Possible Fibroid Tumor

I am 40 years old and new to this site and I seeking helpful information. I recently underwent an ultrasound both internal and external ordered by my GYN to find out what was going on with me. What prompted this was my recent experience with pelvic pain, pressure, pain during sex, bloating and bladder problems, oh and the unforgettable embarrasing accident I had while grocery shopping one day while I was on my period. Although I am waiting for my GYN to announce my results, there are a few things I want to know. I have done some research and know that a hysterectomy is one approach to a fibroid solution since with out it, they can grow back. Here's my question. Since I am 40 almost 41, have three children and don't intend to have anymore, would it be a bad thing to go ahead and have a hysterctomy? What I do not want is to prolong my situation, because right now the symtoms I am experiencing are affecting my quality of life.

there could possibly be other options that arent as drastic as a hysterectomy but you probably would need to see your dr first for your results... since there are different types of fibroids and different treatments. there are also many types of hysterectomies..some leave the cervix and ovaries, some remove the cervix. its great youre doing research now..keep reading about options so when you do talk to your dr, you can ask lots of questions. i knew before my dr offered me a hysterectomy that i would want to keep my cervix and ovaries..so when he only offered me a vaginal hysterectomy, i knew i didnt want that. i went for a second opinion and the dr was trained to do the least invasive type of surgery and i got to keep everything that was healthy. you cant be too informed. good luck

Hi Bmw6671,

I also had fibroids and I agree with what Dressedupinblue said. Ask as many questions as you can and maybe get (2) opinions. I can suggest going to the *Hysterectomy Checkpoints* link at the top of the web site. Click on it...and go to the *Pre-op* link. Click on it and scroll down. It goes over questions to ask the Dr. and the different types of hysts. Possibly you are a candidate for a less invasive hyst such as a TVH, a LAVH, a LSH or the newer DaVinci Robotic.

Best wishes in your research...and just remember to do what is *best* for you.

Mary

	Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw6671 I am 40 years old and new to this site and I seeking helpful information. I recently underwent an ultrasound both internal and external ordered by my GYN to find out what was going on with me. What prompted this was my recent experience with pelvic pain, pressure, pain during sex, bloating and bladder problems, oh and the unforgettable embarrasing accident I had while grocery shopping one day while I was on my period. Although I am waiting for my GYN to announce my results, there are a few things I want to know. I have done some research and know that a hysterectomy is one approach to a fibroid solution since with out it, they can grow back. Here's my question. Since I am 40 almost 41, have three children and don't intend to have anymore, would it be a bad thing to go ahead and have a hysterctomy? What I do not want is to prolong my situation, because right now the symtoms I am experiencing are affecting my quality of life.

A constructive alternative for fibroids is myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. Your uterus has sexual and other important functions all of your life, and you don't really need it for fibroids. Keep searching! I have fibroids that are a 5 month size. 4 gynecologists said a myomectomy couldn't be done because they're too big, but I have an appointment in two weeks with another doctor who I've heard is skilled at myomectomy. Keep looking for information about fibroids and good doctors!

Good luck!

Like BernieO, I had fibroids that grew to a 5 month sized uterus. After I read all of the potential life long side effects from hysterectomy (30-50% of women will experience one or more) on the American College of Gyno/Obstetrician's web site, I decided it was not for me. My gyn would only recommend hysterectomy and would not do a myomectomy. I went to a specialist in New York and had an abdominal myomectomy 6 weeks ago. He was able to remove all 19 fibroids (some as tiny as a pimple) and the recovery was very easy.

I would encourage you to do a lot of research, visit the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation's site and the Yahoo Fibroids Group. An eye opening book to read would be "The Hysterectomy Hoax", it is very informative. Good luck in making the decision best for you.

Im a little different than the other posters. After i ended up at the ER and needed a blood transfusion because i was so severely anemic, i didnt want to hear about any of the other alternatives than a hyster. Im sick of my monthly misery, and its not going to get me that sick ever again, im done with it, and im very determined!

Every case and hystory is different. As the others suggested, if youre not sure about it, getting a second opinion (or even a 3rd) is a good idea. Ask about the different options and follow your instinct.

Good luck in your search.

Another good website to check out is HERS Foundation. It's got a lot of great information and they refer to gynecologists who perform myomectomies. There's a great new book too called The H Word that tells you all about fibroids and what questions to ask a doctor and even better it gives you the answers so that you can figure out if you're being told what you need to know about fibroids.

((bmw6671))

Welcome to HysterSisters!

I think you are wise to be asking some questions! The more you know, the better able you can be to make the best decision for you! A hysterectomy is a major, irreversible surgery that is not without risks so you do want to be sure it is right for you before you head into OR!

I would suggest learning all you can about fibroids and the various options for treating them. You can start by checking out our Fibroid Resources. I would also suggest at least a second medical opinion to be sure that whatever choice you make it is the very best one for you!

Weigh all of your pros and cons for each choice. Know the risks for each option. This do what is best for you and your circumstances!

Hi there. I had a myomectomy in 1997 when I was 31 and another in 2007 when I was 40. It is unlikely that fibroids will return because they rarely do when women are past 40, although fibroids that were not removed will continue to grow.

Myomectomies were the best thing for me. The first time, my uterus was the size of a 20 week pregnancy and I had severe bleeding that required 3 blood transfusions. The second time, my uterus was over 20 week's pregnancy size, but I did not have severe bleeding, except for one weekend.

If you are 40 or over, then recurrence is not a likely issue, so other factors should be considered. Fibroids 10 cm and smaller can sometimes be treated with Uterine Artery (or Fibroid) Embolization or with laparoscopic myomectomy. Sometimes, doing nothing is an option for women who can wait until menopause when fibroids tend to shrink on their own.

If surgery is necessary, then risks between myomectomy and hysterectomy should be carefully considered. Surgically, the risks are similar, but long-term risks from hysterectomy trouble some women, so do your research before making a commitment to any procedure. You want to be happy with your ultimate decision.

I've been dealing with a similar situation. Do your online research and read, read, read. I've read 6 books in the last three weeks and spent a lot of time online. There are a lot of solutions, hyster being the most extreme. I don't have children but have settled on a myomectomy (mine are 5 month size). Not necessarily because I plan on having children, but because I don't want to close the door and make the decision final, and because it's my understanding that even though hormones come from the ovaries, the uterus does serve a regulatory type of function, and I'd rather not experience menopause at the ripe age of 41.

But, as everyone has said, the best decision, is what feels good for you, because you'll be satisfied with the outcome.