kidneys

Hello friends,
I was just wondering if anyone else has had a Dr. tell them their fibroids might be pressing on your kidneys. My second opinion Dr. said she would like me to have an IVP if i plan on waiting 6 months or more for my surgery. I wondered if she was trying to scare me. I already told her she was my 2nd opinion, but some of the things she said didn't jive with the others I have seen. She also said I might not have symtoms even if this was going on.
Any of you have a vertical insecision? How long was it? This same lady said if I had one it would go above my bellybutton, sounded not right to me. Thanks for any input on this.
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Hi Nola,

I have not had a doctor tell me that, as I was thought to have fibroids, but they weren't fibroids. I just wanted to offer you a and some advice about maybe seeing another doctor for another opinion. I had 4 opinions before I felt comfortable with getting the surgery done.

I had a horizontal incision, but I know that vertical incisons can vary in length.

Sara

Hi Nola--

Did your MD say the fibroids could be "pressing on" the kidneys? or "effect" the kidneys? One of the complications of large fibroids is they can impinge (press on) the ureater(s), blocking urine flow and/or cause back up of urine to the kidneys. If not corrected, this can cause kidney damage. The fibroids would have to be very large to actually press on the kidneys. But it is something you would certainly want to know if it's happening. This wasn't presented to me as a possible complication until my fibroids distorted my uterus to a 20 week size.

Fortunately, testing didn't show a problem. I had UAE--which successfully treated my fibroids (no recurrence in 2 1/2 yrs!) so I avoided a hyst for that reason. I'm now faced with removing an ovarian cyst and a gyn who recommends "do it all while I'm in there." Second opinion gave me more options. So now it's back to the decision process for me.

When the second opinion doesn't clarify things for you, a third (or fourth) opinion would be a good idea. Since only about 6-10% of hyst. are for life-threatening conditions, taking the time to make the right decision for you is time well spent. You can always schedule the surgery, but you can't undo it once it's done.

Best wishes with your research and decision making,

--Beatrix

Hi....I was told that my fibroids were putting pressure on my kidney. Two years ago my doctor told me I had fibroids and suggested a hyst. or I could wait and watch. He told me if i waited I would probably be back within two year to have it. I got a second opinion. I waited....now about two years later my fibroids have gone from a 12 to 14 week size to a 16 to 18 week size and that it looked like I may be having some pressure on my right kidney because of the location of the fibroid. Also because of the size I may have to have a vertical incision. I had a 3 month shot and two days ago had a 1 month shot to try and shrink them. I am going in for a sah on May 24th. I needed to take the time and do what was right for me. This site helped. For me I am done with whats growing in there. I also have no symtons. Always had lite periods, no cramps. Started to get alittle bloating and lower back pressure. But.....even a thought that my kidney could be having pressure..forget it! I want it out. Keep reading you will find the answers for yourself...whatever you decide.

I had a vertical incision three weeks ago for a radical hysterectomy, which is removal of everything including lymph nodes and tissue that adheres from the uterine wall to the bladder ureters, and my incision begins about 2 inches below the bellybutton and extends down for about 4 inches. Post-op the floor nurses told me that they have seen much bigger incisions for as big a procedure as I had.

Thanks to all your responses! All input is very helpful.
I know I will have this surgery. It's just a question of timing now. My DD is having a baby in 6 weeks. And my DS & family are being transferred (Air Force) from Hawaii to Maryland the last of July so they will be here for a few days. Company is probably not helpful for recovery. And I Have to hold those grandbabies at least some!!
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