Argh - I hate this! (VENT inside)

I am 37 years old (well, until Thurs!) and have fibroids - and I have had for over 10 years. The last year they have gotten really bad and the bleeding is alarming. I finally got someone to listen to me --and she referred me to my ob/gyn for evaluation.

My OB/GYN wants me to have a UAE if possible - won't even discuss a hyst with me. He is being a pain in the rump and keeps telling me I am being melodramatic and the worse thing men did was (and this is a direct quote) "teach women how to read". Excuse me????

I have done the research and asked a ton of questions of my internist, my perinatalogist and discussed with my family and support network. We all seem to agree that given my family history (reproductive cancer up the wazoo on both sides) that I would be better served to have the hyst. He (the ob/gyn) is still insisting that I pursue the consultant with the IR for UAE (even though I said, " I DON'T WANT THIS". I found out from a doctor friend of mine that the GYN I have is not well respected and to quote my friend, "Run, run as fast as you can". Great - I am into this a bit and you want me to bail? STRESS! So do I use him if he comes around or no?

Well I had the MRI and the consultation. IR comes into the room and says, "We don't see any fibroids". EXCUSE ME? I said, "You don't see a pedunculated fibroid at the fundus?" He says, "Oh. We thought that was a loop of bowel." OK. Hmm, and he's the specialist?

We did the whole "this is the procedure, these are the statistics" and we discussed the concerns of a pedunculated fibroid and how the procedure probably would not get rid of the back pain, the pelvic heaviness, etc.. (What is the point then?) He tells me he will get back to me and let me know what size the stalk is after they get the radiologist to read through everything again and write the report and after they compare it to the last one. He then tells me my uterus looks normal and that nothing seems to be going on there (then why do I look 5 months pregnant??).

I had to see a FNP while I was there (mini-check up) and I asked her before I left what she would do. She voted for the hyst. And the IR actually did say during our consult that given the family history, etc.. that it (the hyst) might be a better choice.

Well, they just called. Seems they are concerned about vascular blood flow to the uterus (abnormal uterine perfusion - has anyone else had this?). If the blood flow is poor, then I would not be a candidate for the procedure. The stalk of the fibroid looks ok, but not the blood flow. The hits just keep on comin'! They are sending my info to UCLA Med Center to be reviewed. Apparently, I could be famous! :-P

I passed the endometrial biopsy -wahoo!

On a high note... I did call my insurance company to find out about costs and pre-approvals, etc... Apparently I have a plan that actually let's me do the procedure with minimal hoop jumping and minimal expense. God save the Queen! And thank the good Lord my husband has a job with good insurance - I know not all of us are blessed like that.

I have a second opinion scheduled for Tuesday and I am hoping she is receptive to my feelings and choices. If not, she can hit the street - I have a third consultation already booked!

Thanks for reading this far! I so appreciate this board and its informed participants! Thank you - the IR commented on how well prepared I was (wahoo!).

Hi CANative,

I think that is a great idea that you are getting a 2nd and even possibly a 3rd opinion. I got 2 opinions myself with my fibroids. The more Information you gather...the more it will help you decide what to do.

In my opinion, a Dr. can give us ~options~. We make the ~final decision~. If you do not feel comfortable with your current Dr and his opinion, it is a good idea to question it.

Here is a Hyster Sisters link that goes over the different ~types~ of hysts and questions to ask your Dr. Just scroll down. Possibly you would be a good candidate for a less invasive hyst, such as a laparoscopic or a vaginal hyst??

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_preop.htm

Best wishes. We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can.

Mary

Hallo CANative.

First off: I bow to you for being well prepared and standing your ground while in such a vulnerable place! You are a credit to the gender!

I rather like that IR, and hope you will lean toward what your friend kindly advised about Running.

I'm sorry your situation seems to be so specialised, yet wonder if that may have spared you trusting that doc who obviously does not respect women.

{ { { Good for you already clearing things with your insurance! } } }

All the best to you as you seek a second opinion and have the visit at UCLA Med Center. I feel sure you have the inner wisdom to recognise the best way to go when you see it.

Please let us know how it goes as it goes along...we'll be here cheering for you!

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the support. The update is I am no longer a candidate for the UAE (my secret self is grateful for the help in deciding!) -- the vascular flow to the uterus is not sufficient. I live in Oregon and they sent my MRI to UCLA Med Ctr via email (How cool is that! I remember when FAXs were rare and expensive!). It seems the vascular flow issue is found in some, SOME PCOS patients.

I was doing some research and it looks like it can be an issue if you have prevalent ovarian cysts. It never even occurred to me that the pain I am having could be my ovaries. It is increasing and I am getting more frequent "episodes" - which is worrying me a bit. Thank God Tuesday is rapidly approaching.

I have done a TON of research on the different types of hyst and the perinatalogist I had (who is also a friend) recommend the TAH -- I had a c-section and some uterine repairs done 15 months ago, so he feels it would be best - plus I am heavy so apparently its "preferred" -- I am ok with that.

It was very cathartic to write out my vent last night - it has been just bubbling under the surface (like a shaken pop bottle!) and I had no where to aim to let it out. Thank you!!!