Uterine Fibroids - update #2 post #46

[AndreaDM]

Those that had a hysterectomy. Was that the first step or did you try other treatments first?

I’m done having babies and within a few years of menopause. So a hysterectomy wouldn’t be devastating.

I had my follow up appointment today for my ultrasound results.

I have one small fibroid and a possible polyp. But the most concerning thing is that my uterine lining is abnormally thick. They did in biopsy today. Results won't be back for 7 - 10 days.

I had the same thing about a year ago, I was getting ready to start a new job and really didn't want to deal with a hysterectomy at that time so I had a d&c and that seemed to do the trick. He did tell me it was probably a temporary solution and I'd have to have a hysterectomy at some point, but so far so good.

 

[disneychrista]

I had the same thing about a year ago, I was getting ready to start a new job and really didn't want to deal with a hysterectomy at that time so I had a d&c and that seemed to do the trick. He did tell me it was probably a temporary solution and I'd have to have a hysterectomy at some point, but so far so good.

Everything I’ve read most of the non-hysterectomy solutions for all these can be/are temporary. Hysterectomy seems to be the only for sure permanent solution. I think the only reason he didn’t just jump to hysterectomy is he needs to know if we are dealing with the big C or not.

I’m not stressing too much about it. I will deal with whatever the results may reveal when the time comes. But I will continue to research and be prepared for all possible outcomes and options.

 

[Moliphino]

I just went for my annual woman appointment and the doctor is concerned that my uterus felt enlarged. He suspects fibroids and is sending me for an ultrasound. If you have any experience with fibroids what were yous symptoms? What treatments did were you given?

My only symptom is heavy & prolonged bleeding, which I've had for years so it wasn't anything of concern for me.

I had a 7 week long period that landed me in the hospital for blood transfusions a few years ago. They suspected fibroids at first and told me I'd probably need a D&C, but ultrasounds didn't actually show any. My ovaries are apparently twisted around weirdly, though, which was why it felt odd on a physical examination. They never did determine what caused the heavy bleeding, either, just put me on birth control to prevent it from happening again.

 

[disneychrista]

I had a 7 week long period that landed me in the hospital for blood transfusions a few years ago. They suspected fibroids at first and told me I'd probably need a D&C, but ultrasounds didn't actually show any. My ovaries are apparently twisted around weirdly, though, which was why it felt odd on a physical examination. They never did determine what caused the heavy bleeding, either, just put me on birth control to prevent it from happening again.

I actually thought the cause of my bleeding WAS birth control related. I had started the mini-pill (progesterone only pill) about 4 weeks before the bleeding started.

 

[CGB]

I discovered I had fibroids at 48. I began experiencing some abnormal erratic and heavy bleeding, but thought it was perimenopausal related. I ended up in the hospital (after an emergency room visit) and fibroids were discovered. They were small, but located next to my uterine artery which resulted in four transfusions due to the blood loss (which the docs struggled to stop). Everyone was talking hysterectomy. Fortunately, a young female gynecologist showed up, pulled up a chair, and said "tell me everything that's happened." Afterwards, she told me I was a perfect candidate for a Uterine Artery Embolization. I was close to menopause (within 10 years) and didn't want any more children. The procedure was minimally invasive; basically they went through my groin artery to block my uterine artery from blood flow. Once the plan was a go, I was released from my 5-day hospital stay and returned the following morning for the procedure (which was done by a interventional radiologist). I stayed in the hospital another night so I could be monitored. It was painful (major cramping) but it improved quickly and I was at work three days later. It fixed my problem. At 51, I'm now in menopause with absolutely no issues.

After that experience, I did a lot of my own research into fibroids and estrogen dominance. I made a lot of changes to eliminate endocrine disruptors from our environment. I was amazed at the difference it made. My daughter has followed my lead so hopefully she'll be spared the problem. I wish you good luck with your test results, DisneyChrista.

