Ladies...What can you tell me about uterine fibroid tumors???

[ICEMANPAD]

OK...I'll put my story in here too. I had (emphasize HAD) fibroids. Completely miserable periods where I would soak through a super+ tampax and a pad in less than an hour with tons of cramps, back pain combined with being a stark raving maniac! So I went to my GYN. We went through all the options and I decided on a laprascopic supracervial hysterectomy -- which in english means that all I lost was the uterus, I kept the cervix and the ovaries. So here I am, nearly 1 year later and I will tell you it is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself!!!! No periods, no fibroids, no birth control, no more pain, no more stark raving maniac!!!!

The thought of surgery was a bit scary. I asked tons of questions and then (through a google search) I found a website where I could watch the procedure being done and that (oddly) comforted me. So, I had my surgery done last Veteran's Day. I was in and out of surgery and recovery in 2 hours and was walking around in my room about an hour after I got up from recovery. I was in the hospital overnight, discharged the next day, off work for 3 weeks -- though I could have gone back in about 2 to 3 days.

Now, I know every woman is different -- lord knows that my pain tolerance is not "high" (I whine about my mammograms hurting like crazy), but the hysterectomy was the best thing I have ever done.

Your experience may be different, but don't automatically rule anything in or out and don't let things scare you. Research them until you feel comfortable and then go forward with the option you feel is best for you.

Karen

Hi Karen-

I just found out this afternoon that I need to have this exact same procedure. Obviously, I am extremely nervous. The only surgery I have ever had was a c-section delivery. It is comforting to know that one of my dis friends has had the same procedure and has had positive results!!

Lisa

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

I wondered why my PMS largely went away after my hysterectomy. The best answer I got was from my GYN's nurse who had the same procedure done as me and had the same result. Her answer was that with my PMS I had bloat, cramps and a general feeling of being "unwell." With the uterus gone, I didn't have the bloat anymore, I didn't have the cramps and most of the "unwell" feeling was gone -- which has affected both my mood and ability to cope with stresses.

Remember, PMS is multi-symptomatic. Being a stark raving maniac is only one of the symptoms (and not all women suffer from the maniac-I-could-kill-every-man-I-see issue). Some may only have acne, bloat, cramps, etc. Some may get the weepies (I didn't get this one). It makes sense to me that if you get rid of the organ that is creating many of the problems that the others don't seem as severe or maybe just go away. (My DH says that the maniac portion ran and hid for fear of being removed next ! After I got done rolling my eyes at him, I assured him that there were other things in my life that could be considered for removal as well so maybe that maniac still lives somewhere inside...lurking....bwah ha ha!)

My GYN agrees that it makes sense and agreed that he sees the same thing in many women who have this procedure done. Unfortunately since not a lot is really known about WHY some women suffer from PMS (and some don't), there isn't much research out there to give us a pin-point answer.

Believe me, as someone who was always that kid who asked WHY and drove my mom nuts I'd love a better answer -- so if you find one, please do share!

Karen

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Hi Karen-

I just found out this afternoon that I need to have this exact same procedure. Obviously, I am extremely nervous. The only surgery I have ever had was a c-section delivery. It is comforting to know that one of my dis friends has had the same procedure and has had positive results!!

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

It was easy and relatively painless. I had 5 small incisions (1 in my belly-button, 3 on the left side -- one low, one medium and a tiny one higher up above belly button, and 1 on the right). The longest is probably an inch long...and the smallest was about 3 millimeters! The biggest PITA was that I had to be at the hospital at 5 am and I'm not a morning person at all! Actually, I was probably a bigger PITA to the nurses since an hour after getting into my room I was feeling just fine. So fine that I wanted to get up, move around, get my catheter and IV out right now! (Steve says I'm a horrible patient...I tell him that I'm just assertive -- LOL!).

I was off from work for about 3 weeks but I was up vacuuming the house a week later! I will tell you that either day 4 or 5 was the toughest for me -- though not pain wise -- I never had much of that.

On day 4 or 5 I decided I was feeling so OK that I would go to our local Sam's Warehouse to go shopping. By the end of the shopping trip I was walking like a little old lady --shuffling my feet and moving like a snail. I was so awfully tired that I went home and slept for about 2 hours!

