Hi Sharon,
Yes, I was also on the pill to regulate the periods. We knew I had a fibroid. But after a short year on the pill, things changed quickly. My doctor became alarmed at the rate of growth and threw the C word around. After more testing, and feeling confident that there was no cancer, my doctor relaxed. Of course I had also stopped the pills. I ended up with that one fibroid on top of the uterus, only now much larger, and 3 more inside the walls. I have a 5th object they think is a dead fibroid just hanging around. The fibroids continued to grow slowly for another year or two but now have stablized. Perimenopause will also cause them to grow (imbalance of hormones).
The UAE option was not an option for me because both opinions said I had too many fibroids and a blood clotting factor. Because of this they were not willing to insert anything into an artery. Have you looked into this option?
The ablation option would not work for me because of the fibroids inside the uterus would interfer with the effectiveness of the procedure...have you looked into this option? All depends on the location of the fibroids. The new roller-ball ablation is suppose to be very successful.
I was also offered Lupron the drug to shrink endo and fibroids but said No to it. It is normally a short term drug used prior to a hysterectomy. My doctor has women on it for a year....and they love it. I did some research on it and I didn't like the side effects.
If your doctor thinks you have adeno then you have one more element to consider.....if you have it. Fibroids are little monsters and can cause terrific pain. I have break through bleeding or light spotting everyday with back aches, sometimes nausea, leg pain and cramping...last month I had 4 days with NO bleeding. The month before, I had 7 good days. I flood and pass large clots and have quit my job. I stay at home alot and carry a suitcase of pads with me when I do go out.
There are still other options to consider. Radio frequency ablation zaps a fibroid (dead) without surgery...and shrinks them down 50% in size. This is still in the experimental phase but very successful.
When I went on the pill...it took about 3 months for my symtoms to advance. When I stopped the pill the bleeding and the other symtoms let up some; but, I was left with an enlarged uterus and more larger fibroids so my periods will always be awful.
I've had my second opinions with NO pictures, only taking the written reports. Couldn't get the Ultra sound films...the gyns don't ask to see them either. I had all my tests; pelvic, pap, ultrasound, endobiopsy, bone scan, blood test, and then made my second opinion appointment about 4 weeks later. I believe the 2nd opinion doctor will use tests or tests results up to a few months...after that they cannot assure you much, as conditions can change rapidly. I hope this helps answer your question.
I will not have a hysterectomy because the doctors won't take the risk with my clotting factor and....because we've waited and watched so long now, that they are hoping menopause will correct everything. I'm 54....and menopause is not in sight!
Know that with endo or adeno your surgeon may want to take both ovaries. He may also not give you hormones for up to 6 months post surgery. Talk with him about this. Hormone therapy may encourage any specs of endo missed in the surgery to grow. Doctors differ on this...just find out ahead of time.
This is major surgery and should be your last option.
Many times, we can't even try some options as they are ruled out right away. Then it comes down to quality of life. Husbands say they understand....but no husband signs up for this. And...living life as a shut in, is not good. This will be your decision. Make your pros and cons list, get your second opinion, do your research and feel as good as you can about your decision and your surgeon.
Hang in there and best of luck to you,
Maralyn