Large fibroid surgery only option?

Hi there. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what is happening to me. I've known I had a fibroid for eight years. In the past six months it doubled in size to 12 cm and now causes me chronic pain and bladder issues. I've consulted with two top docs in my area (blessed to have this access) and hysterectomy is their recommendation. They indicate there is no way to remove the fibroid without abdominal surgery. Fertility is not a concern. They are willing to try myomectomy but this could leave me having multiple major surgeries through menopause. I'm forty two. Any advice on how to move forward?:confused

If two say hysterectomy, then either get a third opinion or sounds like that is what you need. I would have them take the tubes but leave the ovaries if they are fine and there is no reason to suspect ovarian cancer in the future. You don't want to be thrown into menopause if you can help it. Besides, the ovaries release other hormones besides estrogen. Keep in mind though, keeping them you will still have the monthly cycles - just no period.

Unfortunately it sounds like you need more information.
Have you had an MRI? Do you have any bothersome symptoms?
Most doctors aren't trained properly to treat fibroids. So they offer a hysterectomy or try to talk you into one. It's pretty much standard stuff.
At age 47, my fibroids became a nightmare. But I felt a hysterectomy was very much the wrong choice for me.
It was very hard to find a doctor who respected me and my body enough to listen to me.
In the end, I chose UFE to treat the fibroids and had a myomectomy to remove some of them. The others shrunk to nothing because of the UFE.
Just because they might be "top" doctors, what good are they if they don't have the right skills for what you want?
Their recommendations are inline with many but times are changing and more women don't want a hysterectomy. The side effects are far too dangerous and damaging if they happen to you.
Fibroids are a treatable condition and hysterectomies are a big money maker for doctors.
Be sure to explore all of your options keeping in mind that you are the only one in charge. It's your body.

If your fibroid has been growing that quickly you need to consider that abdominal hysterectomy may end up being the only option to remove it if it continues to grow. I had a fibroid that was 20cm x 15 x 15cm when found and even with a vertical cut to my belly button they struggled getting it out, it seems to have resolved a few issues I was having like reflux, chronic pain, especially in the legs and back ache.

Do a pros and cons list to work out what would be most beneficial for you.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Ripley one If your fibroid has been growing that quickly you need to consider that abdominal hysterectomy may end up being the only option to remove it if it continues to grow. I had a fibroid that was 20cm x 15 x 15cm when found and even with a vertical cut to my belly button they struggled getting it out, it seems to have resolved a few issues I was having like reflux, chronic pain, especially in the legs and back ache. Do a pros and cons list to work out what would be most beneficial for you.

You are singing my song. I do have ALL of those symptoms and have been mystified about them because they have been occurring in spite of my good heath and fitness level. I do have an appointment with RI but I'm not confident my case will be acceptable. After sitting still for eight years this thing grew five cm in six months and it's still thriving. Clearly a growth spurt. I am seeing Drs at Mayo, plus other local specialists. Right now I'm discouraged because it seems like a waiting game, when can I no longer take this and have to pull the trigger? Thanks for your support ladies, it helps me to hear others who understand this. Of all the friends I have, nobody has dealt with these before.

Hi,

Sorry you're having to go through this.

Your situation sounds very similar to mine. I am 42 also. I had one large and quickly growing fibroid, and several smaller ones, with a large uterus. They were causing heavy bleeding, pushing on my bladder, and making me look pregnant.

I spent quite a bit of time reading, researching and weighing my options. I really didn't want a hysterectomy. I had decided on a myomectomy, but ended up changing my mind. There would be a high likelihood of another surgery, and I didn't feel too confident in the state of the U.S. healthcare system in the future, so I decided on the final solution - the hysterectomy.

I insisted on keeping everything except the where the problem was (and had to fight my doctor), which means I kept ovaries, tubes and cervix.

I am 5 months post-op, and I am still not completely certain that I made the right decision. The surgery and recovery were pretty easy, it's nice not to have the problem, but I am still concerned about the increased likelihood of earlier than normal ovarian failure, and there is some minor impact on intimacy that I have experienced.