It's a bit scary when your GYN says hysterectomy. I remember my mom having one and hers was the old fashioned complete cut across the tummy kind. I was sure I didn't want one of those. But when my GYN told me how he would do it and told me what "average" recovery periods were like, I felt better. He also told me that I could do it at any time -- it wasn't an emergency and that when I got to the "I've completely had it stage," I'd know it and he would schedule surgery for me as soon as I called. Well, he was right. It took me another 6 months to decide to just get it over with (along with an embarrassing episode involving an unexpected monthly visitor appearing with a whoosh while meeting with the Dean and Vice-Dean and my leaving the chair -- which thank goodness was wood -- a complete mess as I hurried from his office praying that I wasn't leaving an unpleasant trail following me down the hall). Sorry, maybe TMI but that's how bad I stupidly let it get.

Now...well it's awesome! No BC...no worrying about supplies on vacation and do I have enough and when will my visitor strike. No more feeling awful...no more maniac loose in my house...no more pain, bloat, cramps, backache, joint pain, etc.

If you have any questions, let me know. I know that every person's experience is different! Just make sure you have all your burning questions answered and that you feel comfortable with your decision (and don't let it wait too long like I did...I still don't know why I did :!)

Karen

 

[JessicaR]

I wondered why my PMS largely went away after my hysterectomy. The best answer I got was from my GYN's nurse who had the same procedure done as me and had the same result. Her answer was that with my PMS I had bloat, cramps and a general feeling of being "unwell." With the uterus gone, I didn't have the bloat anymore, I didn't have the cramps and most of the "unwell" feeling was gone -- which has affected both my mood and ability to cope with stresses.

Remember, PMS is multi-symptomatic. Being a stark raving maniac is only one of the symptoms (and not all women suffer from the maniac-I-could-kill-every-man-I-see issue). Some may only have acne, bloat, cramps, etc. Some may get the weepies (I didn't get this one). It makes sense to me that if you get rid of the organ that is creating many of the problems that the others don't seem as severe or maybe just go away. (My DH says that the maniac portion ran and hid for fear of being removed next ! After I got done rolling my eyes at him, I assured him that there were other things in my life that could be considered for removal as well so maybe that maniac still lives somewhere inside...lurking....bwah ha ha!)

My GYN agrees that it makes sense and agreed that he sees the same thing in many women who have this procedure done. Unfortunately since not a lot is really known about WHY some women suffer from PMS (and some don't), there isn't much research out there to give us a pin-point answer.

Believe me, as someone who was always that kid who asked WHY and drove my mom nuts I'd love a better answer -- so if you find one, please do share!

Karen

This makes perfect sense. It's also the answer my doctor gave me but hearing it from you, that has experienced it is more comforting. I'm that same 'why' kid that never outgrew it. I guess overall I will be happier mentally when all the horrible physical symptoms are absent. I hadn't even thought about vacations and no more worry! woo hoo. I'm hoping my husband no longer has to circle the calendar every month.

Thanks so much for the post!

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Karen-

Thanks for all of the helpful information!! When the Dr. explained yesterday that the surgery was through the belly button...it seemed a little odd. Your explanation of the incisions makes much more sense!! Well, I am definitely not waiting to move forward at this point...my consultation with the surgeon is tomorrow afternoon!!

Lisa

 

[decaff38]

I had the emblasion 3 years ago. I was unable to work because I bled everyday for a month. I had it done out patient and went home by 1pm. I rested that day and the next and went back to work the following day. I have not had a period since. i am 51. Easiest thing I've ever done!! for me!!

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Karen-

Thanks for all of the helpful information!! When the Dr. explained yesterday that the surgery was through the belly button...it seemed a little odd. Your explanation of the incisions makes much more sense!! Well, I am definitely not waiting to move forward at this point...my consultation with the surgeon is tomorrow afternoon!!

Lisa

Take care and let me know if I can do anything to help.

Karen

 

[IDoDis]

Am I the only one who has had fibroids for at least 13 years (that much for sure but, maybe longer) and have not had issues with them? I'm 45 now and there are no symptoms bothering me. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, they were smooshing the the water sac in the early ultrasound pictures! My OB said the fibroids were the size of a 50 cent piece 10 years ago.

I use a Diva Cup so I know how much blood I'm losing each month which is well within the normal range (2 to 3 ounces tops). I only get mild cramps on the first day and only have to take one Advil to get rid of them. I have not experienced any unexplained weight gain, either (I've actually lost a few pounds over the last 3 years).

