Results are pointing toward Hysterectomy

(((Courtney999)))

You've had some wonderful support here, in the Hysterectomy Alternatives Forum!

If you've decided to proceed with a hysterectomy, you can now move over to the dedicated Pre-Op Support forum where you can ask questions and receive pre-op support, etc.

We're sending best wishes and positive thoughts!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Courtney999 I am dealing with severe anemia caused by a bunch of fibroids (can't remember if they defined 9 or 12 on the internal ultrasound). My GP has been very proactive in treating the anemia with LOTS of iron in addition to exploring the cause. (It went undiagnosed for a while due to me not having medical insurance and neglecting to keep up with regular bloodwork in general and during 2020 in particular as our COVID #s are high in my area.). Bloodwork revealed the anemia on 8/5/21. My doctor told me from Day 1 that his suspicion was menstral bleeding causing the anemia, which he confirmed through other testing. My internal ultrasound shows a bunch of fibroids some with blood supplies. He initially was expecting to recommend a uterine ablasion, but while he still says he would support me if I want to go that route, he feels it is unlikely to deal with my main issue which is the fibroids. No issue with my uterine lining was apparant. His recommendation was hysterectomy. He referred me to an OB once it was clear something would have to happen gynocologically. I saw her on 9/1. She did an exam to rule out polyps (I have none), and while she concurs with my GP that hysterectomy is going to be the best way to deal with my situation, my insurance required trying progesterone first. We all found this ridiculous since progesterone was definitely not going to solve fibroid issues, especially considering my terrible track record with tolerating hormones. We gave it almost two weeks, but the constant cramps, headaches, vomitting, it delaying my cycle by more than a week, etc etc have caused us to declare progesterone a failure (as expected). The OB then requires the next step to be an intrauterine biopsy to 'rule out anything scarier' before they move on to the next step, which she also believes needs to be a hysterectomy. She will not perform it. There is a specialist in the office who I will meet with either tomorrow when I have my biopsy or at an appt with him once the biopsy results come back. My biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, and I am really not concerned that I have cancer. There is no family history of uterine/cervical cancer, but I can't deny I will be happy once those results are back. I was told 3-4 days for that news. I am not even sure what I am asking for here other than maybe other than asking for reassurance that we are doing all thr right things to arrive at a proper conclusion.. It seems.to me like we are. I have been able to ask all my questions and get good answers so far. I had hoped for ablasion, but I understand why it is not being recommended for me. I do not want multiple surgeries, but considering I only found out the fibroids were causing this big of an issue 5.weeks ago, I am stunned at how quickly everything is moving. I have always had painful, heavy periods, but I'd been told 'some women do' , and I accepted that as my reality until menopause. I am 48. No desire/need to preserve fertility. Great supportive family, and a husband who is agreeing with the doctors but will support anything I want to do. Other than obviously preferring to not have major surgery, I am not seeing any reason to say no if these further tests continue to push us toward a surgical solution. And honestly if I am. Going to have to have to have a recovery, this is not a bad time for it as even vaccinated ppl like myself are trying to still abide by Safer at Home protocols due to the high Covid #s. Everything I regularly need to do can currently be done from home.

I pray for your wellbeing.
Thank you for sharing, I too am going through a lot.
I hope you don't mind me asking but I'm curious to the size of your fibroids etc.
I'm 44 and have been dealing with fibroids since my 20's.
I currently take ferrous sulfate for iron. Before taking that I would be so weak during menstrual cycles. It has really helped me.
But I have many health issues currently.
My most recent ultrasound showed my uterus is now 16cm, largest fibroid is almost 11cm, 7cm, 5cm and so on. My uterus is full according to the doctor's.
Today I scheduled an appointment with USA Fibroid Clinic, they're all over, hopefully they'll be able to help.