Fibroid(s?) + enlarged ovary = Hysterectomy + oophorectomy?

Hello. Brand new newbie here. After ultrasound, abdominal x-ray, cat scan and pet scan, doctors are telling me to get a hysterectomy and oophorectomy of at least one ovary and tube. One doctor--an oncologist, although I certainly haven't been diagnosed with cancer so far--has been referring me for these tests and has been very patient on the payment front, since I have zero health coverage. Neither doctor I've seen is offering myomectomy or UFE, but I wonder if that's just because I'm taking what I can get, since I am Paycheck-to-Paycheck Girl. I have applied for Medicaid but I don't know if I'll get it.

Does anyone know if a coverage like Medicaid would pay for UFE with the oophorectomy done through laproscopy--for that kind of procedure, I mean? Does anyone have any idea how much more it would cost that way? Are there regular old OB/GYN's doing UFE? I'm in Florida. If anyone has ideas on providers in my state, or directories of such, it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. I'm just starting to flip out about the loss of my hormones, the possible side effects (my bladder control and sex drive are pitiful enough as it is), the recovery time and the scarring.

Update: Medicaid denied. I can re-apply in 3 months, but I don't see why it would be accepted then. Next step, I'll apply for help through vocational rehab. That was the second suggestion of the primary care provider who set me on this path. Thanks for reading.

It is my understanding that most UFE's are done by interventional radiologist rather than gynecologists. You might see if there are any in your area and if you could schedule an appointment to discuss whether or not an UFE would be an option for you and what the costs associated with the procedure might be. The IR's office may have some financial programs available to help with the fees.

To find an IR, you might try doing a web search for "interventional radiology + Florida." You could also check with hospital and radiology facilities in your area. www.suggestadoctor.com might also have someone listed.

For a myomectomy, you would need to talk to a gynecological surgeon. I did a search for "myomectomy + Florida" and found a couple sites that might be helpful. Again, you would need to check with the surgeon and medical facility to see if there are financial programs you could apply for.

Best wishes for your searches!

Thanks. Do you think it's likely that the GYN I'm seeing soon will discourage me from seeking a UFE? I'm having a trust issue with doctors recently. Maybe it's me and not them. Or maybe just one bad/indifferent apple spoiling the rest.

In generally, I have heard that many doctors don't suggest a UFE so it won't be a personal issues if yours does not. One reason some do not offer it is that they can't perform it so they are unaware of who is and who is not a candidate for the procedure.

I would suggest talking to an IR about whether or not you are a candidate before you make any final decisions.

I think I'm going to do that. Maybe I will call Monday or Tuesday. I know there's one within 150 miles who's done at least 50 of them, according to ask4ufe.com. Thanks a lot, Weiser.