no symptoms

Hi all -

I am scheduled for hysterectomy in January due to large fibroids. I was just wondering if it is "normal" to really have these - largest is 12 x 9 cm and have no other major symptoms like excessive bleeding, cramping, and whatever else. My abdomen is getting large and I have occassional urgency/frequency with urination and sometimes an unrelenting gas problem (very embarassing) which I consider to be annoyances rather than something big like the bleeding . I'm told these 2 problems are from the fibroids expanding and pressing on everything else. Since they are growing I know they need to go but I keep second guessing the surgery since I'm not suffering so to speak.

Hi katzrkool and

We're happy you joined the Hystersisters community! There is a ton of solid information on the site, and the members have unlimited hugs to dispense.

Many women have hysts due to troublesome fibroids...that's why I had my surgery. Yours sound larger than mine. If you aren't sure whether you want to have the surgery, maybe a second and third opinion would help, in addition to learning more about other options that would alleviate the symptoms you describe. Our Resources department has an entire section with links to articles and websites about fibroids and various treatments available. You can start your research by clicking here:

Hysterectomy Alternatives for Fibroids

I hope you reach the decision that's best for you.

Many s and Best Wishes,

I had a non symptomatic fibroid. It was subserosal and was 14 x 10 x 7 . I had gas. Woke up at night 3-4 times to go to the bathroom. Sometimes couldn't pee at all unless i held my stomach up or stood up and arched my back. These symptoms that I found annoying were actually causing hydronephrosis in my kidneys (which can actually ruin them and create the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. I was taking a "watchful waiting" approach because even though I knew I hada really big one and it looked like i was about 5 months pregnant, I was hoping to keep all my parts and go through menopause (I am 45 and no perimenopausal symptoms) when the lack of estrogen would cause it to shrink and I'd be ok. Well... my watchful waitting turned into an emergency rroom visit due to a spontaneous and severe hemorrhage....one week later my fibroid and uterus came out. I kept cervix, ovaries and tubes. Its been six weeks and as the pain (which was never awful -haven't used ANY kind of pain medication since day s post op) has subsided, I feel 20 years younger. It takes a long time for a fibroid to get really big(usually) andas it got bigger, I adjusted until finally I didn't realize how miserable i really felt---until now! I feel like a million bucks and getting better every day. I fel so thankful that I went ahead and did it (even afterthe hemorrhage i was given the choice although it was highly recommended that i do it because it could happen again and maybe i wouldn't be so lucky. but up to that point I had a 5 day period (heavy on 2nd day) every 28 days. Get a 2nd opinion if you are uncertain, but you do have a symptomatic fibroid which is why they want you to have it removed-it's squishing up your internal organs (which are already naturally tightly packed in our pelvis. Sorry so long winded butmine is a cautionary tale of what can happen if you wait too long.
You may want to look into UAEas an alternative if your fibroid isn't to big or the latest (go to exablate.com) you may be a candidate for one of these.

Thanks for the info. Maggie Dog I feel just like you did and I have a feeling that I am going to find out how much better I could feel. I have adjusted to the "minor" problems over a few years so I guess that's why things don't seem that big of a deal because it's all been so gradual. I've just learned to adapt to it I guess without realizing it. The kidney/dialysis thing is something I didn't realize and I guess that's motivation enough to think hard about it.

I would also like to thank Maggiedog for her post (I sort of look at it as a sign as I have a white german shepherd named "Maggie". I too have been really bouncing around whether or not I need the hsyt - I also have fibroids which I haven't really considered a problem. I've had some bleeding between periods, a heavy period on the 1st-2nd day, but the belly/gas I've never really thought that much about. I've also had some constipation/diarrhea/urinary issues. I've just learned to live with everything cause it's just crept up a little at a time and I hate to say it but it's just a part of my life. Anyway....thanks for the info. It has helped me to realize what could happen if I put this off. It's not going to get any better and could get worse. I am 46 and my dr is not seeing menopause anywhere in sight - me either for that matter. It's kind of like my eyesight - its gotten worse so gradually that until I put on my glasses I don't realize that what I've been seeing isn't normal. THANKS!!

Thank you for your post; I found it very helpful. I had other physical problems that were being investigated, and put off this decision until I knew what else was going on. When I got enough of a diagnosis to know what to watch for on the other issues, I decided I would have the hysterectomy done. My regular appointment with they gyn was Nov 14th, and he suggested getting it done before Christmas. He has a wonderful reputation, and is very kind and caring in person. (My sleep specialist's nurse used to work in the OR with him; she told me there is no one better. She chose him for her hysterectomy at age 26.)That is very reassuring!)

But as the big day approaches, I keep thinking what am I doing to myself! My doctor didn't tell me the size of the fibroid in actual measurements, he just said the size of a 10 week fetus.

I have a lot of food intolerance symtoms - lots of bloating and burping. I used to be able to control it with diet, but it never goes away now. Part of this is an autoimmune disease I have, but I'm hoping it gets better. That would be a great improvement in my life!

Just a follow up on my "nonsymtomatic" fibroid. I have been home for a little over a week now after my TAH and am doing pretty well. They wrangled out a uterus that was comparable to a 16 week pregnancy which I am told is somewhat comparable to a bigger sized cantelope. Can't believe something like that was in there and not causing me much distress. I have to say I am peeing like I've never peed before!! That seems to be the biggest change I've noticed so far. And I really do feel much better overall - except for the usual post op concerns - which really aren't bad at all. So for me, I am glad I had it done even though at the time I was wondering if I really needed it. I'm sure as the weeks go on and I heel more I will feel even better. Thanks for everyones input.

I'ts good to hear that everything went well with your surgery, rest and recover well. Best wishes for a good recovery.
Kathy