large uterus +fibroid on outside of fundus

I have a large uterus(10cm x9cm. I also have a 3x2cm subserosal fibroid(on outside of uterus0 It is causing pain and I have passed blood clots. Two docs have said that I must have a hyst and I heed to have a TAH. Because of the size of the uterus I must have it abdominally. Has anyone had this problem. Why,could my uterus have gotton so large? Does the fact that the fibroid is on the outside of the uterus make it more risky? I would like to wait about 6 months to see if stopping HRT would cause the uterus/fibroid to shrink.
Am I putting myself at risk?

I also have an enlarged uterus. It is scary at this point looking at two months waiting for surgery. I wish I had an answer for you. What Ive heard is that stopping the hormones can make it shrink, but you need your doctors opinion not mine. Ive also read that they reacur.So getting one out doesnt mean you wont get another one and still need the hysterectomy anyways. But waiting may mean either it gets larger, or without the hrt it shrinks and you can have a less invasive procedure. I guess it could go either way , Huh?

I had a fibroid grow on the outside of my uterus and around my right ureter. Fortunately, my surgery went well and there was no permanate damage to the ureter. You might ask your doctor if any of your other organs are in danger of something similar happening. This might help you make your decision.

Hi Mimi!

I, too, had a large fibroid on the outside of my uterus and yes, it had attached itself to my bladder and right ureter. so, a few days after my surgery, I needed another surgery to fix the ureter (they had repaired the bladder the first time). So, I still have my catheter and am hoping it will come out tomorrow! My doc said that my fibroid couldn't be removed without the uterus. I am sore and miserable right now, but know I made the right decision. I figure by the end of the Olympic Games, I should be feeling a little more normal! LOL Good luck to you.

Mar