Deciding on Fibroid Treatment/ Hyst with Fibroid against rectum

Hi folks --
I'm new to the boards, and I think this forum will provide me the interaction I'm looking for. I am hoping to find others that perhaps have my same list of symptoms/decisions to make that can offer perspective about what they have done.

I am 35, married, never had children. I had a pendunculated fibroid the size of a golf ball removed in early 2005 via a minor vaginal procedure. At that time, the heavy bleeding / bladder pressure I had was relieved, but I was also warned that I had several small fibroids in my uterine walls which may cause problems at a later time.

A few months ago, I noticed my periods getting heavier and last month, I experienced major breaktrhough bleeding and pelvic / back pressure and pain. Given my history, I rapidly made an appointment. A follow up ultrasound revealed that I have "two large tumors". One is the size of an orange (6cm by 6 cm by 6cm) near the top of my uterus, which is suspected to be stretching up towards my tubes. I and the doctor can easily feel it by pushing down on my abdomen just below my navel. The second measurable tumor is the size of a golf ball near the back of my uterus, pushing on my rectum. I am told that i have multiple other tumors that "aren't measureable".

My follow up meeting with the gynocologist who did my first procedure did not go as I'd hoped. She indicated concern esp. with the smaller tumor pushing against my rectum. She admitted that while myomectomy was possible, she was worried about this tumor's position and depth in my uterine wall and the damage removing this tumor would cause to my uterus. Due esp. to that tumor and my case history (myo may not permanantly solve what looks to be a reoccuring problem in my case), she is recommending a Lap. Hyst as my only real treatment option. If I decide NOT to pursue a hysterectomy, she indicated watching and waiting and taking a lot of advil.

Given I am at home from work today with pain, general discomfort throughout my pelvis and back and an off/on low-grade fever, no treatment doesn't seem to be an option. I know from reading the forums that others here have reached a similar decision point and am wondering what those who may read this post think about my options / particular situation.

If any readers out there specifically have fibroids that intersect with the rectum or other areas where adhesions are a concern, I'd really like to hear what you did and/or your outcome. My bottom line is I'm interested in exploring a myomectomy to remove as many of my fibroids as possible to buy time and potentially avoid a hyst (now, and possibly forever!), but I am concerned I may be pushing for an option that may be more damaging / frustrating to me in the long run.

My thanks in advance while I research and mull my options --

Splisa

Hi splisa

Here is a link to the Fibroids section of our Resources Directory: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=26 .

I hope you are able to find the right answers soon. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Hi Splisa,

I'm 39 and have a long history with fibroids as well. I had a myo about 9 years ago to remove several of them, the largest was the size of a lemon. I was told at the time that they could grow back but since I had never had children, I wanted to retain that option for awhile.

Several years later and the fibroids returned. As they continued to grow, my periods grew heavier and more painful. Then I developed intestinal pain that occured only during my periods. Just anticipating my periods became a nightmare. I dreaded eating anything for the first couple days of my cycle because of the awful pain with digestion. I began researching what could be the source of my intestinal pain and narrowed it down to endo or adhesions.

By this time I decided that I'd had enough and even though I have never had children afterall, decided to move ahead with the LAVH.

My surgeon is wonderful and a leader in the field so I felt confident that he could deal with whatever he found in there. I apologized to him up front and told him I thought he was going to find a mess!

What he found was an greatly enlarged uterus completely packed with fibroids. In addition, my intestine was adhered to my uterus (I knew it!!!) and I had cysts on both ovaries. It took him over 4 hours to get the job done.

After the surgery, I asked if my uterus could have been saved by just removing the fibroids and they said no.

This is just my story. It's so difficult to know if you're making the right decision because you don't know how bad it is until they actually get in there.

I would suggest a lot research, a couple of surgical/medical opinions where they explore all of your options, even if you don't think you're interested, taking advantage of the wisdom of the ladies on this site, and lots of soul searching.

Best of luck to you!