Is it true that a uterus covered in fibroids can really be saved?

Hello, I am still fairly new and not sure where to post this or if I am allowed to or where...but here goes. I am 37, single, no kids and about to have a my hysterectomy on Oct. 28th. Long story short, I had a pulmonary embolism in February of this year due to taking birth control pills for my fibroids. The largest is 8cm and my uterus is covered on the inside with tiny ones. When I was in the ER the gyno that treated me had no bedside manners and was rude. When I as discharged I made a follow up appointment to see him and he was still rude and rushed. He said I needed a myectomy. (I know its spelled wrong, sorry long night). I decided to go for a 2nd opinion and I loved her. She was not rude nor rushed. She ordered an updated ultrasound and she examined me. The fibroid was now 8cm and when I went to see the first gyno he didnt even check me, he went based on the ER results. He asked me what is it that I wanted, its like hello, I am the patient I dont know. Well back to this female gyno. She said she was going to try to save my fertility. I go for the ultrasound and thats how we discovered that my uterus was covered. She stated to me that she was sorry, that she knew she had said she would try. My only option at this point was a hysterectomy. I left in tears, this was in August. On Sept. 11th I went back with my mom for support and we sat down and went over a whole page of questions. Mind you that I had already grieved for a month with the reality of never being able to be a mother biologically. The Q and A with her was amazing and I was actually looking forward to the hysterectomy because that meant that I would no longer look pregnant, not have anymore pain, bloating or 3-4 week long periods. Well today I get a call from my mother whom mentioned it to her gyno and he swears up and down that my doctor is wrong and that he can save my uterus. That all fibroids can be treated without having a hysterectomy. I know my mom means well and all but now she wants me to put the surgery on hold until I see her dr for the 3rd opinion. This is where I need my HysterSisters, I do not feel like going through this rollercoaster of oh hey you can keep your uterus or once I open you up I will know what I need to do....can someone please give me advice. Is it true that a uterus covered in fibroids can really be saved? If the fibroids stay my chances of another pulmonary embolism remain high. What should I do? Please help.

Fibroids can be treated without a hysterectomy. Either by myomectomy or UFE (or a combination of both). Most times doctors who don't have the surgical skills will tell you that your only option is a hysterectomy. But there are doctors who specialize in myomectomies. There are stories of women having a ton of fibroids removed through myomectomy. Myomectomy is still considered the gold standard for fertility but there is newer research that shows UFE has just as good fertility rating as myomectomy. I would recommend looking into that research as well. Finally it was recommended to me to do a myomectomy with a temporary UFE. The thought was to remove the larger fibroids and then hopefully the temporary UFE would kill the other smaller fibroids before the blood supply was restored. Basically a dissolvable material is used for the UFE that breaks down over time versus the more permanent solution.

If you want children then get the third opinion. You may even want fertility testing done to help you decide which is the best option for you. It isn't an easy decision but the more opinions you get the better and more comfortable you will be with the final outcome.

Hi NorMarq37,

I agree with Bef-99. Drs. generally recommend what they are trained to do.

In my case, my 1st Dr. recommended a TAH ( Total Abdominal Hyst) for my fibroids. She said I was NOT a good candidate for a laparoscopic hyst. My 2nd Dr. disagreed. I found out later...that my 1st Dr. could NOT do laparoscopic hysts. Funny how she never mentioned that to me. Right ??

I might suggest you see the 3rd Dr. I was ready to see a 3rd Dr. if need be.

In my sister's case....she had a myomectomy for a grapefruit sized fibroid when she was 30. And she went on to have my two nieces with her husband. She had a hyst for returning fibroids..when my nieces reached their teens.

So just try to stay positive. Fibroids are not fun....and the research and Drs appts can be even less. Just remember to do what is best for you.

Sending best wishes,

Historylady 😊

Thank you Bef-99 and historylady. My parents are pushing for the 3rd opinion and with my surgery being on October 28th I am going to have to cancel it because this new doctor wants to do all the tests over. By the time I schedule everything I wont have time to see my other specialists (pulmonologist and hematologist) . My parents are saying that this gyno told them that there are other birth control pills and different medications to try. I thought I did everything when I had other insurance and thus is the reason I had pulmonary embolism. I guess I am just so tried of all of this that they hysterectomy sounded good to me. I guess I will wait for Saturday for the 3rd opinion.

Hi NorMarq37,

I had a TAH (Total Abdominal Hyst ) scheduled with my 1st Dr...when I went to see my 2nd Dr. At my appointment with my 2nd Dr...it was a consultation to just discuss my fibroids. I cancelled my TAH after I saw my 2nd Dr.

In my opinion...your 3rd opinion already wanting to order up new tests before they see you in person...seems a bit early. You are not a patient yet.

It sounds like you want a middle ground with your parents, your current Dr. and a 3rd opinion.

Might you just go for a consultation with the 3rd Dr. and keep your hyst scheduled for the end of October ??? Until you see the 3rd Dr...I agree...does it seem necessary to cancel your current plans...and go back to the beginning with a new Dr.

Can you have the Sat. appointment...and then finalize your plans. Look at the 3rd Dr. as just more information gathering for now. Drs give us options...and we make the final decision when it comes to our bodies.

Sending best wishes again,

Historylady 😊