Gynae appt next week!

[Ash87taylor]

Hi all I'm 32 and recently was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and polyps. I was told that one of the fibroids was 3cm. I understand that the treatment for fibroids have their side affects and they aren't things I could deal with such as weight gain as this is already a struggle for me. Does anyone know what I can expect from the appointment? What options will I be provided with? I have excruciating back pain in the mornings and my periods regularly stop me in my normal daily activities through the pain discomfort and level of bleeding. I also think that I am starting to experience incontinence which is awful...any experiences or advice would be much appreciated.

[Pootle125]

Hi. Sorry to hear you have fibroids and that you are suffering from symptoms. They can really have a real impact on your life.

I have/had a 10cm fibroid which was pressing on several organs including my bladder and bowel causing frequent urination and constipation, painful periods, nausea, and many other problems in my life. I found out I had fibroids at the beginning of the year but I have had problem for approx 5 years. They offered me uterine embolisation, partial hysterectomy or to leave it until menopause when it should shrink on its own. I’m not menopausal but in my mid 40’s so not far off. I also enquired about ultra sound treatment which Queen Mary hospital offer but was told it does not always work. I went for UE because the procedure is minor compared to a hysterectomy and you can be back to work in 1-2 weeks compared to months of recovery. It also has a pretty high success rate.

I have just (this week) had uterine embolisation. Was it painful? Yes but not for long. Immediately after the operation the pain kicked in but I would say it was as bad as the worst period pain I’ve experienced for me. It lasted about 20 minutes until the morphine kicked in (for most it should be immediate but I react differently to meds). Morphine didn’t suit me but they found alternatives. I can tell you more about the actual procedure if you want to PM me.

Basically it has been exactly a week since I went through it and I am already noticing some positive effects. Personally I am glad I went through it. I know that sometimes they can return after a couple of years but seeing just a tiny change already has made it worth it for me. Nobody has said that weight gain is a possible side effect but maybe people you have spoken to were referring to a partial hysterectomy?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future. I felt quite alone with this, even though I had lots of support from family and friends. I also was really worried about the procedure I had chosen but knew no one who had gone through it. Like most female specific conditions it felt like a taboo, nobody seemed to be talking about it. So if you want to ask me any questions feel free

[nieldy in reply to Pootle125]

hi my mom also has 2 fibroids both measuring almost 4cm and she's 45 years old, the ob suggested her to remove my mom's uterus but it's impossible at the moment bc it's hard to be at the hospital with this pandemic, I'm just asking if will the fibroids shrink on it's own when you hit menopause??????

[Pootle125]

Sorry I also forgot to say that a myomectomy was also discussed at my appointment. The consultant said that often women opt for this because they think it’s a better option to hysterectomy but she said it’s still a big op because they have to remove the fibroid and then reconstruct the wall. I also meant to say.. if you are not happy with your consultant you have a right to change. I felt my original consultant was pushing me towards a partial hysterectomy not really understanding what that might mean for a woman (he was male but I have had great male doctors so not sure if it was just a severe lack of empathy or understanding regardless of gender). Anyway I asked to change to a female consultant and the experience was very different. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (in fact write them down and take them with you), do your research beforehand and don’t be afraid to ask more questions afterwards if you have more.