Minimally invasive surgery not an option?

Hi everyone,

Just came from my OB/GYN appointment. I've been on Synarel for the past three months in the hopes of shrinking my large fibroids before surgery. Turns out it hasn't decreased the volume of my uterus enough for me to get a minimally invasive procedure (e.g. DaVinci myomectomy.) She said it wouldn't be worth it for me to continue my meds - while I like not having my periods and not having the abdominal pain I normally get with my fibroids, I'm sure not happy to be paying so much for it!

This really worries me. I'm a freelancer so I really can't take off 4 weeks to heal from a traditional myomectomy. Could there be other options I'm not thinking of? Should I look for a doctor who may try a DaVinci on me?

A 2nd opinion might be a great idea for your situation! Hugs...

Have you been evaluated for UAE or MRfergus (sp)? Those might be worth investigating to see if you are a candidate. You can also do a search here for those to read some experiences with them. Good luck, I hope you get some useful info.

iheartshoes,

I'm sorry the Synarel hasn't worked for you.

I agree that a second opinion, or third, is in order. Just because one doctor can't do the surgery you want doesn't mean another can't. Skill level is a huge factor in minimally invasive surgeries. Minimally invasive myomectomies can be difficult and aren't as common as hysters but they are done. You need to shop around to find the right doctor. It may be true that your fibroids aren't a candidate for the surgery you want but I wouldn't let just one doctor tell me that.

I opted for a hyster because I only wanted one surgery and myomectomy could have a longer recovery than a hyster. I'm not encouraging hyster just pointing out my choice and why. Your fibroids may have a good chance of growing back after your myomectomy.

There are options for fibroids. Unfortunately none are for sure permanent but hyster.

I hope you can find a doctor who will do the surgery you want. Keep us posted.

Thank you all for the responses!

Forgot to mention in my first post:

I'm 31 and don't have children - every gyno I've been to says I'm too young for a hysto, and while I don't intend on ever having children, they'd rather see me get a myomectomy anyway.

I've been searching online and I've seen videos of laparascopic/robotic myomectomies being performed on large uteri. Mine is around a 22 week pregnancy at this point. I guess it's a matter of finding someone who's skilled and confident enough to remove my large fibroids. I simply cannot afford to be off my feet for weeks on end - that would push me off a financial cliff!

More research is to be done - will ask around for recommendations and will keep you all posted on my progress.