Hello

Hi. I posted in the Intro section and was directed here... so here goes. I'll just copy and paste my intro post here:

Recently I was found to have fibroids near, as in "abuting" my uterus and possibly on my ovaries. Not all of the reports are in yet, so I can't say for sure what is going to happen, but the word hysterectomy was mentioned briefly as a possibility.

But it was mentioned by a surgeon, not a GYN. I was at the surgeons for something else and the tests he sent me for showed the fibroids and a couple other masses, most likely benign... so I am jumping the gun by posting here but at the same time I am confused.

It is only through reading about fibroids on the net and here that I realize I have been having "problems". I thought it was normal---> the really heavy periods at times, the incredibly sharp intense pains I have in my pelvic area even when I do not have my period, the little leaks of urine, sometimes even when I do not cough, and the fact that when I sit down or move in certain ways I can feel something dropping down inside my vagina (I mostly notice this when I am on the toilet <blush>). I attributed most of this to getting older (I am 40) and the fact that I am fat. Ahhh yeah, just a bit of denial and avoidance going on there!

Anyway, I am here to get some information so I can be prepared... and I need someone to bounce some stuff off of. I have never seen a GYN (yeah, bad I know) and I do not have one now. Would it be best for me to make an appointment with a GYN or just follow-up with my GP and surgeon (either way I need surgery for some other things)? I don't have anyone I can bounce my questions off of but at the same time I am not looking for medical advice. I just need someone to help me think this through so I can figure out my best course of action. I am not sure where to go from here. It seems crazy to base my decision on the recommendations of a surgeon, cuz of course he is going to want to operate... but can he do a hysterectomy? Or are GYNs more qualified?

Any comments and thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,

Carol

My own experience with GPs and all the gyn problems I've had, has been to deal with a Gyn whenever there's a possiblity of procedures and/or surgery. You may want to ask some friends who they have been seeing and get an appt with that Gyn to discuss things. I did a lot of testing and talking with my Gyn before I consented to a hyst. I'm 37 -- my doctor doesn't feel age is all that relevant to problems women can exprerience.

I diagnosed my own fibroids when I was about 39. But I didn't actually see a doctor and get a medical confirmation until about 18 months ago at age 52! I picked a GYN from a local "best doctors" listing, because he was close. I didn't like him very much. I was directed to GYN #2 by my best friend who's a patient of hers. GYN #2 referred me to her colleague for the surgery. He's wonderful!

Can you get a recommendation from a friend? The local listings of "best doctors" ususally pick the doctors at teaching hospitals, because the panels are doctors from those hospitals. Also, I work at a tv station and our medical reporter does regular stories with the local doctors. And it's my experience that after decades of reporting, that she only talks with doctors with good reputations and track records. Also, I checked through the doctors on my insurance company list. Just a few thoughts for you to consider. Good Luck!!

Hi and thanks so much to the both of you.

So I guess my next step is to make an appointment with a GYN. Yes, I can and will ask friends for referrals. I have not wanted to talk too much about this stuff cuz I don't want to drag my friends down especially when I have no real info to give. Plus... I hate the thought of having to go to a GYN. Yep, got issues there, but I have to get over that... and quick too <grin>. Life certainly has a way of bopping me over my head to get me to deal with things!

Grrr.... I have a feeling lots of people are going to be looking, poking and probing me parts! ACK!

Okay, I can do this.

Oh yeah... another question: is it possible that fibroids can cause brownish looking periods? Anyone else have that?

Thanks,

Carol

I went to the internet and found a doctor that specializes in my condition. Around here there are a lot of Ob/Gyn, but they may not really know about fibroids if they are much more interested in infertility for instance. You could ask your gp or ask his nurse or office girls where they go. Ask LOTS of questions, but the most important is ask if they will listen to you! I think that a Gyn who really listens is worth their weight in gold! Don't be embarrassed that you haven't been to a gyn before... LOTS of woman haven't... and you are now! Be your own advocate!!YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Hi Carol,

In pre-op, I too had some of the symptoms you described and I was diagnosed with fibroids. I am not much of a Dr. person myself. I had a gyneo Dr. when I was diagnosed with fibroids but I only saw her once a year for my annual exam.

I actually got a 2nd opinion and found him through the human resources dept. at my DH's work. Wow I lucked out!! Great Dr. He is still my gyneo Dr. So check around. I am sure you will find a gyneo Dr. you can work with and trust.

Here is a Hyster Sisters link that goes over the different types of hysts and questions to ask your Dr.:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_preop.htm

Possibly you are a candidate for a UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization), a procedure that shrinks fibroids or a myomectomy, removal of the fibroids only. The uterus is left in tact.

Best wishes,

Mary

Hi and thanks for the replies. I bit the bullet and made an appointment with a GYN. I am seeing her next week.

I am scared though. See, this all started with a CT scan for a hernia operation and has led to so many different things. I was so overwhelmed that I made an appointment to sit down with my GP to discuss where to go next. Seems that the concern I have about the fibroids, possible uterine prolapse and hysterectomy are the least of my worries. On my abdominal MRI, done to look at a mass on my adrenal gland (which turns out to be a benign cyst thank God) they found a small lesion that is "not consistent with benigh/cystic pathology" on my pancreas. Oh crap! When I think too much I get overwhelmed. Grrr... just venting.

Thanks for the help and the support. I will be back when I find out more from the GYN. Did not want you guys to think I was ignoring you. I appreciate it very much.

Carol

It can be very frustrating to have a test for one issue, only to be told "well, we found this, that, and that other!" I know when I have had this happen to me, it worked out really well to be able to sit down and talk it all over with my GP as I bounced between specialists.

in there and many best wishes to you!