Supracervical Hysterectomy vs Myomectomy ??

Please I need help.
I have been suffering with very heavy uterine bleeding
due to fibroids ( approx. 9 x 7 cm, Intramural) for the last 9 months.I thought things were under control, Ive been taking a form of progesterone for the last 8 months with good success, the bleeding stopped and periods were livable
until a few days ago, the medication seems not to be working and the heavy bleeding is back. My Dr. ( and the last 2 before her) all give me only one alternative, Hysterectomy (uterus only)no one seems to do Myomectomy's in my area. I am 47 and do not want children but I
don't want a hysterectomy. I have read so many negative
things about it but I'm just so tired of trying to find
a Dr. that can do a Myomectomy. Can anyone tell me, pls.
Is it really true that a Myomectomy is a much harder
surgery ( on the patient) than Hysterectomy? Should I
just have a Hysterectomy. I'm so scared, I'm living
in a foreign country and communication and information
is really hard to come by. Now I have to do something
soon. If I have the Myomectomy, I will have to fly
back to the US and this is difficult for me.
I really need some support. Thank you to anyone that
can give me some info.

I too am a fibroid sufferer. I have done a lot of research and have discovered that fibroid removal (myomectomy) IS considered a speciality, and you need a surgon with greater skill and experience. When I was weighing the possiblity of removal vs hyst, it was actually an infertility specialist I had to see to discuss the procedure, do you have any in your area? Yours sounds like a pretty big fibroid. If an abominal removal is necessary the hospital stay and recovery are similar to a hyst. You say you have heard bad things about having a hyst, is this from people with experience, DRs? I think there are a lot of misconceptions about this. I choose to have a hyst (scheduled 2/7) because of the similar recovery time, the fact I would probably have to have an ablation as a separate procedure and the 50% re-growth rate of the fiborid (especially since mine is in the lining and they definitely would not be able to "get it all"). I think the best thing if for you to be informed about ALL procedures available and decide with an open mind what is right for you. Good luck, I know it is a difficult road to travel.

Dear Linda,

This is a tough decision. My heart goes out to you.

After much research and soul-searching on the subject and options, I decided to have a supracervical hysterectomy. I believed that given the size, quantity, location and types of fibroids that I had, and the possibility that some would be missed and grow larger, that I would be risking having to have another surgery. And I didn't want to go through the surgery only to have partial relief from my symptoms. (Before surgery, my uterus with fibroids was sized "19-20 weeks"; I went on Lupron for 2 months prior surgery to shrink them so I could have a horizontal incision.

I did not want children, but, I also did not want a hysterectomy...but (eventually) I did decide that it was the best thing for me to do.

I just did a quick search on 'myomectomy vs. hysterectomy' (using google.com) and came up with a pile of references. There's a gal who is writing a book (sex, lies, and uterine fibroids) she has a pile of references on your question. (she opted for a uterine artery embolization.)

Some book references that I found helpful:
*I'm Too Young to Get Old, Judith Reichman, MD
*Fibroids, Johanna Skilling (she was going to have a myomectomy, then canceled. Apparently, she did so much research she had to write a book. see http://www.fibroidguide.com to see chapter outline)
*Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, Christiane Northrup, MD
*Fibroid Tumors & Endometriosis Self Help Book, Susan Lark, MD

I recommend Skilling's book alot because it was recently published and she has a pretty good overview of a women's options and good references in the back.

Feel free to ask more questions. I'm only 3 weeks post-op, but I'll do my best.

Best wishes to you, Carolyn

Hi Pamela & Carolyn

Thank you so much for your reply's.
I appreciate your info and support!
Pamela, most of my info has been from books
the internet & HERS foundation. Its all so confusing
and the Dr's I've been to just think I should not
question their opinion plus they just don't give me
answers to my questions.
Carolyn, thanks for the book references, they
were great sources of info.
I'm still undecided what I'm going to do, but
the more info I get the easier I think it will be.
May I ask what your age is?
I really don't want a Hysterectomy and would prefer
a Myomectomy, but like you am afraid that I might
have to go thru it again, but since I'm 47, I'm thinking
my chances would be slim that they would return?
What do you think?
Thanks girls, I really appreciate your input.
Brgds, Linda

Dear Linda,

In my pre-op days, I was also searching for options to address my prolapsed uterus.

Here is a website of a doc who does pelvic reconstruction (as well as myomectomies). I sent email to him, and he replied quickly, then called me on the phone to discuss my options. Perhaps he can recommend someone in your area.

Dr. West

Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU!

Sending cyberhugs

Hi Linda,

I hardly get a chance to post anymore, but happened on your question today. I had a supracervical lap hyst due to large fibroids in July of last year. Every single change I've gone through since that time has been positive: no more heavy bleeding (I do have a tiny period since I have a cervix and ovaries), no more pain, no more back pain, no more worries about scheduling vacations, trips, or anything else, no more bladder pressure and need to pee 5 times a night, no more bulging tummy. I'm sure there's more, but frankly, most of the time I simply have forgotten that I had a hyst.

I, too, unfortunately visited the HERS site. I acutally had them send me info, which was insulting, degrading, and entirely one-sided. They scared me to death. I had five second opinions before I found my wonderful surgeon. EVERY doctor I spoke with, and several other health professionals (OB nurses) said that myoectomies were more difficult and often had more bleeding. And new fibroids often appear. I am SO GLAD I found this site, did my homework, and picked the best doctor for me. Oddly enough, the only doctor in my area that the HERS foundation recommended ended up being the assistant surgeon. (Their advice was "go see him for surgery but not for advice."!!)

Here you'll get all kinds of opinions and actually hear from women who have gone through a variety of experiences - both good and bad. We are all different, and need to make our own decisions. Best of luck in making yours, and let us know how you do.

Dixie Tracy, Fibroid Investigator
SLH 7/11/00

Linda, as a followup, I had my TVH on 2/7, my fibroid was grapefruit sized and my uterus was very enlarged - up to this point I was told the fibroid was small. However, I FEEL WONDERFUL, I have LESS pain, pressure, and no bleeding - I feel like I have a new lease on life. So again - get informed, find a doctor you feel comfortable with and make YOUR choice I hope you have the same good results I did.

Hi Linda,

I'm 41. Today I'm 5 weeks post-op and feeling pretty good. Do you know when your mom went into menopause? That might help you in your decision.

Carolyn

Menopause is not a guarantee that fibroids will shrink or not grow. My sister knows someone who is over 60 who has to have a hysterectomy because her fibroids will not stop growing. Sometimes the body continues to put out small amounts of estrogen after menopause: good for your bones, bad for fibroids. It's such a tough decision to make. I agonized for over 8 months but I am scheduled for a TAH on March 1. I am not happy with the idea. I feel trapped. But the other methods have their downfalls too. You just read all you can, make your decision, and hope it's the right one for you. Oh, and coming to this site for support is a MUST!

hav2ride...wow, that's interesting to hear. i had heard the fibroids would *probably* shrink after menopause, but when I researched further and asked my doctor, it sounded like they might shrink by half. That was discouraging enough for me.