New & trying to decide..

Hi,
I'm new here but it seems like a wonderful site with valuable information. I'm 38 and have fibroids - about 18 week size. They don't cause me heavy bleeding with my periods or anything. I actually didn't even get one this month and although I think I'm way to young for menopause, my Dr. said it was more than likely the case that my ovaries were slowing down anyway. Anything over 38 is possible for that.
They do cause a lot of bladder problems though and one of them is blocking my cervix. My Dr. wants me to try 4 months of Lupron to shrink them a bit and then I have to decide wheter I just want to remove them or go with the hysterectomy.
I am having a hard time deciding as I'm not sure I want to completely shut that door yet. Has anyone just had theirs removed? And if so, what was your experience with it? I have heard it is possible they will reoccur. I haven't had my MRI yet and I still need to get a 2nd opinion. Any insite would be helpful.
Thanks!

Dear chelle:

Here is a link to the fibroid information in our Resources Directory: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=26 www.thefibroidplace.com is a good website also.

Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Take it from someone who wishes she were told all the options five years ago. I, too, had fibroids. I was about 48 when my doctor tried one set of Lupron for the pain, etc. and then recommended that, since I was probably not going to have children at that age, I might as well have a total hys. Boy am I sorry now. There is so much information out there....really..really think about it before you do anything. I believe the only reason that you should have a hys is for cancer. There are other options....don't make the mistake I did.

Wishing you well,

Stephanie

Hi Chelle,

I had success with lupron. I did (3) months of shots to shrink my fibroids for a less evasive hyst.

My 1st Dr. wanted to do a TAH, due to the size of my fibroids. I decided to get a 2nd opinion and he suggested the lupron with a LSH. Yes, the lupron caused chemical menopause but it got me to my LSH, so I always kept that in mind. Since right before my surgery, the side effects of lupron have worn off.

I am very, very pleased with my surgery results!! I also kept my ovaries and cervix, which I really wanted to do, if I was a candidate.

My 1st and 2nd Drs. gave me an option of a myomectomy, where the fibroids are removed only. They both advised me that there was a high % that my fibroids would grow back and I was too far out from menopause for it to help.

My sister had a myomectomy 14 years ago, before she had kids and it was very successful. No regrowth. I just felt that I was 46, past child bearing years and I did not want to go through a 2nd surgery if the fibroids grew back.

Also, in deciding on surgery, I looked at my health with fibroids. I was tired and run down a lot. Now, I have my health and energy back, no more aunt flow's and no more b.c. My LSH is one of the best things I ever did!!

You will get different opinions on lupron and even on having a hyst. When it comes down to the final decision, do what is right for you.

Good Luck.

I'm 4 1/2 weeks post-op and really glad I had the surgery (kept cervix and one ovary, bikini incision. I had a 15.5 cm fibroid, about the size of a canteloup). I didn't realize how much I'd been putting up with until it was instantly better, especially the urinary incontinence. From day 1 after surgery I've been able to control my bladder, something I couldn't do for two or three years before. I still have some abdominal pain, but at no time after surgery was the pain any worse than what I'd been putting up with for years. Amazing. My anemia is gone and I have more energy than I have in a long time. I'm back to hiking and dancing. Sex is *much* more comfortable. The only downside is that orgasms are a bit disappointing, but I'm hoping that once my poor abdominal muscles are healed up that will get better.

It took me 2 1/2 years to make the decision; I didn't rush into it. The little fairy tale in my footer kind of tells the story.