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Shrinking Fibroid medication, only for hysterectomys?

Posted , 4 users are following.

faith16983
faith16983

Hello,

I have been diagnosed with an 11cm fibroid, a 5cm fibroid and numerous smaller ones.  My GP refered me to hospital to start a 3 month course of Zoladex prior to having a myomectomy.  However, the last consultant I spoke to told me that Zoladex (or any other fibroid shrinking medication) is only used on women that are having a hysterectomy - as it shrinks the womb and fibroids together, making them easy to remove.

I am really looking for a second opinion, as I haven't read this information in any of the leaflets that my GP or hospital have given to me, and neither has it been mentioned to me before.

I am 38 years old and have not had any children.

Thanking you in advance, Faith

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • fibroidy
    fibroidy faith16983

    Posted

    hi faith, i have a very similar situation to you, i am 36, no kids, and my fib size is very similar to yours. I am on Esmya (the other shirinking drug) for 3 months and will then have myomectomy.  My consultant said there was no doubt that I needed to take the Esmya for 3 months, so not sure what the last consultant is talking about. 

    Esmya is a pre op drug. I would try and get to a different consultant. 

     

    • faith16983
      faith16983 fibroidy

      Posted

      Hi fibroidy

      Thank you for your response and advice.  I have emailed a specialist in the gyanecology department at my hospital, airing my concerns, and will discuss Esmya with her when she gets back to me.  I appreciate your support

  • angela_90095
    angela_90095 faith16983

    Posted

    Hi Faith 

    so sorry to hear that you are suffering with fibroids. I am about to take Zoladex to shrink my fibroids prior to surgery. 

    I have never heard that infomation before. I looked into a newer drug called Esmya which also shrinks fibroids. I think your body is meant to return to normal after a short course of Zoladex but I can't be sure about that. Maybe have a look at some other discussion groups that are more pregnancy based to see if there are any women who have taken Zoladex prior to concieving. My consultant is considering a myomectomy for me and has prescribed Zoladex so doubt that it is only used as a pre hysterectomy drug. Hope this helps 

    Angela x

    • fibroidy
      fibroidy angela_90095

      Posted

      You are correct Angela. I was given Esmya but the consultant said if my gp would not prescribe it due to the cost that I would have to take Zoladex so they work in the same way and no issues with it if you want to conceive..
    • faith16983
      faith16983 angela_90095

      Posted

      Hi Angela

      Thank you for responding to my discussion, it is very reassuring to know that there are other women in a similar situation to me.  I have made another appointment with my GP.  Hopefully, through my doctor, I will be prescibed a course of Zoladex or Esmya.  Thank you for sharing your experiences.

      Faith

    • angela_90095
      angela_90095 fibroidy

      Posted

      Hi Fibroidy

      Thanks for your response. Sorry it's taken a while for me to respond. I went to get Zoladex from my GP today and even though my consultant wrote to her to request it she still needs to 'discuss' with her partners before she prescribes it to me.!! I just want to get on with this so it is all behind me & I'm having to wait. Frustrating!

    • fibroidy
      fibroidy angela_90095

      Posted

      well thats annoying, GP do seem to drag their feet when it comes to prescribing costly drugs, When I took my letter, the drugs page was hand written and GP said she could not read it, but could read all the cheap  stuff, and this 5 letter word was clear, so it took a week of going back and fourth. Keep bugging them !! Go back in 2 days.
    • angela_90095
      angela_90095 fibroidy

      Posted

      Hi Fibroidy, sorry for the delayed respnse. Thanks for your reply and thanks for the reply. I am going to take your advice and bug them about it. I just want to get on with the protocol and put it all behind me as soon as possible. 

      Have you started taking Zoladex yet? If so how are you doing with it? 

      Angela x

  • debbie34170
    debbie34170 faith16983

    Posted

    Hi Faith, I've had Zoladex prior to surgery in December and my specialist here in Australia who has a MBBS (Hons),AMP (Harvard),FRANZCOG, CREI Infertility & Reproductive Microsurgery. I know... So many letters... In other words, he knows his stuff! Wether I'd decided on myomectomy or hysterectomy, he uses that first as not only does it shrink fibroids and bulky uterus, it shrinks large blood vessels that are supplying these rotten problems and that makes whatever operation you have a heck of a lot safer!! He has never said about any sticking together! Sounds like consultant is confusing it with everything shrinking at the same time. Hope this helps. Lots of ladies here have had Zoladex, you'll feel menopausal on it but it worked for me. Lots of luck, here if you need a chat. 💜 Debbie 
    • faith16983
      faith16983 debbie34170

      Posted

      Hi Debbie

      It is nice to know that your specialist is highly qualified and "knows his stuff".  I am glad I raised this issue with a gyanecology specialist in my hospital.  I wonder why my consultant didn't think that shrinking my fibroids was right for me?  Anyway, I should have some answers in the next few weeks.  Thank you for your help

      Faith

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