hysteroscopic myomectomy - fibroid regrowth

I am 34 years old and I have multiple "small" fibroids, several of which are submucosal.  The endomerium is largely obscured by the fibroids/myomas.  The largest one measured so far is about 3cm. I want to do something about it because it causes me pain and long periods that have lead to Anemia. Also, I worry about not being able to get pregnant in the future.  I was referred to a Dr. who does surgeries/procedures for this and also deals with infertility issues.

I am having a HSG exam done (xray) soon and a second Saline Hysterosonogram for the Dr. I was referred to.  I met with the Dr. today and think he will perform a hysteroscopic myomectomy on me when the tests are all done.  However, he said that he may have to go through my belly button, not sure yet, he should know more after the exams he had me schedule.  His office appears to deal with mainly people who are having trouble getting pregnant and when I came in he asked me about my status (single) and if I wanted children, etc. When I told him I did not know yet if I would have children, but I wanted too. He said that it was harder to help me with my fibroid problem while keeping me able to have children. He asked me if I had a "plan" and I don't at this time since I'm not in a relationship, but I hope to be in the near future. He indicated that he knows women who have this procedure done more than once and the risks of scarring and other issues.  

I'm concerned that doing this procedure now when I'm not going to be trying to get pregnant soon may mean that down the road I may need to do it again, but I have other symptoms of the fibroids I want to resolve.  Has anyone had similar experiences?. I know fibroids can/do grow back especially the ones I have, which are numerous and kind of small.  However, how soon can I expect them to grow back?  Is there anything I can do to prevent them from growing back or at a slower pace?  

[Cherie762]

Please go get another opinion. Your dr was a bit lacking in bed side manner the way he said these things to you. Remember theres nothing etched in stone. Your odds of becoming pg may go down or they may not. I had a severly tilted uterus every doc will tell you that makes it difficult to concieve (conceive) I was pregnant 4 times , One misscariage 3 healthy boys,

I undestand your need to resolve your fibroids make sure you know all your options. a myoectomy is considered a minor safe procedure.

[SushiLover]

Hi Joyce,
I have VERY similar symptoms as you. I was diagnosed severely anemic about 2.5 yrs ago and about 2 years ago I had an ultrasound which detected fibroids. But the HMO i was with refused to do any treatment so i kept suffering for an addl year (after having suffered 20+ yrs with REALLY *HORRIBLE* menses).

Anyhow, I was able to switch to a PPO (thank god!) 1 yr after the initial diagnosis. I found a fibroids center and they immediately did a saline ultrasound after the initial regular ultrasound. They found 3 submucosal fibroids golf -sized and some otehr less prominent ones elsewhere. In May 2009 I had surgery hysteroscopy myomectomy to remove them. I was very comfortable with my surgeon. She answered all my questions confidantly and I was very confidant with her, after having read all teh books and articles i was able to and having her analyze my situation.

I am curious to hear follow up from you and to hear if you did have surgery and how did it go. I"m 6 months post op now, but i am getting debilitating cramps now that i haven't had since the operation. I will be going to see my surgeon soon.

I also agree with Cherie in that you might want to seek a 2nd or 3rd opinion. I was shocked at what your Dr. told you as well. I saw one OB/GNY and I wasn't 100% confident with her, so I saw a colleague of hers.