Fibroids and Heavy Bleeding

[Samoy23]

Hi, I have fibroids and have been to a gynaecologist who has suggested a hysteroscopy and then either hormonal pills/ the mirena coil or endometrial ablation. I have been suffering terribly with really heavy and irregular prolonged periods which mean I need the toilet every 30/45 minutes or so because they flood. My understanding is that none of these treatments will treat the actual fibroids which I assume is responsible for the bleeding? I am so upset as it looks like I am going to have to be on hormonal medication (which I have thus avoided so far) or am going to have to live with this! Can anyone help or offer advice? Is ablation a good idea? Thanks in advance.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

I’m so sorry..you must feel exhausted..It’s worth looking at previous discussions..you could find helpful information..🙂

Type Fibroids in the searchbox (top right) to see links

[Samoy23 in reply to wobblybee]

Ok thank you. I'll have a look.

[Hidden]

I suspect they are planning to do the hysteroscopy to understand the extent of the fibroids (unless you have had an MRI or something similar?). That way they can then decide on treatment.

They often recommend the mirena as that will stop the fibroids growing more but also often stops periods completely so you might not bleed at all.

I have had big fibroid surgery twice and also had them treated via hysteroscopy twice - sometimes if there aren't too many they can just shave them off then and there. But if there are more or they are large you may need a myomectomy or ablation.

Good luck x

[Samoy23 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that is helpful to know!

[Annoynomice]

Try looking at the endometriosis uk Facebook group. I know that they would suggest 1) you ensure you have had a specialist, not just a gyno 2) an mri to diagnose exactly what it is 3) consider the implications of going through the menopause if you do have an op 4) Diet considerations if it turns out to be more than fibroids

[Samoy23 in reply to Annoynomice]

That is helpful, thank you!

[No-one1]

I have had a fibroid removed from inside my uterus via hysteroscopy twice (it came back). This has helped the bleeding. It’s still heavy (I am 47) but manageable. Although I have lots of other fibroids in the uterine wall I am told the heavy bleeding is usually due to ones inside. Last surgery was December and so far so good. I don’t have a coil or take hormone pills as both give me even worse side effects. I take green tea extract.

Check if the hysteroscopy is being done by a surgeon. It may help. You can choose on the coil and pills. I know they work well for some people.

Not sure about ablation as I saw a surgeon and it’s a different speciality.

[Samoy23 in reply to No-one1]

Thank you for that. I am not sure who it is going to be, still waiting for the hospital to get back to me. I felt that the consultant was not very helpful so I am trying to find out my options. I will get in touch with them and see if I can find out more. Thanks for your help!

[No-one1]

No problem. They should be able to see where the fibroids are via an ultrasound scan.Good luck. I feel your pain. I was basically housebound due to the flooding and so anemic.. Hopefully they can give you some relief too.

[Samoy23 in reply to No-one1]

Oh no. that is horrible but not surprising if the flooding is bad. I am currently on iron tablets (again). Thank you for your help!

[KimG21]

Hi there , I’m so sorry to hear of your heavy bleeding , I know exactly what you are going through as I had a larger fibroid and suffered for years of heavy bleeding and passing clots the size of lemons ! And always got so anaemic. I never took Korean coil but that’s because if my fibroid was too big and gyn said I would push it back out. Tried hormonal methods but they didn’t help but again my fibroid was very large - they may work for you as we are all different. I know a lot of the treatments are to control the heavy bleeding but they don’t really treat the fibroids. They try to do minimal conservative management and gradually do more of things fail. I have heard of hysteroscopy and it may help if they can just remove the fibroid that way and get it out your body for good. Do you have many fibroids or is it just the one? My surgeon tells me that since I had just one I was less likely to get them back (although there’s always a chance) so discuss everything with your gyn and go with your gut with what you feel is best for you, it’s quality of life U need back 💕I had a hysterectomy 7 weeks ago ( I had enough!) but myomectomy is a very good option as well. My boss had myomectomy and said it was life changing. Message me if u need a chat as I know what you are going through xxx

[Samoy23]

Hi. Thank you for your response. I was feeling like a lone voice fighting to get the fibroids dealt with and my gynaecologist was unsympathetic. He offered hormonal stuff but I know I do not get on with things like that and feel very uncomfortable taking things like that. So that rules out the coil too. But more than that, I have bloating and bowel issues and I know the hormonal things or even ablation will not deal with that because they are not treating the fibroids. I guess I will wait for the hysteroscopy and then have another talk with him? It is good to hear your advice though, I appreciate hearing from you, thanks. I hope your hysterectomy went well and you are recovering?

[ellbell]

Been there, done that! 20 years ago I too went through the heavy bleeding due to fibroids. At the time, the gynecologist told me a hysterectomy was the only solution for my large fibroids.So I did it and even requested HRT. I wanted to come out of surgery with a HRT patch on as I was fearful of hot flashes.

Looking back, I should have gotten a second opinion to see if other options were available. Oh, I just remembered, the month prior to my surgery, the doctor prescribed birth control pills and it helped 100%. It was only for a month though…