Help!!! Need advice.

Wonderful site vey informative.
I am 35 with 2 children and do not wish to have any more my DH had a vas almost 5 years ago. My problems started about 4 years ago with abnormal paps CIN I, had cervical and endometrial biopses which also came back slightly abnormal, the Doc's just wanted to continue doing "test" until I finally said forget it I am not going back (not the smart thing to do). So now here I am 4 years later with another abnormal pap, abnormal cervical and endometrial biopses but not cancer. I aslo have severe anemia due to the heavy bleeding and clots (I am on 700 mg of Iron a day - of which I bleed right back out), ultrasound showed no fibroids but did show an enlarged uterus - that is very tender on exam and a very thick endometerial lining. Dr does not know the cause of the heavy bleeding, he referred me to a gyn specialist who specializes in endo ablation who said that ablation may or may not work but that is what he recommened, I really felt that he was pushing me into somthing that I did not want - I went in wanting a VH leaving the ovaries - SOOOO TIRED of Being TIRED!!! He told me that he could not do a VH until my blood was up higher because if I had any substantial blood loss I would have to have a transfusion - but if I am bleeding it back out each month then what?? I also have 2 masses in my right breast which have to be removed and I wanted it all done at the same time. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
Angela C.

Have any of the DR's you've seen tried using BCP's or some other treatment to stop the bleeding so you can build your iron back up? At 700mg/day you aren't losing it all.

Have you considered a second opinion? Or call the DR's office and ask if they can give you something to try to stop the bleeding.

Best wishes!

Angela:

I am with mlw, haven't they discussed other alternatives for trying stopping the amount of blood loss??? Maybe another opinion might help even if it's the third it doesn't hurt to have another voice confirm or give other options to help you make a decision..

I was concerned when I read your post about having the surgeries together, what is your DR's opinion on this? Would he recommend one over the other at this point and is there as much concern about the blood loss with the breast surgery? A VH still requires alot of stitches and recovery.

Is there an urgency on the lumps-cancer concerns etc?? I had a breast lump biopsy with about a 1-1/2 incision and was a lot more sore then what I thought, the lump was benign and very small. The other issue was that I had limitations on the arm on the side I had it done. I believe it would be difficult for you to protect your stomach muscles w/o being able to push up off the bed etc.

IMHO: I would discuss this thoroughly with each DR to help you make a wise choice, both together sound like a lot of stress on an already anemic body. Of course, I am not a medical professional and don't know your whole circumstance and whether urgency could be an issue.

Lots of s and ers to you dear,
DLK

I had been bleeding every day for a couple of months and passing huge clots. I asked the GYN if I needed to be taking iron pills and he said not necessary. After feeling funny/bad 12 days later I had to be taken to the ER straight out of school at 11:30 in the morning. After hours (of course) and an internal exam (why always an internal?) they determined I was severely anemic. They had to admit me and transfuse 5 pints of blood into me. I had my surgery on 6/4 and no problems at all.

So.... have they actually checked your iron level? Could you also be having the same problem. If they wait until your blood level is up and instead it continues to go down, there's more of a problem. Why not ask for your iron level to be checked to see exactly where you are. The transfusion saved my life.


TC

Hi Angela,
As a former endometrial ablasion patient - I would seek another opinion. With your history - it may be good to get another Doctor's point of view. My ablasion failed due to adenomyosis which no one knew was present until my periods came back 2 years later. I have read that up to 30% of ablation patients end up with a hyst within 5 years. I feel fortunate to have made it 8. My gyn told me too that ablasion is best done when a woman is in her mid-forties as it should last until menopause then. I did mine too young so when the periods came back I was miserable again. Unable to make it to menopause I am now 46 and scheduled for a TAH/BSO Wednesday. I wish I had done it when I had the ablasion instead. But, we make the best decisions we can when we have to.
This is just my opinion and I am not a doctor!!
Best of luck to you
Kat 4