Large Fibroids and invasive surgery

[dorita74]

Hello, I am new here and freaking out. I was admitted in A&E in August, as I could not pass urine. I have been with a catheter ever since. An US scan showed 2 subserosal fibroids, one at the top of the womb of 8cm and a posterior of 5cm. NHS is doing what they can, but the surgeon I saw is talking of an open cut surgery to remove the fibroids, and the whole womb in case of complications.

I read so much and think there are less invasive ways to intervene. However this is urgent, because of the catheter and being generally run down. Could anyone suggest how to go about trying less invasive methods through the NHS? hopeful,scared and worried Dorita

[Hidden]

I had one 11cm fibroid which was pressing on the neck of the bladder making urination difficult. I had the fibroid embolized. I think it's about 6cm now and no longer affects urination. However, I did and still do have another condition called interstitial cystitis which may have contributed to difficulty urination. Anyways, this was about 20 years ago when embolization for fibroids was fairly new. Now I bet they have perfected it. Google "uterine fibroid embolization." Can't imagine you're not a candidate.

[dorita74 in reply to Hidden]

thanks for sharing your experience Hidden . did the fibroid shrink fast after treatment...i.e: was your urinary problem resolved soon after that?

[Hidden in reply to dorita74]

Yes, quickly as I recall. The frequency continued but not the retention. I thought the procedure would take care of both but then upon further examination with a cystoscope it was found I had Interstitial cystitis. But the fibroid was a very mechanical thing and the doctor described it like a pinched balloon and how hard it was for air to escape especially if the balloon was very full. Not waiting too long to pee and tilting my body backwards on seat helped until I had the procedure.

[dorita74 in reply to Hidden]

thx. really hope your cystitis has improved since. best wishes!