Anyone had success with natural remedies to shrink fibroids?

Hi Sisters!

I'm sooooo glad I found this site. It's already been immensely helpful.

I'm scheduled for TAH or SAH (I still have to make that decision, and luckily my doctor is supportive of leaving in my cervix and ovaries if I choose to and they look healthy when he gets in there) on December 22, and I guess I'm getting nervous about it. I want to be sure I've checked out all my possibilities so I don't regret the surgery. I'm not a candidate for embolization due to how many fibroids I have (at least 10, and a uterus the size of a 14-week pregnancy). I'm not a candidate for a laproscopic procedure due to a previous myomectomy and the fear of adhesions.

In general, when faced with a health issues, I usually try natural remedies first, but the research I've done has mostly shown that fibroids as large as mine don't end up shrinking. Has anyone had successful experiences shrinking large fibroids with natural/herbal remedies?

Thank you in advance for any responses!

Beatriz

Hi Beatriz,

I had a hyst for fibroids...and boy...they sure are not fun!! :wowee: So I can understand some of what you are going through.

I do not have any ideas on natural remedies for helping with fibroids. When I was diagnosed with my fibroids, they measured the size of a 15-week pregnancy. I was not a good candidate either for a UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)...due to the size of my fibroids.

My 1st Dr. wanted to do a TAH. I decided to get a 2nd opinion and he suggested I do (3) months of lupron shots to shrink my fibroids enough for a laparoscopic hyst (LSH)...which is what I did. I am still very pleased with my hyst results.

You might check out lupron...if you have not already. Lupron does cause temporary chemical menopause...which can make fibroids shrink. I had hot flashes and night sweats but for me lupron was a success. My fibroids did shrink down to the size of a 9-week pregnancy before my hyst. Lupron is a temporary fix or a band-aid and lupron is not for everyone...and for many Hyster Sisters it has been helpful.

Also, you mentioned you were not a candidate for a laparoscopic hyst due to a previous myomectomy. My younger sister had an abdominal myomectomy several years ago for a grapefruit sized fibroid. She went on to have my two nieces by c-section and she just had a laparoscopic hyst last year for returning fibroids. So...you might check again with your Dr. about that...or possibly get a 2nd or a 3rd opinion.

In my case, my 1st Dr. told me point blank that I was not a candidate for a laparoscopic hyst. A TAH was it. My 2nd Dr. said otherwise. I...along with many Hyster Sisters who have posted...came to realize that Drs recommend surgeries types that they are comfortable with and they are trained to do. I found out after my LSH that my 1st Dr. could not do laparoscopic hysts. So...just ask as many questions as you can about your surgery type...whether it is a TAH or a SAH. Be 100% comfortable with your decision. Drs give us options and we make the final decsiion when it comes to our bodies.

Sending best wishes~

Mary

i cant add much to the great advice mary gave you except to suggest that you get a second opinion. i was offered a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy by my first dr..because thats all he was trained to do. i also had the lsh (kept cervix and ovaries) and i had 2 c-sections and a few other abdominal surgeries. previous abdominal surgeries does not always mean you cant have the less invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies...sometimes it depends on the drs skill. good luck with whatever you decide to do

Thank you, Mary and dressedupinblue, for your responses. I really appreciate it. There's so much to think about, and I guess I'm getting a bit overwhelmed! I've made another appointment with my doctor to discuss all the options. He's actually the fourth doctor I've seen, and I do think he's good, but I'm still nervous!