Fibroids: Trying to decide my best option

Hi,

I am 51 and miscarried twin boys back in 1998 and was never able to get pregnant again.

I was diagnosed years ago with uterine fibroids that have never really bothered me until recently. I have been in perimenopause for several years and will go months without a period then get one for several days to a couple of weeks.

Last month (November) I started bleeding heavily on November 12 and with it came large clots and severe, labor pain like cramping.

My gynocologist said I could not be put on hormones to stop the bleeding since I had a blood clot in my left leg over 20 years ago.

I was put on 800 mg Ibruprofen for pain that took the edge off.

He put me on partial bed rest to get the bleeding to stop so I could have a saline ultrasound to "track" my fibroids.

Finally after 23 days, it stopped and the next day I had the ultrasound and a biopsy in his office. Afterward, the bleeding started again (not as heavy), along with the cramping (it had never stopped) and this morning, a small clot.

The ultrasound showed I had, in his words "more fibroids than I could count" and the opening to the uterus was "obliterated". He showed me the sonagram and pointed to a little black dot. That, he said, was all he could see inside my uterus. I was shocked.

He is a very kind and gentle man who listens to my concerns. He said he is not going to jump to performing a hysterectomy since now a days there are so many other options.

He wants to do a procedure to take out all he can of the fibroids but warned I would need more than one surgery but assures me he can get most of them with one. He also said I was "on the back side of menopause" and the rest would more than likely shrink.

My friends and family are all advising me to "just go ahead" and have my uterus removed. I only have one ovary and I would keep that.

However, he said medically, there is no reason at this point to remove my uterus when there are other treatments for fibroids. He said he would if I wanted that but there is another option.

I am torn as to what to do. Although I mourn the lost of my twins, I have had time to adjust to the fact that I will not be able to have children in this lifetime. But just the thought of me losing my uterus, upsets me greatly.

Do you have any advice? I really appreciate your time.

Thanks! ♥

Hello, Magic18.

It's hard to make a decision, isn't it?

My doctor recommended a hyst to me earlier this year, for fibroids that are causing bleeding issues. I was floored when he told me. I'd had an easy myomectomy last year and just assumed I'd have another one, so I wasn't prepared at all for his suggestion. I ended up scheduling the hyst and then cancelling because I wasn't emotionally ready. Everything happened so quickly, you know?

So, first thing is, just realize it takes time to process your emotions. Your body has started acting strangely, you've gotten shocking news about it, you're in pain, your family and doctor are giving you different opinions, all this is happening in a relatively short time ... it's a lot to think/feel about!

What, exactly, is your doctor recommending? It sounds like myomectomy, but how will he be doing it? Do you know what kind of fibroids you have? The one I had removed last year was a "pedunculated submucosal" fibroid, which means it was one that pointed into the uterine cavity and was on a stalk, so it was just a quick snip, so to speak. The location and type of fibroids you have will probably determine how "easy" it will be to remove them. Knowing this information may help you decide what to do.

I did see three doctors, in addition to my regular OBGYN, to get more information. That might be something for you to consider. Second opinions are good.

I didn't want to lose my uterus just yet, so I'm working through my options now. Every woman's different, though, in what she's willing to put up with. Make sure you have the information you need and give yourself a little time to process it. I think you'll come to realize what you want.

Good luck.

Hi! I feel your pain. I am 50 and was diagnosed with fibroids one year ago. I had heavy bleeding and clots but my blood work was fine. I decided to just live with heavy periods . I started yoga 6 months ago and was feeling amazing...two months ago my bleeding went out if control . 2 weeks at a time super heavy and large clots! I went back to my OB/GYN and this time was anemic. I was put on birth control pills for a month which stopped the bleeding, then when my pack was done I just had another heavy period but it is not as bad. I went and got my blood drawn today to see what my blood counts are. I have been taking iron and eting more iron rich foods . I have stopped excercising, become both depressed and anxious. My doctor is starting me on progesterone this month to see if it lightens my period. I have done a lot of research and feel that my best option is UFE. I am a single mom with a special needs daughter and 5 other kids at home. The thought of major surgery is beyond overwhelming . I am praying my anemia doesn't get worse and I can get through a few months on progesterone to give myself a break and time to talk to a radiologist about UFE. Thanks for listening! Please reply if you want to talk/vent 😜

Hi Ladies, thank you so much for your kind replies.

Well, I got the biopsy back today and the doc found cancer in my uterus. He said at this point, he thinks it is early and that's a good thing however he also said he won't know until he gets in there and it might be another story.

I am having surgery tomorrow at 5:00 pm.

According to the initial biopsy, the cancer is in the lining which can be removed by removing the uterus. Take that sucker out!

I'll keep you posted and thanks again! ♥

Hopefully he takes the fallopian tubes as well. I did not have cancer but my doctor recommended removing them because it has been shown to start there.

I'm sorry about the cancer finding. But, it did make the decision pretty easy.

Good luck with the surgery and recovery. I hope it all goes well!