Coping with fibroids

[troupe]

Hi ladies, I have posted before about struggling with fibroids (I have groups of small clusters in my uterine wall) whilst trying to conceive but it’s getting worst and whilst I am waiting to see a gyno specialist (feel like this could be years away and private treatment is way beyond our means) I wondered if anyone could be kind enough to help with questions? Firstly the pain and discomfort is getting worst everyday, increasing severely with each monthly period (slightly heavier bleeds). Any suggestions with pain management which doesn’t effect fertility? I use paracetamol (rarely, if pain makes moving impossible) and hot water bottles/heat pads ALL the time. I have stopped DHEA which I have been taking since early February 2022 in case this is increasing oestrogen which is making them increase in size? I am taking lots of natural supplements and eating organic clean foods with wheatgrass smoothies, yoga to ease the spasms and tension. It’s becoming a real battle and some nights I cannot sleep with pain, only can lie on my back and the frustration of how hard all this is is making me break. Any kind comments of how to cope would be appreciated, thank you.

[franathy]

Sorry you are having to go through this. I had similar with endometriosis/fibroids while trying to conceive. I just wanted to say that if you can take it, ibuprofen is so much more effective than paracetamol for period-type pain. Paracetamol can help, but you must take it regularly for it to be effective. Taking it only when in a lot of pain, it won't do much at all. Take care xx

[troupe in reply to franathy]

Thank you, I shall look into this and I never knew that paracetamol was not very effective for period pain. My doctor did say to never take ibuprofen when trying to conceive, and especially when pregnant so I have kept away from it but will explore this route as I am ready to try more things to manage the pain. 😊

[Sarakht]

Hi, I really hope you get complete relief. please look at dr bergs videos on YouTube on fibroids. Sugar and diet is key in shrinking fibroids naturally.

[troupe in reply to Sarakht]

Thank you, I will look at this x😊

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi troupe. Not nice havomg this problem. I think I would want the most minimally invasive procedure available to lessen the chances of any scarring which might hinder implantation. Good luck! Diane

[Pos1tivelybaby]

Hi Troupe,To echo Sarakht, diet is key.

I’ve suffered from fibroids for over a decade and I’ve found that eating lots of vegetables, especially green leafy ones, exercise, and cutting down on sugar and processed foods has helped so much in managing the pain xx

[troupe in reply to Pos1tivelybaby]

Thank you so much for your reply. We do eat very healthy and grow veg, eat organic everything- eggs, meat etc… but have been following the Mediterranean diet since miscarriage in January 2021. Since being diagnosed with fibroids I have wheatgrass everyday, Angus castus, evening primrose and non homogenized milk, gluten free bakes and lost weight. Something though is making them increasingly painful, and quickly? My oestrogen levels where normal but very much on the low end last year, but I am worried taking DHEA has aggravated the situation.

[Hidden]

I think it often depends on the fibroids and your bodies balance of hormones. I hate to say it but I have never found any diet that has helped my fibroids, but agree that ibuprofen is much more effective than paracetamol - and taking regularly builds up a sort of pain barrier as it helps with the inflammation (don't just take one when its bad if you see what I mean). I know you aren't supposed to take it when TTC but my mindset was as soon as I got pregnant I would stop xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Just to add like Kumkums I have had 2 myomectomies and thats what fixed my problems. In fact just recovering from my second x

[Pos1tivelybaby]

You poor thing, sounds like you’ve tried just about everything.Perhaps cutting down on DHEA might help?

Sending big hugs, I hope this is just a phase that passes soon xx

[kumkums]

Hi Troupe,

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I had similar symptoms when I had fibroids, mine was complicated with endometriosis. The pain was so terrible that I usually end up at A&E most times I had period then. I had terrible heavy bleeding, pain, vomiting and just being sick.

I am afraid to say diet and natural things didn't help me, that doesn't mean it can't work for you. So things I tried - turmeric (either powder, its root or capsule), yam cream, castor oil on tummy (flannel is soaked in castor oil, warmed up, placed on tummy, cover with a sheet and then place hot water bottle on it) with hot water bottle, diet change.

However, I had a myomectomy to remove the fibroids, and it did help. Note that like Diane said, anything that might cause scarring should be avoided, but in my case, it was the best route for me. I have since had a child after that, though it was through IVF.

N.B. I am a Christian and I found prayers helped me all through, so you can try praying if you believe in it.

I hope you find a solution soon.

[Faropink]

I have heard eggs are meant to be avoided because of their high estrogen levels. So I just avoid them when possible. Also taking vitamin d supplement is great to shrink fibroids. Eating a vegetarian diet and cutting out meat chicken and red meat.