Prolapsed Fibroid Removal

A couple of weeks ago, I posted here looking for any information on prolapsed fibroid removal from women who've gone through this. It seems this is quite a rare occurrence according to all I've spoken with, including my OBGYN.
Well, hopefully my experience will help someone else.
Today I had surgery for a prolapsing fibroid, which was diagnosed in early November, 2008, during a routine physical with my OBGYN.
I had been bleeding for over a month at the time - nothing serious and on and off, and figured it was my body having the last 'hurrah' period before menopause. When I wasn't bleeding I was also having 'seepage' of some fluids, which were not offensive in any way, so again, I wasn't too concerned.
She initially said I would need a hysterectomy, but wanted to confer with several of her colleagues the following week, as I had other health issues to consider - past heart attack, diabetes amongst others.
The next week my OBGYN called me in to schedule an endometrial/uterine biopsy to rule out cancer, endometriosis etc., as any positive results would mean an almost certain TAH.
By the time the results from the biopsy came back all clear, my OBGYN had done lots of research and conferring with colleagues, and she was confident that my prolapsing fibroid could be vaginally removed and a D&C performed. The only reason I would then need a TAH is if she was unable to stop any severe bleeding (which I'd had following the biopsy, possible due to the 325mg of Aspirin I was taking).
My surgery early this morning (under general anaesthetic) took about 40 minutes, with my OBGYN 'tying' off my fibroid, then removing it (as fibroids have a very rich supply of blood) and doing the D&C. Bleeding was minimal (I stopped the Aspirin 6 days ago), and no need for a TAH.
Fifteen hours later - I have a little vaginal discomfort when sitting, minimal bleeding, almost undetectable tummy tenderness. I feel great, aside from the usual tiredness after anaesthesia and am ready to get back to my normal life (after doctor's orders to rest for 2 days).
I have to say, I was ready for a TAH - after suffering a bunch of premenopausal problems, I just wanted to GET RID OF IT ALL! BUT, I'm soooo glad my OBGYN wasn't keen to jump the gun on that.
I hope this helps someone else!


Cheers,
xena

P.S. Thanks for being here Hystersisters - what a great resource, and so many wonderfully caring women sharing information and experiences

Hi Xena

What a great Dr you have!

Nobody really wants to go through major surgery unless there are no other alternatives.

I hope your recovery continues to be so good.

Hugs

Katy

Xena,
Thanks for sharing your success story with us. I am sooo happy for you!
May you enjoy many years of continued good health!
s,
Beth

Thanks so much for your well wishes MatyMoo and sistabeth!
I am truly fortunate when I read of all the horrid pain, complications and medical stupidity - that I came through a very minor procedure with great success. I had no pain at all - just on-and-off bleeding/discharge for almost 3 months.
Just hope if anyone else is diagnosed with a prolapsed fibroid, this helps them a little, as I was unable to find one single account of a woman who'd been through this.
It IS unusual, but obviously very easily remedied without a hysterectomy.

Xena,

From your description, it sounds like what you had was a submucosal fibroid. These fibroids are in the uterine cavity and sometimes can be pushing into the cervix depending on where in the uterine cavity they are located. The surgery you describe is a hysteroscopic resection which is commonly and easily done for submucosal fibroids.

I'm wondering, did you have a prolapsing fibroid or a submucosal fibroid? What are the characteristics of a prolapsing fibroid? I ask because perhaps the reason many women had never heard of a prolapsing fibroid or replied to your post was because what you actually had was a submucosal fibroid? I'm also curious to know what a prolapsing fibroid is exactly?

I'm glad you received prompt and excellent treatment. Wish you well on your recovery,
Ammuni

Ammuni,
Thanks for your well wishes!
I will find out exactly where, and what type of fibroid mine was when I visit my OBGYN next week. I'm not sure of the size, but she indicated to my husband that it was quite large.
I do know she didn't plan on doing a hysteroscopy, due to profuse bleeding I suffered following a uterine biospy. She felt it would be a wasteful procedure as excessive bleeding would hinder any view of my uterus.
Her plan was to tie off the fibroid in a couple of places and remove it between the ties, to reduce bleeding. This leads me to think she felt it was a pedunculated fibroid. However both she and another OBGYN told me it's not easy to tell exactly what it is until the procedure is underway - which is why she prepared me for several possible outcomes.
I will certainly report back here after my 2-week check-up, when I'll find out all the details.
Xena