What's the alternative? Need Help

My doctor and I recently discussed the Uterine Artery Embolization procedure as a possible answer to my problem instead of a hyst. I have seen the procedure on pictures, but don't know of anyone who has had it done. It definitely looks a little painful, but I'm already in pain. Has anyone had this procedure done and what has the outcome been? What was the after effects? How long was the down time? I have questions, but I don't need the clinical response, I need the human response from the experience. Going for an MRI on Friday to determine if I'm a candidate. Can someone answer any of my questions?

Dear ginger:

Here is a link to the fibroid section of our Resources Directory, where you can find lots of info on fibroid treatment options:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=26

Be sure to check out www.thefibroidplace.com

There are Yahoo groups for both uterine fibroids and UFE (or UAE). The address for the first one may be a simple as uterinefibroida@yahoo.com. I'm sorry that I don't recall for sure. Maybe you can Google it and find them. That's how I came across both groups when I was researching my options.

The UFE group has just what you want: scores, if not hundreds, of women sharing their personal experiences with the procedure. The majority of them seemed pretty content with the process.

Best of luck as you make your decision. It's a tough process.

Ginger:

I looked at UFE/UAE and found out two things that bothered me about it.

Radiation
It's done by a radiologist not a gyno

I've heard horror stories that the radiation can spread and damage surrounding tissues. I think I'm going to have HALT done by Dr. Lee in Ca. Check out the web site www.haltfibroids.com.

Take care!