Uterine Fibroid/Artery Embolisation (UFE/UAE) my experience

Hello. I am sharing my experience for those women who have to decide what to do for their own fibroids. My history is that in my late 20s I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had a large ovarian cyst I was bleeding into removed that had grown to melon size on my right Fallopian tube thus it, the Fallopian tube and right ovary was excised and a long vertical scar down from my bellybutton. The operation went well and at that young age my body made a good recovery. In my 30s I was diagnosed with fibroids, the largest the size of a lemon. The gynaecologist said if he went in he’d want to remove everything. The fibroids were not causing me pain and I wanted to preserve my fertility (he said said that a UAE might cut the blood supply to my remaining ovary) so I decided leave them be. In my 40s my periods were getting progressively worse. Heavier and longer bleeds (10 days) and soaking through. When worsening cramps and bloody clumps started appearing I decided to have my fibroids looked at again. They were still there and I now had two lemon sized ones in my uterus lining and also suspected adenomyosis. My womb was swollen to the size of a 20-week pregnancy. I was also dealing with a recurrent UTI that my GP thought was due to my fibroids squashing my bladder causing pockets of urine not to empty completely. As I am now 48 I decided I would have the procedure. That was in November 2017. Unfortunately I am one of the unlucky ones as it is now April 2018 and six months on I am still recovering. One week after the procedure I developed upper frontal thigh pain - no one told me this might happen but the artery the radiologist goes through is the main artery that goes down the upper leg. The pain was at times excruciating. He discomfort lasted a few months and whether psychological or not my legs have not felt as strong since. I had months of cramps, heavy bleeding and cramps. I took painkillers every day for three months. I have not had a single day without some sort of discharge. The worse is heavy clots the best is a small discoloured discharge. Previously I at least I had 18 regular days clear (10 day periods). My periods are not regular. I never know when the worst will come. Yesterday blood seeped through the back of my skirt at work which was incredibly embarrassing. I had the procedure to help and I realise my recovery is taking a lot longer than most women but in hindsight I would not have gone through with it. My UTI is still there for which I am now seeing a urologist about and wish I had just taken that step before before embarking on this procedure which has caused me untold pain and bleeding. I cannot turn back time. If I could I would have told myself just wait for the menopause. I now have artificial substances in my body  (the micro-beads they use to block the artery feeding the uterus) and irregular bleeding with constant discharge. I have no interest in sex, The smell can be offensive and I am constantly changing pads. So please think carefully before you have this procedure. I know it has worked for some women but for me it’s another story. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. It’s a shame we women have these problems. The gynaecologist said I could have a hysterectomy at 48 wonder if it’s just best to wait it out to a natural conclusion (menopause).

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