I've had a trans vaginal ultrasound and an 8cmx8cm fibroid was found. I've known I had fibroids since 2012 but never had any issues with them. This was found because I went to my GP with pelvic discomfort and some urinary issues. I have Vaginal/vulval and cervical atrophy and its 6 years since my last period. I have been referred to gynecology by my GP bit opted to pay for a private consultation because I suffer from extreme anxiety. The consultant told me that fibroids of that size never appear after menopause, I need a radical hysterectomy and it may be a sarcoma. I was completely floored by all that since the radiographer that did the scan was just like "you have a fibroid ". Has anyone else had a large fibroid after menopause? I'm in such a dark place, any help would be welcome. Thank you for reading.
Fibroids after menopause : I've had a... - Pelvic Pain Suppo...
Fibroids after menopause
I’ve got one roughly the same size, Im 67 and over 20 years past menopause, I’ve had it for years and it’s slowly grown, my private Gynae isn’t worried at all and although I’ve asked for a hysterectomy and she reluctantly agreed she doesn’t feel it’s necessary so I’m leaving it alone and will just monitor with a CT every year.
PS I have seen other Gynaes and they weren’t worried either.
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm going out of my mind with worry. This private gynaecologist that I saw was so matter of fact and seemed so uncaring. I had the worst panic attack in the consultation and almost passed out, he didn't even move from his chair. He told me that imaging is useless and that the only way to be sure is to have a hysterectomy. He even told me that a radical hysterectomy would 'cure' my health anxiety because I would no longer worry about my risk of gynaecological cancer if this proved benign. I left his office feeling like I was dying. He told me that the NHS was on its knees and basically I didn't have the luxury of time to have it done on the NHS. He put in his report that he suspected anaemia but didn't request a blood test. My own GP ran some blood tests which all came back normal so I'm not anaemic. I'm just so confused.
He doesn’t sound like a very nice man ! and his attitude is typical of how women are treated by male Drs ! I only see women Drs (especially Gynaes ) if I can. The myth they all trot out about fibroids shrinking is rubbish so take no notice of that little gem !
Rather sounds as if he’s pressuring you to have a private op which is very expensive, I was quoted around £10k. Yes the wait lists for NHS surgery are long, if I wanted to have an NHS hysterectomy with my Gynae it would be about a years wait, but if anything is considered urgent then ops can be fitted in.
In your shoes I would get a 2nd NHS opinion or private if you can be sure who you are seeing isn’t just money grabbing with scares stories ! If you live anywhere near Bath I can recommend my Gynae, she’s caring and so nice.
PS you need a CT or MRI as ultrasound doesn’t give enough detail
Everyone I have spoken to, including my own GP, has said the same thing about the financial side of this. My own GP has been so good, he's referred me under the 2 week wait because of the absolute state I'm in after this private consultation and I have an NHS appointment booked for next Monday. I'm terrified if I'm honest. This private Dr offered me a CT but then said it would give no better images of the fibroid but would show if the cancer was in my other organs. I just sobbed.
So he’s diagnosed cancer based on an ultrasound 🤦🏻♀️ not for me to say whether he’s right or wrong but his manner leaves a lot to be desired ! A contrast CT definitely gives better images and a lot more detail, my last CT picked up a couple of other issues that an ultrasound would never have detected in a million years !
Try and stop worrying about what this idiot Dr said and wait and see what happens at your next appt and do let us know how you get on, good luck and think positive 😊
I’m sorry I’ve worked in healthcare etc I think you should have timeout off the dread of what the private clinic has said ! Bloods etc should be done & an appointment with an oncologist would usually be the route taken . I’ve had huge fibroids removed in the past cancer wasn’t even mentioned!I really hope your able to stay calm and get support from someone near you as even when cancer is diagnosed it’s not always horrendous there are a lot of advances I wish I could send you a hug x
Thank you for your reply. Do you mind me asking if you were post menopausal when you had the large fibroids? X
Hello Lime. I've had fibroids for over 30 years. Was told they would shrink after menopause. They haven't much, but I have them checked periodically. I'm about 20 years past Menopause and the latest scan has showed up a polyp,think I may have had that for some time,too. Gynaes don't seem too bothered either. It's no good me saying don't worry, we're all different. But you did say that you 've known about them for 10 years and not had any issues with them. I hope you find some medic who can put your mind at rest.