 

[disneychrista]

Got my biopsy results today and everything was good. No cancer, no pre-cancer, no evidence of a polyp. I have a follow up appointment in three months to see if there is any changes or if any further testing needs to be done.

 

[DebbieB]

I had a similiar experience. I was in my mid 40’s and was having heavy periods. I had ultrasounds 2 or 3 times and biopsies twice. My doctor was going to do an ablation but I had to have an ultrasound first. The ultrasound showed they were a little smaller and I hadn’t had a period in a couple months. So we decided to wait. Turned out I went into menopause (age 52) and never had to get it done.

 

[TCRAIG]

My gynecologist and I discussed the possibility of an endometrial ablation. This is what she told me. (Which could differ from others’ experiences, just putting that out there.) She said it required an overnight hospital stay for pain management (which is interesting given the hysterectomy - and in my case, additional oopherectomy, salpingectomy, trachelectomy, and cystoscopy - was an outpatient procedure!), doesn’t always stop the pain and bleeding, and many people wind up later with a hysterectomy and wish they just did that in the first place. I also know for sure that in my case of having severe adenomyosis, it wouldn’t have helped that, as the tissue abnormalities were very deep. So I’m glad I did the hysterectomy. It sounds like for some, though, the ablation has been a good procedure. If I had it to do over again, when experiencing severe pain and bleeding issues, I would ask about the possibility of adenomyosis. The problem is that it is not always able to be diagnosed before the uterus is taken out and tissue studied - it’s not always picked up on studies like CT scan or MRI. As I said before, I didn’t know I had it until after the surgery. Just adding that for anyone who might be having these issues as things to look into. Good luck to everyone, these are tough issues to deal with.

Not me - woke up in recovery after my ablation- they said I couldn’t go home til I could pee - got out of bed and toddled over to the bathroom dragging my IV drip with me and peed - put my clothes on and walked outta the hospital…never had any pain nor bleeding.

 

[HeatherC]

So glad to hear the good news Christa!! Hope you are feeling good.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Good news, Christa! Glad to read it.

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm sure that was a big relief for you, Christa. Thanks for the update. :

 

[prairie_girl]

Great news!

 

[MonSmi]

Found a fibroma. My doctor advises to see a specialist of fibroids. Does anyone know a fibroma specialist in Atlanta where insurance will cover the cost? Sorry for my bad english.

 

[MonSmi]

Has anyone been treated by Dr. John S. Lipman? What can you say about insurance? On this website of his clinic atlii.com, I did not find information about insurance. Need advice please.

 

[SirDuff]

Has anyone been treated by Dr. John S. Lipman? What can you say about insurance? On this website of his clinic atlii.com, I did not find information about insurance. Need advice please.

I advise you to call either that doctor's office or your insurance company. Good luck.

 

[MonSmi]

I advise you to call either that doctor's office or your insurance company. Good luck.

Thanks. My English is very bad. And it's very difficult for me to talk on the phone. That's why I want to know everything before the call.

 

[SirDuff]

Thanks. My English is very bad. And it's very difficult for me to talk on the phone. That's why I want to know everything before the call.

Unfortunately, a Disney message board is unlikely to be able to provide details about a specific practitioner and your specific insurance. I mean, it's possible that there is someone here with your insurance who has seen that practitioner, but very unlikely. Maybe check your insurance's website? I know mine had a search function to look up providers and if/how they are covered.

 

[MonSmi]

Maybe check your insurance's website? I know mine had a search function to look up providers and if/how they are covered.

thanks. I'll ask my husband about insurance's and look for information.

 

[knowledgeland]

While fibroids are generally benign growths, their size, and location can significantly impact an individual's health and quality of life. Large fibroids, in particular, can cause a variety of symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on surrounding organs.

 

[Dan Murphy]

While fibroids are generally benign growths, their size, and location can significantly impact an individual's health and quality of life. Large fibroids, in particular, can cause a variety of symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on surrounding organs.

This thread is quite a bit above my pay grade here, but did want to welcome you to the dis, KL.