitated in fear and it just grew so quickly that in a few months, I grew another one and a half months (as in a pregnancy Terms).
Like you, I did not experience a lot of blood but the pain in my bladder and my fatigue was horrible. I decided to opt for UFE, because like you, I learned that saving your uterus is actually important. I had a dr. say to me that taking out your uterus to get rid of a fibroid is a kin to killing a mosquito with a sledgehammer. I was also told that taking out a uterus is actually worth more to a doctor then trying to preserve it. It's economical they make more money.
Of course, I'm not talking about when it's necessary to take out a uterus, as in cancer. I'm talking just in terms of UFE.
Nor am I a doctor, this is just my Opinion. Please do with it as you will.
However, 3 months after UFE, my belly has reduced 30%. My horrible symptoms for my bladder are about 85% better. It's not perfect yet. I am hopeful that it will be reduced at least 80% as my research has indicated. It will just take about a year. This is an instant fix as it does take time.
For me personally, I'm glad I took this approach as it is the least intrusive. If this didn't work then I would opt for a hysterectomy. I also had another doctor say to me that your uterus actually provides structural support for your spine and when removed, women have been known to have disc issues with their back and hip issues. For me, I like yoga too much and believe in balance, to mess around with my structural support without second thought.
Good luck with any decision you make. I know it's really hard.
All the best.
jenniferH108 scubagal
Posted
Scubagal...Thank you so much for your input. I am a yoga teacher! And never even thought of the uterus supporting the spine, but it makes sense....I think I am leaning towards UAE...I have heard of another option...Focused ultrasound. There is one hospital in Boston that does it and I am calling tomorrow for a consult..I don't know if I am a candidate. I will keep you all posted! Again, thank you so much for your input...it is such a help to know you are not alone in this struggle. xo...
scubagal jenniferH108
Posted
Hi there,
I learned about high-frequency ultrasound as well. This was my first option. Unfortunately in Canada it is only experimental. In order for me to get high frequency ultrasound, I was told that I needed to go to the United States. I called the Mayo clinic and told the cost would be approximately $20,000 US dollars. I was also told, wasn't guaranteed. I would still consider this option if it was available in Canada. Let me know please if you do it!
Best wishes.
sallysav jenniferH108
Posted
I had UFE 12 years ago on 1 fibroid and it was successful. I recently discovered 5 new fibroids and had UFE again but it didn't work. It only killed 1 and 4 are still growing. So now I'm onto hysterectomy.
I was glad I had the first UFE but I wish I had kept a closer eye on things and detected the 5 new fibroids earlier as that would have made a laparoscopic hysterectomy easier. As it is now I will have to take drugs to shrink them first or else have an open hysterectomy.
Just be warned that more may grow if you still have a uterus
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