Will things get worse in a few more years or do some people have them forever without any problems?

 

[Octoberbride03]

I have them and the Dr has been concerned with the size. He did another pelvic today and also an ultrasound. He showed me that I have one on each side and one is the size of a grapefruit and the other a little smaller. I am to go back in 4 months and he will measure again and then we will discuss our "options".

Does anyone have any experience with this and what "options" did you take?

I am 47 (48 in April) if that makes a difference.

Without reading anybody else's replies, yes I have experience with fibroids. I surgery to remove my 1 rather large fibroid 2 yrs ago. It was the size of a pineapple if i remember correctly. My Dr. did not want to wait and I had it removed asap. I really would not want to be waiting 4 more months. I was 34 when i had my surgery, but if I were you I'd push to have it resolved now.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Am I the only one who has had fibroids for at least 13 years (that much for sure but, maybe longer) and have not had issues with them? I'm 45 now and there are no symptoms bothering me. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, they were smooshing the the water sac in the early ultrasound pictures! My OB said the fibroids were the size of a 50 cent piece 10 years ago.

I use a Diva Cup so I know how much blood I'm losing each month which is well within the normal range (2 to 3 ounces tops). I only get mild cramps on the first day and only have to take one Advil to get rid of them. I have not experienced any unexplained weight gain, either (I've actually lost a few pounds over the last 3 years).

Will things get worse in a few more years or do some people have them forever without any problems?

Lucky you, I didn't realize that most of my cramping was from my fibroids and not my normal menstrual cycle. Since i used pads and tampons b4 the surgery I actually have no idea how blood I was losing each month though I seem to lose less now, and my pd goes a lot quicker since i switched to the cup. If they don't bother you that's great.

 

[Took]

I just found out I had a uterine fibroid tumor in December.
I was getting the Essure birth control process done which involves putting coils in each fallopian tube. The Dr was unable to get one side in and it turns out a big tumor was in the uterus.
I had an outpatient procedure to remove the tumor on a Saturday. The next Friday (only 6 days later) we tried the Essure again and the Dr said the fibroid tumor was already trying to grow back.
We discussed options and as I am 43 and want no more children (or a period for that matter) we decided on a partial hysterectomy. The ovaries stay intact but cervix and uterus were removed.
I really struggled because it was not technically critical for me to have the hysterectomy and if something went wrong I would feel terrible. I was not having miserable periods but they were heavier.
Well 4 weeks ago today I had the hysterectomy. It was done laproscipally and was EXTREMELY easy!
I was actually intibated (put on a ventilator) and catherized but both were done after I was asleep.
I woke up 3 1/2 hours later not in pain but very restless. I just could not get comfortable. They gave me something a couple of hours later that made me sleep for 3 hours. I woke up feeling perfectly fine.
I went home the next morning and have felt great ever since. I have not taken so much as an aspirin since I left the hospital.
I still cannot lift more than 4 pound which is a huge inconvenience but I could drive after 2 weeks.
I am sooooo very happy I had the hysterectomy. I feel so free not having any birth control or periods!

I had a TAH 2 years ago, too, because of repeated cysts and endo. I had also had a large fibroid removed 10 years before. I agree with your final statement here completely. So happy to have had the hysterectomy. Wheeee!

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Take care and let me know if I can do anything to help.

Karen

Thanks Karen!

I had my consult w/ the surgeon today. She did another internal ultrasound and said surgery is my only option. The fibroid tumor is too large and is attached to the uterine wall. As a result, it cannot be removed w/o removing the uterus. However, she is soooo incredibly busy that my surgery date is 12/29/09. What a way to end the year!! Also, she informed me that my symptoms will continue until my surgery date. There is no way to stop the bleeding. I am on a wait list in case an earlier date opens up.

End result, uterine fibroid tumors are a real pain!!

Lisa

 

[Simba's Mom]

Does anyone else find it strange that they always compare them to fruit?

Not always. My dr.said mine were the size of small soccer balls (DH was his DS's soccer coach). I looked 4 months pregnant, not a good look for someone in their mid-50's. Three months ago I had a hysterectomy, bikini abdominal cut. So glad I chose this option.

 

[Took]

I had an abdominal hysterectomy at the age of 44. It was the best thing I ever did and should have done it years earlier. I remember the pathology report saying I had 16 fibroids and 1 cyst. Good luck in whatever you decide!

