Fibroids, large ovarian cyst & symptoms

So here's the story in a nutshell. I'm 46, have a 9cm ovarian cyst (apparently non-malignant) and 4 "medium" fibroids that are located within the walls of the uterus (intramural fibroids?). Dr. (Gynecologist) has recommended laparascopic surgery to remove the cyst and has recommended a hysterectomy at the same time to deal with the fibroids. This is my second surgery to remove a large cyst - I had one removed in 1984 that was located in between the ovary and the uterus, I think.

As far as what took me to the Dr. (internal Medicine) in the first place was severe everything (pms, migraines, cramping & heavy bleeding ) every other month. The other months were just normal migraines, bleeding, and cramping, lol. She suggested exercise as a solution to my problems which is why I have been dealing with this for over 2 years. (Exercise didn't work, btw). Regarding the every-other-month symptoms, my Dr. said that what I was describing was "highly unlikely", but she was wrong, imo.

I am scheduled for surgery on March 7th to remove the cyst, and have to let the Dr. know what my decision is on the hysterectomy. The procedure would be supracervical as I had a TVT procedure done 4 years ago and that needs to be left in place, and he recommends leaving in my ovaries (or at least the one without the cyst).

What are the symptoms of fibroids? I am trying to figure out which symptoms are from the cyst and which ones are from the fibroids. In addition to the symptoms listed above, I have constipation, some pain during intercourse, and aching in my pelvic area, although none of it is something that I would consider to be severe. I am pretty stoic though and I can tolerate quite a bit of discomfort.

Would the hysterectomy eliminate the PMS symptoms? Is is possible that those symptoms are from the fibroids and not really pms? I'm sorry if those are basic questions, but I have been googling this for days and I am throughly confused.

The only other bit of pertinent information is that due to my work situation, I do not have time for a second opinion (I am a tax accountant) and I trust the gynecologist. I have seen him in the past and trust his judgement. Any information that someone could provide, or maybe some links to some additional reading would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my tome! I am going to keep searching the site. This has to be the best source of information that I have found since I have started searching.

Hi Spiffy,

It sounds like your Dr. is recommending a LSH (Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy). That is the same hyst type I had for two large fibroids.

In pre-op...my fibroid symptoms included pelvic pressure 24/7. By 3 o'clock in the afternoon each day...it felt like my insides were knotted up. I also had scary-heavy periods, bladder incontinence, discomfort during sex and no energy. I felt 86 instead of 46.

I had my LSH at an outpatient facility and I went home the same night. Some LSH ladies have an overnight hospital stay. I did a lot of R & R the first few days post-op and I went back to work at 2 weeks with my Dr's okay. Just took it slow and delegated when I could. I got a greenlight for sex and the gym at 6 weeks. I could say I had a textbook recovery.

I left my ovaries and I do have some PMS symptoms. Generally, it can be some mild irritability and some breast tenderness at that time of the month. Except now I do not have the monthly bloating or the periods and I have not gone into menopause yet.

My LSH is still one of the best things I ever did for my gyneo health. Today, I have my quality of life back.

It sounds like your Dr. is well trained...if he can do laparoscopic surgery. And if you trust him...for me that was a big part of my patient-Dr. relationship.

In the end...just do what is *best* for you. That is what is most important.

Sending best wishes~

Mary

Thanks for the response Mary. I am a bit bummed that I may still have some PMS symptoms (primarily the migraines that I get on day 2 - ugh) but I appreciate the candid response. It makes sense, but I just wanted to confirm what I suspected.

Coincidentally, I spoke with a friend yesterday who had the same procedure as you and she had the exact feeling about the surgery - she was very happy with the outcome. She said that it was the best thing that she had ever done for herself, but her fibroids sounded like they were much larger than mine.

I am leaning towards having the procedure. I don't want to have another surgery if I can help it.

Wow I am sorry you are having such awful migraines. I am not sure which is which for you, as I have some, but not all of your symptoms. Were your fibroids discovered via ultrasound?

I have a follicular ovarian cyst that I have had for years and never really felt any issues with. I am currently anemic, from extremely gushy, clotty, icky periods and my ultrasound showed a 6.2 cm mass in my uterus. The reports said it "Could" be a fibroid, but I need an MRI to be sure? I thought ultrasounds were pretty definitive in these cases, but not with me. It has me a little scared, but I am trying to keep a positive outlook, as I do not have a history of uterine cancer in my family, but I DO have a history of fibroids. Good luck to you, will watch for your posts to see how you are making out with those pesky fibroids and your cyst.

Take care!