Fibroid Removal -vs- Hysterectomy

I am 33 years old, have two child and for the past 2 1/2 years have been dealing with AUB/pain/excessive bleeding, etc. Just over a year ago, I was told I had a fibroid, but it was very small and NOT the cause of my bleeding. In August I had a D&C and hysteroscopy and was again told that it was not the cause of my bleeding. In November I was scheduled with another DR to get an ablation in an effort to stop the symptoms, because of the ablation I was also scheduled for a tubal. Well, I got the tubal and a D&C but he could not do the ablation because of the Fibroid, said it was IN the lining of the uterus, and I need to see a specialist. This was not a fun surgery and it took a good week to feel myself. I have an appt 1/9/01 with the specialist, but told my regular DR that I am leaning towards just having the hysterectory (I have a date scheduled for 2/7 which I can cancel if necessary) - I "loose" about 3 weeks a month to my period and generally feel lousy. My foremost concern is that if I just have the fibroid removed, what if it does not relieve my period? What if I have that surgery and then have a hysterectory anyway? Has anyone walked in these shoes, and what was your decision? Also, I am looking for imput for those around my age to did have a hysterectomy and what the recovery was like and emotional after effects. All input is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Pamela

I was diagnosed with a fibroid in July, at age 28. My husband, doctor and I discussed the merits of hysterectomy and myomectomy (removal of fibroid only). I don't have children, but don't want to, so that wasn't a concern. I decided to have the hysterectomy primarily because fibroids often grow back if the uterus is left, and I did NOT want to go through surgery only to have to do it again in a year or two. I am so glad I did! I am period-free, cramp-free, birth-control-free and I finally have my flat belly back!

As far as recovery, the first 10 days or so was absolutely horrible, but that was primarily due to the fact that I was unable to tolerate ANY of the pain meds they tried, and had to "rough it" with no meds at all after the 3rd day ! Most women are kept more comfortable with their meds. By the second week, I felt pretty good, but still very tired. I didn't really get my energy back until about 7 or 8 weeks post-op. I went back to work full-time at 5 weeks.

As far as emotional considerations, I'm probably not very typical, because the only emotion I feel is glee ! I never wanted children, and was always extremely resentful of periods and having to use birth control. I feel so free!

Read as much as you can, and get the right information about your case. Good luck with your decision.

Pamela,
This is never an easy decision to make. I had my surgery for adenomyosis, but did try other alternatives before resorting to a hyst. I personally did not want to look back at something so final and be able to say what if. I understand that you are weighing and researching your options and that is good. Ultimately it will come down to making a decision you know is right for you. I had a TAH, and some other work done. I was back to work at the 6 week mark, but was very tired and swollen at the end of the day. At about 3 months I was feeling better, but not completely healed. At the 6 month mark, things were much better. It has been said that it takes 6 months to get to 80%, and in my case this was true. Everyone heals at a different rate, but I was pretty much on target for the milestones that I had seen here. It helps if you measure your early recovery by what you are able to do each day compared to the day before, and not what you were able to do prior to surgery. My ovaries went into surgical shock, but "came to" 28 days later. I had many of the hormonal symptoms, night sweats, hot flashes, EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER, etc.... but it was only temporary. Now that I have written a book I will sign off. Good luck with your decision, you will know when the time comes, what the right decision is for you!

Boy, does that sound familiar. I was scheduled for a balloon ablation, but couldn't have it 'cause there was a fibroid in the way. My doctor removed about half of it, but my next period was still painful (as they always have been), but not as heavy. I also had a tubal and D&C at the same time. I pushed for a hyst ASAP, and got it. I was tired of dealing with the whole problem, and never wanted kids, so it was an easy choice for me. There were a lot of reasons for me to do it right now, instead of waiting. Your concerns sound just like mine. I didn't want to keep having to deal with the uncertainty about how things would go in the future.

I'll be happy to discuss any of it with you, or answer questions - right now I gotta get back to resting. Write me at lseskin@home.com

Take care!

No, I am not exactly in the same situation you are in as I am 45 and have never had kids (by choice). I would strongly encourage you to keep your 1/9 appt and go prepared with your question list.
No, removal of the fibroid won't do zip for DUB. Monthly bleeding probs are typically related to uterine lining and have nothing to do with a fibroid. You may want to inquire about hormone suppression to shrink the fibroid first to the point where an ablation, if appropriate, can be considered. You didn't say how large a fibroid you have. If its not too bad in size and you want to preserve reproductive integrety you may want to ask about Uterine Artery Embolization. A hyst is a major decision to make and involves not only you but your partner as well. Are you positive you do NOT want any more kids at this point in time at age 33? Don't rush into a hyst just because you are tired of the monthly "yucks". Keep your specialist appt and take your WRITTEN questions in with you. If your partner can go, the better.

Thank you all for your input. I am certainly not taking this decision lightly (I worry over it each day, and have been reading volumes of information on both proceedures.

Regarding the last post, with the failed ablation attempt my tubes were tied and yes, I am certain at this point that I will not have any more children. My fibroid is very small (1cm) so reducing it is not really the issue. Also, I have been on a variety of hormones (protgeterone and/or 5 different b/c pills) over the past 2 1/2 years, and they seem to make me worse. With that in mind, I am very curious as to what the spec. will say on the 9th.

My major concern is that if I have the fibroid removed it will NOT cure me - that is what I need. It is more then "monthly yucks" when you show up at work and step out of your car and have clots/blood run down to your shoes! I ended up in the ER for hemorraging that day, but I have similar episodes, to the point I cannot go to work on some days or leave the house. I am frankly just running out of options. Sorry for writing a book - thanks for letting me air my worries.

Pamela

I had a TVH on Dec. 5th for abnormal uterine bleeding caused by several small fibroids in the lining of my uterus. I was told that the fibroids, even though small, were disrupting the ability of the uterine lining to shed properly. My symptoms were: periods getting closer together and lasting longer, erratic bleeding during the periods (clots, heavy bleeding sometimes and light bleeding other times) and an abnormally thick uterine lining. I was told that a myomectomy was not an option because of the location of the fibroids in the muscle wall of the uterus. In addition, the fibroids can grow back with that procedure.

I am glad to hear you are seeing a specialist soon. I got two opinions given that having a hyst is major surgery. I even switched doctors in the process in order to get a more skilled surgeon to perform the procedure. I am very glad that I had the surgery. I am 4 weeks post op now and doing okay. I have had a few minor complications (bladder spasms primarily), but all in all, the recovery is going fine.

Good luck on the 9th.