Enlarged Uterus, Uterine Fibroids? Please read

[whittie918]

I just had my yearly OB/GYN exam where the doctor told me I had an enlarged uterus and was most likely due to a Fibroid tumor.  He said i had the uterus the size of an 8 week pregnancy.  He said that they were benign and as long as I was not having major symptoms that he would suggest to leave them be.  My question is this.  Is it OK not to schedule me an ultrasound to confirm his diagnosis.  I called my insurance and they told me I was not eligible for a second opinion and I just can't afford to pay for a second opinion out of pocket.  Looking for opinions here.  Do I need an ultrasound?  Should I demand one?  I currently do not over bleed nor are my cycles too long.  

[rtjrevie]

whitte, I don't think that would be an unreasonable request at all.  I had just found out last Oct that I had fibroids, never knew it. I did have heavy bleeding (clots) and painful periods, but everyone I talked to seems to complain about their period, so I kind of thought I was normal.  (I am not much of a complainer!)  Once I started actually talking with my OB/GYN I discovered the amount I was having was not normal.  They finally decided to do the surgery because I had severe low back pain that they thought MAY be becasue of the uterus.  Things are a lot better now, I am glad I explored it all further.  I think you should mention it, even if it is just to ease you mind.  Your doctor should not have a problem with it at all.  Good luck...keep us posted!!

[Cherie762]

whittie there is a test I forgot to mention now this is really just to ease your mind but there is a simple blood test called CA125 its a marker for ovarian cancer. Im sure your dr is right , but I would ask for that test anyways.

[whittie918]

Thank you both.  I appreciate your input.  I did not ask for an ultrasound at the office, the thought never hit me.  He made it seem like he was 100% sure.  And because I dont have allot of abdominal girth, I think he felt pretty sure it was the uterus and not the ovaries.  Added into his opinion was the fact that I had no other symptoms.  I think he felt without symptoms it must be a fibroid. I guess he wanted to wait for the pap results to come back too.  Regardless, I am definitely going to call monday and ask for a baseline ultrasound at the very least.  This I will know for SURE (always a nice feeling to know because you know and not because you "think"). Plus, if it grows we will have something to compare it to.  Thank you both for re-comfirming what I was thinking.  I was not sure if this was an unreasonable request or not.

[Cherie762]

Hi, there are many reasons a uterus could be enlarged, I am only assuming your dr feels a tumor and he is ASSUMING its begnine, now most of the time they are however , "just let it be" NO . you need to insist on a mri would be best if not certainly a trans vag as well as pelvic ultrasound. In my opinion we should never assume anythiong about our health.

Also how does the Dr know this tumor or growth will not grow?

Most insurances if you call and explain a situation are willing to work with you, Id phone them and see if they could not waive the fee and let you get a second opinion, if something is wrong that requires more treatment the longer you wait the worse and more money it will cost them and they know this. So chances are high they will side with you, you must be polite yet very firm with them.

C