Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Ok, I'm back, sooner than I hoped to be. To refresh your memories of the regular posters, I was given a reprieve by my doctor on a hysterectomy. I have a large fibroid and had hyperplasia. The hyperplasia was brought under control in Dec, hence the reprieve. However, I just had an ultrasound and the fibroid has really grown and has literally taken over my uterus and is pushing it way over to the one side. I knew it too even before the ultrasound because of cronic lower back pain, my shape is changing (I'm pretty thin so that is easy to see), and I feel like I swallowed a mini football, especially after I eat. Plus, now I have a cyst on my ovary. So now he says I've waited long enough and a TAH is scheduled for March 22. There is now one withnin my state that does a uterine fibroid embolization (that I know of) but I still would like to know if anyone has had this done and if they think it is any good. Any info you have would greatly be appreciated. I have already done a lot of reading about UFE but would like to hear from real women. Thanks much!

I didn't have it done although my Doc presented it as an option. It kind of grossed me out thinking about a living organ (my uterus)would have it's blood supply cut off and actually die inside me.

Besides I was ready to be period free!

I understand your discomfort. I got so bad, it hurt going down the steps at the parking garage and the pressure from the elevator at work especially with a full (anything over a dribble) bladder.

Whatever you decide life is so good once the darn thing (tumor) is gone!

Paige
LSH/BSO
9/22/00

Hi...I'm new to this site! It looks wonderful,lots of good advice. I too have just been diagnosed with uterine fibroids,"loaded with them " as my Dr. said. My uterus is 20 weeks size according to my ultrasound. I asked him about myomectomy or embolization and was told the problem with that is that they can grow back! I'm 44, so I'm thinking with so many years to go before menopause, maybe I should just have the hysterectomy. I totally hate the idea of major surgery, have had open heart surgery in '94 for a congenital defect, so I'm not thrilled at the thought of getting cut open again. Hate the idea of general anesthesia too, has anyone had this done with spinal? I've also noticed a number of women with "horsey names", one of the reasons I'm contemplating doing this,I'm bleeding so heavily 2 weeks of every month, I hardly get to ride or feel like riding!! It's messing up my lifestyle! Good Luck!

Hi, I'm also new to the group. I'm postmenopausal but would like to avoid a hysterectomy anyway! I still have my discussion of alternatives with my Dr. ahead of me, but in my reading, I haven't seen that there have been any cases of recurrence after UAE yet, after 10 years of the method's being used. It does seem to happen with myomectomy, however.
You might want to talk with an interventional radiologist about UAE. I intend to. Happy trails!

Not endorsing or anything, but here's a link;

http://uterinefibroids.com/c_uae.htm