Are they connected?

[aah127]

I am a 36yr. old white female.  I have been dealing with uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, and ovarian cysts for the last 7 years.  During my last D&C/laparoscopy on December 30, 2011, I had a couple fibroids and cysts removed.  It was also discovered my left fallopian tub is completely blocked due to scar tissue from previous surgeries.  In January 2012, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and atypical PCOS.  I was prescribed 90mg Aromour Thyroid and 1500mg Metformin.  My doctors were hoping these would help with my severe cramping, heavy bleeding, long periods, fatigue, infertility, and stabilizing my hormone levels.  I felt fine for a couple months but my periods became worse than ever and I am always tired.  I can barely get myself out of bed in morning.  Cramps are severe and I am bleeding through both a tampon and pad in 1-2 hours.  My periods last anywhere from 7-10 days.  I am having cramping/spotting between periods and after sex.  I have also noticed a change with my bowel movements and recently I've been experiencing severe cramps after bowel movements.  I just had an ultrasound where another fibroid, polyp, and ovarian cyst were found.  It hasn't even been a year since my last surgery.  I have been trying to conceive for over a year with no luck so I am trying to avoid taking birth control for symptoms.  Could all of my gynecological problems be related?  Should I be concerned about possible adrenal/thyroid diseases as the underlying cause for these issues or possible cancer?  My doctor would like to wait 4-6 weeks and do another ultrasound before proceeding to surgery.  I have now had six D&C/laparoscopies and one abdominal myomectomy in the last 6 years.  How much more can my body take?  

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I think your question is a very good one--how much more can you take.  If you were my patient, I would put it to you this way--time to tinkle or get off the potty!  Depending upon the nature of the new fibroid and polyp, I would TRY to defer surgery, but surgery would probably be necessary to get you ready for the IVF cycle that I would recommend next.  If you really want a natural child, you should proceed on to that option, and do it NOW.  Waiting longer is just lowering your chances of success.
If you don't want to go for IVF, then you really might want to give some consideration to adoption and a hysterectomy.
Sorry to be so blunt.  Your problems probably are all related--you probably have some endometriosis lurking in there too unless I miss my guess.  They probably ARE NOT related in any significant way to adrenal or thyroid issues, and you chances of cancer are very small since you are under such intensive surveillance!
Good luck!
Dr B

[ninky267]

Well i went threw the same exact thing and as a matter of fact, im going threw it still. I had the scrapping of the uterus and i had surgery a myomectomy i have scar tissue and let me tell you, it's been the longest 20 yrs of my life. I can sit at this computer and tell you my life story but that pain is yours and it seems like nobody can understand, but we do  I have a 10 month old baby boy so don't give up on your dreams about becoming a parent, so goodluck and keep me informed on your progress.