Facing hysterectomy after suffering many years

Hello all,

I just found out that I have to have a hysterectomy and my research led me to this site. Excuse my rambling, but here is my history...

I'm presently 34.

At age 18 I was diagnosed with fibroids. The fibroids caused anemia, bloating, severe cramps, flooding, fatigue, etc. We monitored them for 2 years, and by the age of 20, the affects were just too much to deal with and I decided to have a myomectomy. The doctor said this would preserve my fertility and "buy me some time". Had the surgery, felt great! However, the fibroids started to grow again not long after.

Over the years the fibroids continued to grow and the symptoms got worse. I didn't want to have another surgery at the time, so I just dealt with it - tried oral contraceptives, acupuncture, herbs. At 29 I got pregnant (after trying a while) and had to deal with the fibroids during pregnancy - they actually caused me to go into pre-term labor and I had to be medicated for the later part of my pregnancy.

After having my baby, the fibroids continued to grow. In the last year or so the symptoms have been absolutely horrendous! I mean, flooding and pain like I never knew existed - not to mention my expanding tummy. My fibroids are now starting to grow faster than they ever have before. My doc says that with my history at this point I have two options: hysterectomy or UFE.

I always knew that it may come down to this, but it was still hard hearing the doctor actually say it. I'm really not even considering the UFE because I just want to be done with these stupid fibroids and all the problems they bring. My grandmother had a total hysterectomy at 36 and my aunt had a partial hysterectomy at 25, so genetics are against me too.

Thanks for "listening" to me ramble. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this, they just think I'm crazy.

Sounds like your fibroids have really affected your life---in a bad way. I hope a hysterectomy gives you some real relief. This is a good site for info and support, I hope it helps you. And we don't think you're crazy at all.