Zoladex - pre-fibroid removal

[Fueofvodn]

I've got a fibroid removal date through for just over 4 weeks' time. It'll be under GA (last local procedure wasn't so effective, not all fibroid was removed, and it's since continued to grow). I'm on 2 x daily mini-pill, but have had almost daily bleeding since last September. Periods of very heavy bleeding, then periods of spotting, etc. I spoke to my gynae consultant about three weeks ago - and he prescribed Zoladex and HRT, to help with the bleeding and to shrink fibroid while I waited for the op.

The past week or so, bleeding has calmed down, and I now have my op date through - much sooner than expected.

My GP has just received letter from gynae, and is advising (telling) me I need to book Zoladex appt because it will shrink the fibroid pre-op, however, I'm a bit reluctant to have this now, being so close to op date. My gynae is difficult to get hold of...

I'm loathe to pump my body full of more hormones when my op date is so close - will the Zoladex even have time to work? Grateful for any advice.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

🙂You can search Healthunlocked, to see previous discussions re Zoladex

Type Zoladex ..in the search box (top left)

[Fueofvodn in reply to wobblybee]

Hi - thanks for replying. I read quite a few posts about Zoladex on here, and what I've seen is making me reluctant to proceed.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer in reply to Fueofvodn]

🤔 Deciding on any medication needs careful thought..experiences can be so different depending on individual circumstances. Generally..advice from Specialists is the best course.

[RCflower]

Similar situation 🙂 my op is in 6 weeks. I went for zoladex as tranx acid seemed to have stopped being my saviour. and i needed a solution to stop the bleeding. Having the zoladex means my fibroid will reduce by 30% in that time. Which to me sounds worth it, for the surgery point of view.

[Fueofvodn in reply to RCflower]

Thanks for reply. Have you had your first injection yet?

My bleeding has stopped for the moment (hurrah), and as this was the main reason for prescribing Zoladex (the shrinkage was mentioned as an additional benefit), I guess I feel I don't want to risk heavy bleeding - which I've read Z/dx can cause - if my symptoms have eased off. Especially with such a short time to wait now till the op.

[RCflower in reply to Fueofvodn]

Well thats good news! I had the same concerns, i read the same things. I questioned it to two different consultants and they said it can never increase your bleeding, it will only reduce. So i just went for it, desperately lol. At that time i was heavily bleeding at the same time as having a transfusion. (Im also on provera 30mg. And Mefenamic acid.) Yes i have had the first one. Its a tough decision i get it, go with your gut. Hope the bleeding stays manageable for you .

[Fueofvodn in reply to RCflower]

I think I'm in a consultant blackspot! 😆 Hope your symptoms ease. Good luck with your op!

[Fueofvodn]

I should add, consultant only prescribed z/dx after prolonged bleeding, not for the op. He was expecting me to have an additional 6 mth or so wait - if that had been the case, I would have the injection.

[Exmoorllent]

I was prescribed three months of Zoladex with the view to having a hysterectomy once the fibroids had shrunk. The injections have been fine and I feel better than have in ages (I think the fibroids have shrunk considerably and the awful bleeding has stopped) Now its just a waiting game for surgery... I expect I'll have to have more. Like you I googled it and got myself into a right state but the practice nurse has been wonderful and talked me through any expected side effects etc.