Post-menopausal fibroids

My TAH & sling procedure is scheduled for July 26,2004. I have serveral fibroids, supposed to go away after menopause, not in my case, I am closer to 59 than 58. My Dr. is concerned about one near the cervix and one occluding a view of the left ovary, I previously had conalization (sp?) for servere dysplasia 14 years ago by another Dr. I have very few symptoms, some pain in lower abdomin, bloating, and lots of lower back pain. Have any of you sisters had relief from back pain after the big H? I am very apprehensive re: the surgery as I have not been in the hospital overnight since the birth of my daughter 32 years ago.
Bonnie

I don't know anything about the back pain, I just thought your post was interesting. My friend (who hasn't had a period in 10 years, she's in her early 50's), was just diagnosed with fibroids and was told she needed a hysterectomy. Everything you read says fibroids shrink after menopause. Her only symptom is she started spotting. Her doctor told her the fibroids are large and that's what is causing the bleeding. Just goes to show that the literature isn't always correct, everyone's bodies are different.

I hope your surgery goes well. We'll be thinking about you. Good Luck! :hug"s and

Thank you for your quick reply. It's great to know that I'm not the only one. All the research I have done does not even address the issue of post-menopausal fibroids. About 4 years ago, I reached menopause later than normal, I had some extended bleeding with my period and the Dr. said I had fibroids and could have a H at that time but that they would probably go away after menopause. Ya, right! I thought of having a second opinion but am in a time crunch due to my teaching job so decided to go ahead with it now. Your friend's story eases my mind that I made the right decision.

I understand about your time crunch. My friend and I are teachers too. I was fortunate to be able to schedule surgery for the beginning of June, so I would have 6 weeks off to recover. My friend won't be having surgery until December so as not to miss the beginning of the school year. There was another thread "teachers unite." It's amazing how many Hyster Sisters are teachers. Good luck with surgery and your school year.

hi,

i was wondering if you are taking HRT? i wonder if it makes fibroid growth more of a factor in post-menopausal women. aren't they linked to estrogen? i've read they are so it's an interesting avenue to explore.

i did not have back pain but have read many posts of ladies saying they had that experience.

good luck and future wellness to you!

No, I am not taking HRT as I am one of the lucky ones, no hot flashes or others problems with menopause except mood swings which are helped greatly by Paxil I was perscribed for Fibro.

Reading your story confirms me decision to get my uterus out. I'm 52 & the fibroids were dormant for years, and suddenlly their on steroids. I am not taking hrt either. As my 87 year aunt said to me
when i was trying to deicde "Better in a jar than growing in you!".

Benice, I love your Aunt's theory on this subject and you can tell her for me that she is a great inspiration. Good luck to you on your upcoming visit to the castle! (I'm catching on to the lingo)

Hi there

My fibroids never shrunk after menopause either. After nearly 2 years I'd lost patience waiting. The pressure on my bladder just seemed to get worse and worse and everything felt like it was dropping. Unfortunately gravity isn't a kind thing to us as we get older. Those fibroids must have been heavy little beggars!!!!

All the best.