I had a similar experience. I had one myomectomy, later had lap. surgery to deal with a cyst, and finally just "gave up." I am soooo happy I did. I don't regret my hysterectomy a bit.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Thanks Karen!

I had my consult w/ the surgeon today. She did another internal ultrasound and said surgery is my only option. The fibroid tumor is too large and is attached to the uterine wall. As a result, it cannot be removed w/o removing the uterus. However, she is soooo incredibly busy that my surgery date is 12/29/09. What a way to end the year!! Also, she informed me that my symptoms will continue until my surgery date. There is no way to stop the bleeding. I am on a wait list in case an earlier date opens up.

End result, uterine fibroid tumors are a real pain!!

Lisa

Lisa and all,

Yes, they are a real pain! Sorry for everything you are going through. The good news is that you will start the New Year off right! I hope they can give you an earlier surgery date...though not close to your trip! Toward the end of my battles, I gave up on "traditional" female supplies and went with a disposable menstrual cup called Instead. It allowed me to monitor the blood loss and was easier on me than tampons combined with pads. Even on my worst days (other than the one in the Dean's office where I was surprised ) I had little to no leaks and was even able to swim.

To all who are experiencing this lovely problem, my best advice is to ask your doctor every question you need to feel comfortable with the procedure you are choosing. I know I got to the "let's get it over with" stage and now, in retrospect, I wonder why I waited so miserably long to have something (in my case a hysterectomy) done.

Take care,

Karen

 

[Tigger1]

I am about 4 years from the typical menapause age. I am debating on removing the fibroids or just hoping the will shrink. My doctor said combined they are about the size of a large grapefruit. I dont think I look that big though. I did google pictures and saw just how ugly they look. If i would have seen these pics 5 years age I would have done something then.

From what I have read they can shrink at menapause, but my doctor said that some women will keep having bleeding.

I would rather not have a full hyst because of my low bone density problem I do not want to have to be on medication for that until I have to as my dentist said the he has seen tooth root problems caused by the medications used for low bone density.
If I do have a hyst what is the recovery time? My daughter is getting married in May and I thought that a couple weeks before the wedding might be a good time to take off work for the hyst

 

[ICEMANPAD]

According to my surgeon, the procedure I am having will only involve the removal of the uterus. As a result, she is able to do it via laproscopic surgery. There are 2 incisions--one on each side of the belly button and a camera in the belly button. The instruments are placed in the incisions, the fibroid and uterus are broken apart and removed.

I will need to be out of work for 2 weeks, according to the Dr.

Lisa

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am about 4 years from the typical menapause age. I am debating on removing the fibroids or just hoping the will shrink. My doctor said combined they are about the size of a large grapefruit. I dont think I look that big though. I did google pictures and saw just how ugly they look. If i would have seen these pics 5 years age I would have done something then.

From what I have read they can shrink at menapause, but my doctor said that some women will keep having bleeding.

I would rather not have a full hyst because of my low bone density problem I do not want to have to be on medication for that until I have to as my dentist said the he has seen tooth root problems caused by the medications used for low bone density.
If I do have a hyst what is the recovery time? My daughter is getting married in May and I thought that a couple weeks before the wedding might be a good time to take off work for the hyst

Everyone thinks fibroids shrink at menopause. But you're right-the key word is CAN. I'm here to tell you (looking at my recent hysterectomy scar) that that doesn't always happen.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

According to my surgeon, the procedure I am having will only involve the removal of the uterus. As a result, she is able to do it via laproscopic surgery. There are 2 incisions--one on each side of the belly button and a camera in the belly button. The instruments are placed in the incisions, the fibroid and uterus are broken apart and removed.

I will need to be out of work for 2 weeks, according to the Dr.

Lisa

Lisa (and all),

Be aware that they make a few more small incisions -- an inch or less -- to look at other places if they are concerned about endometriosis along with fibroids or if they need to look closer at something.

I had a total of 5 -- 2 low left, 1 high left, 1 in belly button and 1 mid-right.

It is an easy recovery -- though you may feel tired from about day 4 or 5 to day 11 or 12.

Karen

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Karen-

Thanks for the info!! I appreciate it!!

You are correct...if an earlier date opens up and it conflicts w/ Thanksgiving...then the surgery will have to wait for December!!!

Lisa