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What doesn pain from fibroids feel like?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Fibroidia
Fibroidia

Hi,

I realize that question may sound stupid, but I need to ask.  Here's why:

I'm 55, not menopausal, five big fibroids (5-10cm) subserosal, intramural and pedunculated.  Two years ago Crappy GP and not so great Ob/gyn both said "watchful waiting" no offer of treatment, considered me asymptomatic. 

Elsewhere on this site I posted about digestive symptoms which could be confused as IBS--because I have that too.  Though I had the IBS beat for many years, then just recently (as the fibroids got big) lots of bloating, gas, IE evacuation, etc.  Have to pee alot and I'm huge.  But I always said no pain (not counting the serious discomfort of the GI symtoms).

I should also add I had an endometrial ablation 7 years ago for the heavy bleeding--which worked.  No more bleeding, no more cramps, but you still have a cycle, and I could sometimes see ovulation or even light spotting, as the ob/gyn said I would.

So lately, like in the past few weeks, I'm beginning to feel something else and I'm wondering if this is the fibroids.  I can only compare it to period cramps (haven't had those since the endometrail ablation) in the belly, a feeling of being very heavy and full and pressurized, some pressure on the bladder.  This is what fibroids feel like right?  In my case it's not excrutiating or sharp, but dull and crampy and really how I remember my period.

This just started, and I haven't had it every day, but off and on.  Is that consistent with what others here experience?

MY GP has been so useless in identifying symptoms when I describe them, that's why I'm asking here.  She keeps calling my fibroids "Innocent bystanders" and is opposed to any kind of treatment.

Thanks

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • yolanda_72080
    yolanda_72080 Fibroidia

    Posted

    I know those are the symptoms that i have,slightly sharp pains in the lower abdomen sometimes i feel pressure and the bloating i get those too...,
  • Captain_K
    Captain_K Fibroidia

    Posted

    I feel a lot of pressure in my lower abdomen. I also have to urinate a lot. It's uncomfortable, especially leading up to by menstrual cycle.
  • Annick
    Annick Fibroidia

    Posted

    Hi Fibroidia,

    I get period type cramps and occasionally a bit dizzy and clumsy, but so far thats all.  I did end up in hospital for an overnight with the pain as after 4 days I couldn't control it, but when I had a scan they found the cause was one of my fibroids breaking down so the Esmya seems to be doing it's job.  Haven't had a period yet but should have started on the 10th December.  Esmya seems to really suit me, it's still early days though.

    I have seen several doctors and some of them are of the wait and see mindset, hoping the menopause will kick it and then they will shrink anyway, however I got pushy as I'm prepared to put up with the pain and discomfort.  I'm 49 so it could be years yet!

    Good luck 

    • Fibroidia
      Fibroidia Annick

      Posted

      Thanks Annick, that's useful info for me to know.

      I'm also in the wait for menopause mode (at 55!) and not sure how much of my belly discomfort is IBS and how is fibroids.  Sometimes I have what feels like period pains, though I no longer bleed and haven't had period pains in about 7 years.

      I hear the pain when fibroids break down is another thing entirely.

      So have your doctors prescribed Esmya to shrink the fibroids, with no surgery afterwards?  My ob/gyn said it was only used pre-op but I'm hearing other stories from other women.  I'm in Canada where the treatment is not as advanced or accessible.

      Grrr....

      Good luck to you too. 

    • Annick
      Annick Fibroidia

      Posted

      Hi Fibroidia,

      I should have said not prepared to put up with the pain!

      At the moment it's a three month trial to shrink the fibroids, although if it's successful and the drug still agrees with me I could do another three months.  We haven't really discussed surgery as the gynae is hoping the Esmya will work.  My gynae seems to want to avoid surgery if at all possible.  

      Esmya is a fairly new drug and doesn't suit everyone, also I think it's expensive, I got it on the National Health Service here (England).  

      I have also started a dairy free diet as I am told that it helps, soya tastes ok and hopefully it's only for a few months!  I don't know if you can do that with IBS.

      Best wishes

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