Good for you for really doing your own investigation. Best of luck with your decision-making.

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Originally Posted by lynngg I insisted on keeping everything except the where the problem was (and had to fight my doctor), which means I kept ovaries, tubes and cervix.

Doctors don't like you to keep the cervix as fibroids can regrow and to eliminate cervical cancer. they prefer to remove the Fallopian tubes as it's been found that's where ovarian cancers stem from, keeping them means a 46% higher chance of developing ovarian cancer, removing them means a 20% decrease in the chances.

It's a lot to think about that's for sure.

Dear Cosmo23:
I am 6 week post on a TAH. I kept my ovaries. Like you I was told for years that I needed a hysterectomy due to fibroids. I waited too, mostly because I did not have any symptoms (no bleeding, etc), and I did not "believe in" the need for this type surgery -weak smile. About 3 months prior to surgery, my fibroids started to grow rapidly. I am 56 and have been taking HRT for menopause symptoms. Typically fibroids shrink in menopause, even with HRT, but mine were growing. For me the decision to go forward was based on two things. First, I found the right doctor that I felt VERY comfortable with to do the surgery. My first GYN who I had been seeing for years and years keep telling me to "just take everything out - you aren't using it anymore!" Finally I asked for a second opinion and she referred me to my current doctor. The minute I met her, I knew she was the one. She also said I could keep my ovaries if they looked healthy and answered all of by bazillion questions. I can say that I had many worries and concerns prior to the surgery, but never ONCE was I worried about my doctor. So I encourage you to find a doctor you TRUST as you are moving forward. Secondly, my fibroids were getting so big, that I did start bleeding, was peeing all the time, gained weight, looked like I was 4 months pregnant, and had back pain on my right side where the bulk of my uterus was leaning. (All gone now after surgery and no cancer thank God!) By the time I had my surgery, my uterus was 15X12X10cm (about three times the normal uterus) and weighed over a pound. Because my fibroids were large, I could not have a less invasive procedure. Nevertheless the doctor was able to do a TAH with a horizontal (bikini) incision. (Yes, I have thought perhaps I "watchful waited" to long, on the other hand, I could not have done the surgery until I met my doctor so perhaps the timing was in divine right order after all?) So the second thing I have to tell you is, yes, by all means - do your research. However, how large your fibroids are does determine the surgery options you can have. The next step for me if I had waited longer would have been a TAH with an vertical abdominal incision, which is more painful and a much longer recovery. I hope this helps. Honestly, the worst part of this entire thing was waiting for the surgery. Also, I have to say that the HysterSisters site REALLY helped. If you do have the procedure, be sure to join a recovery group. The recovery group is gals who have had a hysterectomy the same time as you. So helpful and supportive. Best of luck to you my dear!

Well just an update. I saw uae guys yesterday. They said I was a so-so candidate. Actually even they re commended hysterectomy. I mean what the heck.

I'm moving into a stage of myomectomy vs hysterectomy. I'm about to do my hormone testing and seek a third opinion. This woman is known for listening.

I have to say my nerves are getting to me.

Cosmo, you are smart to review your options and get multiple opinions. If you have a myomectomy and/or UAE first, even if you later need a hyst, at least you know you tried less invasive, less permanent solutions.

I did UAE in 2011 (age 41), followed by myomectomy in 2013. Apparently a teeny percentage of UAEs don't ultimately work because the ovarian arteries are the ones supplying blood to the fibroids, so embolizing the uterine arteries doesn't solve the problem. My IR said it is very rare, but likely what happened to me.

I had a great experience with myo (DaVinci) and was symptom free for 2 years until new fibroids started growing. Now at 45 I'm trying to figure out what to do next, which may be a hyst, but I'm taking my time to make that decision.

Still, according to my gyn and my research, UAE and/or myo generally fixes the problem for the vast majority of women. It's only the rare fibroid factories like myself who get really unlucky.

If I had to do it all over again, 100% absolutely I would follow the same path. If I end up with a hyst, at least I know I tried.

Wishing you all the best and hope you are able to find the best solution for YOU!