Thank you so much for replying to me, I feel so alone and scared. My reply to Bantam reflects how the consultation went. He categorically said that fibroids always shrink after menopause. I asked him how he could be sure mine hadn't and he just said "you're thin, if you'd had a bigger fibroid you'd known about it". Honestly, it was the worst experience of my life.
Read your reply to Bantam 12 and the whole consultation sounds awful.I agree with Bantam. You need a second opinion at the very least and more tests. He's wrong about fibroids always shrinking after the menopause. They don't! I'd like to know how you get on at your appointment next Monday. I hope all goes well.
Thank you so much, I'm so grateful you both we so kind in replying x
Hi
I had a similar sized fibroid diagnosed about 6 years ago at 52. I was still having periods and because the consultant advised that they can shrink after menopause I decided to not have any treatment. I have recently had to have scans for a post menopausal bleed, and they have shown the fibroid has reduced in size by two thirds.
After the scan it was not clear as to what may have caused the bleed so they advised I needed to have a hysteroscopy to see what exactly was happening and as part of this procedure had a polyp removed.
I had the same procedure when diagnosed with the fibroid and a biopsy was performed as part of it and was confirm benign
They also arranged a CA125 blood test ,which if elevated can be an indicator something is amiss.
These are quite common investigations carried out as a two week referral, but your GP can arrange the blood test.
Is your GP aware of your anxiety? If not they should be able to help you with this as well.
Good luck
Hello
My GP arranged for me to have a CA125 test which has come back as normal. I've known that I have had fibroids for many years, but was never told of there size or location. I've read recently that chronic stress even after menopause can cause them to grow and the last few years have been incredibly stressful. I'm grasping at anything and everything that I feel could be a positive at the moment. Feeling very frightened. Thank you
Try not to worry. Stress causes cortisol levels to rise and it’s not good. Until you decide what to do could you try a natural anti anxiety pill called Passionflower? I’mconcerned your Sympathetic Nervous System will become too agitated.
I agree. Get a second opinion. The person that suggested a CT-scan with tracer dye is a good call.
Keep us informed. I pray you get excellent care. Don’t rush into a hysterectomy.
Thank you so much. You've all been so unbelievably kind xx
It sounds like the consultant you saw requires some work on their bedside manner. It is entirely possible to get fibroids post menopause. About 80% of women can have fibroids at sometime.
Another test worth considering is your vitamin D level. A lot of people are deficient and can help with fibroids.
I hope you can get some support, as waiting for any investigation is always stressful.
Strange that you mention Vitamin D. I was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency 3 years ago and have been on treatment for that since.
I have been reading about your situation here and just want to say that I am sending you my empathy, wishes for your emotional/ mental and physical healing, strength, peace and calm. Guided meditations will help you cope. I highly suggest Nicky Sutton on YouTube. Particularly her healing ones and meeting your Angels. I am extremely sorry for what you are going through. I am having major issues myself with fibroids and endometriosis and am about to go in for surgeries. So, I know how scary trying to deal with it all and understand it all is. Especially when dealing with seemingly uncaring and confusing medical professionals. I am SO sorry for your upset.
What I wish to add here is that YES vitamin d is proven to shrink fibroids. As is green tea. Please look up the We Can Wear White Project on YouTube and the Fibroid Foundation for more help and support. From health professionals specialising in fibroid care and other patients.
Wishing you blessed,
Sarah
I am 59, 3 years since my last period . BEEN ON HRT for 12 months. Started heavey bleeding 7 days ago with severe back and abdominal pain. Have 2 week referral for scans. Anyone had similar?
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