Hysterectomy Scheduled for 9.9 cm Fibroid - 2nd Opinion?

I scheduled a hysterectomy for June 22, 2010 to get my 9.9 cm fibroid removed. It has grown 2 cm over the past few months so I don't know how large it will be by June. I feel like I look pregnant, my stomach seems to stick out above my belly button, which is unusual for me. I'm tired of that plus having to pee more frequently. Is that a normal thing for having a large fibroid?

I have heard there are other ways such as embolization to get rid of fibroids. I am 38 and I don't want my ovaries or my cervix removed because am not in a hurry to experience menopause. I was told the only way to remove the fibroid was through my c-section incision area because of the size of the fibroid. Dr. said surgery is best because new ones could grow after removal of first one. I would like to not have to worry about birth control or periods or new fibroids popping up. Should I get a second opinion?

Hi, Donna,

I have multiple fibroids. My largest one is 6.3 cm. I'm scheduled to have a TAH in June. I've recently had 3 opinions. I went to two other doctors after my regular gynae's diagnosis. I just wanted to make sure this was the best decision for me. Check out my post titled 1st, 2nd, 3rd Opinion...ADVICE.

I totally think you should get another opinion. Let us know what happens.
STAY Strong!

It never hurts to get a second opinion...I had a dime size fibroid April '09 and it grew to grapefruit by Nov.'09 along with more fibroids forming...keep in mind EVerYonE is different. I had a SAH and retained my cervix and ovaries.

donnadoo ,

A second opinion is a great idea. There are several options for fibroids, here is a link that discusses options:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_191359.htm

Check out other articles, resources tab top left of the page. There are options. I did Lupron, a drug that can shrink fibroids. The fibroids did shrink but only temporarily, not long enough to make it to menopause. My doc offered me several options. The hyster was my decision and worked for me but there may be something you would like to try that another doc may offer. You have plenty of time, take advantage. A hyster should be a last resort.

Its good to have you here, hope you get lots of good info to help you make the best decisions for you.

FWIW, if you decide hysterectomy is the way you will address your fibroid, know that an abdominal hysterectomy is not the only way. My largest fibroid was well over 9 cm (and my uterus the equivalent of a 20 week pregnancy), and I had my surgery done laparascopically (preserving ovaries and cervix). My regular gyn doesn't do laparacopic surgeries, so I found one who did.

The surgery took over 5 hours due to the large size of my fibroids and uterus, but my recovery has been remarkably easy. I've had complete relief from my post-surgery symptoms (which included urinary frequency and incontinence) and even some stuff I didn't know was being caused by my fibroids. I've been back to work for over 3 weeks now, and last night even played tennis, with the only reminder that I've had surgery being occasional fatigue.

There are several alternatives to hysterectomy (abdominal and otherwise), and my surgeon and I discussed all of them, even going so far as to take steps towards MRI-guided ultrasound. In my case, it was likely that the alternatives would only reduce -- by maybe 30% -- my large fibroids and wouldn't prevent recurrence. The fact that I am 7+ years from the average age of menopause (with a family that usually gets there much later) and my desire for a definitive solution, made my choice. My excellent results confirm it in hindsight.

Obviously, you have to make your own decision. But I wanted to make sure that you knew that an abdominal hysterectomy was NOT the only way to address large fibroids. DEFINITELY get a second opinion.

I say get the hysterectomy. If you have a fibroid that big and its giving you all kinds of problems why wouldn't you, Unless you want more kids.
You probably will feel much better. I'm an ultrasound tech and I get so sick of scanning and rescanning the same patients complaining about pain, bloating, bleeding, and other problems from fibroids. Do something about it. Stop wasting money with all these other treatments when you can just get it removed and be done and live a full life again. I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago not for fibroids but cervical dysplasia because I was sick of being poked and prodded and switching birth control, constantly wasting money, and worrying of I was gonna have cervical cancer every six months. Don't mean to sound rude but thats my opinion. Of course you know your body and have to do whats best for you. Good luck.

I am having a hysterectomy tomorrow morning, due to a rapidly growing 8cm. fibroid. I didn't get a second opinion and trust in my doctor that my surgery is the best choice for me. I am really scared and do not look forward to the surgery, but I am tired of the heavy bleeding and back pain. Do what makes you feel right, there is no harm in a second opinion. Good Luck to you!

When my period lasted for 7 weeks (!) I had my birth control changed back to my brand - instead of the generic - and they did an ultrasound. That's when they discovered my fibroids. At the time, the largest one was the size of a golf ball. When my periods continued to get worse and I started losing time from work because of them, I went back to my specialist, reviewed the options and chose the LSH because I am still a good ten years away from menopause and this was a solution that was permanent. When he went in to do the surgery, he told me DH that my uterus was 2x the size it should have been and the largest fibroid had grown substantially since the ultrasound and that everything was tilted backwards which was partially the cause of the pain I was having during my period. I am glad I had it done because I didn't want to have to worry about fibroids growing, bursting and whatever else they can do. For me, it was the right choice.

Thanks to all of you for giving me your opinions. I am 38 and even though my husband is asking for another child, I am done! I am also so over having back pain, frequent urination, 18 day periods and looking like I'm 4 months pregnant! I am leaning more toward the hysterectomy, but I will get a second opinion on the laproscopic surgery. My GYN said my fibroid is too large to do it that way, and that she'd have to go through the C-Section incicion site. But if it can be done that way, I'm all for it. I remember my C-Section was no picnic to recover from. I do want to keep my ovaries to not be plunged into menopause, and my cervix because I don't want to lose it either. Thanks again.

Hi Donnadoo,

I would say....get a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion.

I had a laparoscopic hyst (LSH) for two large fibroids measuring 9.1 cm total. My younger sister had an abdominal myomectomy for the removal of a grapefruit sized fibroid a few years ago...and then she went on to have (2) C-sections with my nieces. She had a LSH in 2008 for reoccuring fibroids...and her fibroids were larger than mine at the time of her hyst.

So....a 2nd opinion may agree with your present Dr. *or* possibly give you more options to look at with your fibroids.

Sending best wishes~

Mary