Postmenopausal degenerating fibroid

I am new to this sight but wanted to know if anyone else out there is having the same issues as I am. I am 63 years old and 13+ years postmenopausal.

About 3 weeks ago I began having pain in my right side. I scheduled an appointment with my gynecologist and she felt "something" on the right side and scheduled me for a ultrasound in her office a few days later. But on the weekend I began to experience nausea, so everyone thought it was appendicitis so I went to the ER. After an inconclusive ultrasound (external and internal) a CAT scan was done and I was told it was a fibroid and to revisit my doctor. I went back to her and she did her own ultrasound and said it was degenerating which was causing the pain and nausea; to take 800 mg of Motrin 3 times a day for 10 days, and that ultimately I would need a hysterectomy.

My questions are is it possible that I developed this fibroid post-menopause? In all my years of annual internal exams no doctor ever indicated that I had a fibroid, that my uterus felt enlarged, nor did I ever have any of the obvious symptoms that a fibroid can cause. Yet everything I read says that a fibroid shrinks during menopause not develops. While I have no reservations about having a hysterectomy, is that the course of treatment typically recommended for someone my age? Also, I have a strong family history of breast cancer and have been told that if I have the hysterectomy they would take the ovaries too - at my age they aren't doing much and I could be at higher risk of ovarian cancer. If a hysterectomy is the way to go, is there any urgency to having it done sooner rather than later?

I've been on the Motrin now for several days with no relief for the pain as yet. Still have about 6 days to go though. Thanks for any input anyone can give me.

I am so sorry you are dealing with this, but please know that you are alone. I had such a similar situation - age frame, family history of breast cancer, and twisted degenerating fibroids! You are NOT alone.

My condition was "discovered and diagnosed" around 2 months before my 60th birthday. I was going for a routine well woman exam, when the head of the practice felt something was amiss internally during my exam - and because I was having lower pelvic pain all of a sudden. Her interns that had examined me for the previous 4 years, all thought that my fibroids would shrink - very wrong diagnosis indeed! They do not automatically shrink after menopause for some of us.

After a cat scan, ultra sound and MRI, it was determined by a specialist and oncologist surgeon, that I had huge degenerated fibroids that were growing -and as a bonus, a huge suspicious pelvic mass, that could be cancer...they rushed me to get an appointment, and within 3 weeks, everything was removed. Because of a family history of cancer, they insisted the ovaries needed to go too.

The good news for me was no cancer and the pelvic pain from the fibroids as large as twisted melons is gone at last.

My most severe symptom was fatigue but that is but a small price to pay to be free of twisted alien fibroids and a suspicious pelvic mass. Just don't push yourself during recovery and take it slow and easy.

I wish you the best of luck on your surgery and keep in touch so we know how you are doing.

Hugs and hang In there. Marcia

Hi barb13209 -

I am sorry you are going through all of this. I wish I could answer your question on menopause and fibroids. What did your doctor say on that? You may also want to get other opinions on your condition and to see what options you have. Much depends on your health history and your family history.

I do remember reading that fibroids are the most common reason for a hysterectomy. Here are our Uterine Fibroid Articles that may provide information.

Since you are still in pain, I would contact your doctor and let him or her know that the Motrin is not working. That may accelerate what options you have, or you might get something stronger. The urgency in this matter is your decision, with consultation with a medical professional. You need to make the right decision for you.

Barb,
How are you doing and have you reached any conclusions/decisions?

Hope your pain is under control and you are feeling a bit better.