Very Large Fibroid- Unsure of Options

Hi all, I have been a lurker for a little over a month now- read a ton of posts to get a good idea of what other experiences have been, but still curious for weigh-ins from others on my situation.

I have always had really heavy periods, bouts of anemia, horrible cramping etc. My sister and mom had it too so I thought it was normal for our family. Otherwise healthy despite being on the chunkier side. At my first ultrasound for my first child in 2016, we discovered I had two fibroids- one was 2x2cm and the other was 8x4 cm. Nothing we could do at that point but wait and see how big they grew with the pregnancy hormones. Had a C-section due to the larger fibroid blocking my cervix and the larger fibroid popped out of the incision causing additional complications. At the time of birth, the larger fibroid was 14x6. I was assured that most fibroids shrink when the pregnancy hormones go away, but I should come back for an ultrasound when it was time to have baby #2. Went back in June this year- it grew.

They did both an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and found the larger fibroid is now 20x19x8. My gyn stated that he would likely need to refer me out to a specialist, but wanted to order an MRI first to see how it is connected to the uterus to determine options. I had the MRI today and am waiting for results. He stated, based solely on my ultrasound results, that I have no non-surgical options available to me due to the size and location of the fibroid- we are looking at either a myomectomy or a hysterectomy.

My preference is a myomectomy if there will be enough remaining of my uterus to have another child, but at this point would prefer to be healthy myself than worry about another baby. The more I have read on this forum, the more I have realized things I thought were normal for me could very well be connected to the fibroid- constant feeling of bloat, heaviness in that region, occasional incontinence, constipation, uncomfortable laying on my stomach due, back pain, fatigue, heavy periods, extreme cramping, anemia etc.

Has anyone had fibroids of this size and successfully had a myomectomy rather than hysterectomy? I keep having this sinking feeling that it wont be an option, but I don't want to be all gloom and doom. If I am not given myomectomy as an option, is it worth it to get a second opinion?

Also- how hard is this topic to talk about with husbands?! He loves me so much but does not understand in the slightest.

I had a very large fibroid, pathology report said uterus measured just over 22x17cm and weighted over 3000grams. I didn't look at a myomectomy, I just wanted it all out except ovaries. For me it has worked out great, I did end up with an abdominal with a 7 inch vertical incision. I had a pretty straight forward easy recovery but it does take the 6 weeks minimum the doctor said it would. My symptoms of needing to pee all the time and occasional heartburn are completely gone. Also my clothes fit better since I no longer look 6 months pregnant.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by dazeygrl Hi all, I have been a lurker for a little over a month now- read a ton of posts to get a good idea of what other experiences have been, but still curious for weigh-ins from others on my situation. I have always had really heavy periods, bouts of anemia, horrible cramping etc. My sister and mom had it too so I thought it was normal for our family. Otherwise healthy despite being on the chunkier side. At my first ultrasound for my first child in 2016, we discovered I had two fibroids- one was 2x2cm and the other was 8x4 cm. Nothing we could do at that point but wait and see how big they grew with the pregnancy hormones. Had a C-section due to the larger fibroid blocking my cervix and the larger fibroid popped out of the incision causing additional complications. At the time of birth, the larger fibroid was 14x6. I was assured that most fibroids shrink when the pregnancy hormones go away, but I should come back for an ultrasound when it was time to have baby #2. Went back in June this year- it grew. They did both an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and found the larger fibroid is now 20x19x8. My gyn stated that he would likely need to refer me out to a specialist, but wanted to order an MRI first to see how it is connected to the uterus to determine options. I had the MRI today and am waiting for results. He stated, based solely on my ultrasound results, that I have no non-surgical options available to me due to the size and location of the fibroid- we are looking at either a myomectomy or a hysterectomy. My preference is a myomectomy if there will be enough remaining of my uterus to have another child, but at this point would prefer to be healthy myself than worry about another baby. The more I have read on this forum, the more I have realized things I thought were normal for me could very well be connected to the fibroid- constant feeling of bloat, heaviness in that region, occasional incontinence, constipation, uncomfortable laying on my stomach due, back pain, fatigue, heavy periods, extreme cramping, anemia etc. Has anyone had fibroids of this size and successfully had a myomectomy rather than hysterectomy? I keep having this sinking feeling that it wont be an option, but I don't want to be all gloom and doom. If I am not given myomectomy as an option, is it worth it to get a second opinion? Also- how hard is this topic to talk about with husbands?! He loves me so much but does not understand in the slightest.

Hi there I just had a full abdominal hysterectomy last Friday, July 13 but they vertical cut for the incision. I would suggest doing the An abdominal hysterectomy as when they went in and noticed my fibroid was actually starting to attach to my bowels and feeding off of blood so it’s best if they can get in there and see everything that’s going on and do any complications at that time. My fibroid is looking close 5 pounds in weight and was large. That’s always a tough decision but it’s the best dicission just to go and get it done. Try not to wait on it. You will feel sooo much better after. I no longer look pregnant and have a flat stomach! Lol

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Kel66 I had a very large fibroid, pathology report said uterus measured just over 22x17cm and weighted over 3000grams. I didn't look at a myomectomy, I just wanted it all out except ovaries. For me it has worked out great, I did end up with an abdominal with a 7 inch vertical incision. I had a pretty straight forward easy recovery but it does take the 6 weeks minimum the doctor said it would. My symptoms of needing to pee all the time and occasional heartburn are completely gone. Also my clothes fit better since I no longer look 6 months pregnant.

I, too, will need a vertical incision for my huge fibroids. I just had an open heart surgery and the pain was so manageable. Dr told me that it is less painful than the horizontal incision, but not sure. How was the pain? What medication were you on?