fybroids and pain

[angelJoy]

I was diagnosed with fybroids.  There is a large one on my left side and numerous others.  My Dr. suggested since I am going through menopause to wait and they will shrink.  However, somtimes my bleeding is so intense I cannot leave the house.  Othertimess, I barely have a period.  I have lots of discomfort in my lower left side.  It constantly aches and is drainingme of energy.  Somettimes, at least once a week, I wake up with severe pain.  Getting up and moving and taking ibuprophin helps some.  Is there anything else I should be doing?  Is this common?

[just_plain_fae]

Unfortunately, I believe it is common.  The "wait and see" approach is also common - but usually not very appropriate.  You could always get a 2nd opinion.  If you are in that much pain so that you cannot even leave the house, I'd Definitely find a gyn/onc who takes a more aggressive stance.  One big issue about the "wait and see" is that while fibroids are benign 98% of the time, there is NO WAY to know for sure that it isn't cancer until it is surgically removed and biopsied.  That's a chance your dr is having you take, possibly without fully informing you.  Also, fibroids grow with each menstral cycle.  You also might try posting this under the "Ovarian Cancer" forum.  (Don't worry, most of us on the forum are not diagnosed with cancer, but are waiting around til surgery.)  Best of luck!

[Bekki]

Hi Angel. Please don't let fibroids take the "joy" out of your (name) life. Believe me, I also have had many terrible periods, and pain..in my 41 years with periods. However, now that I am 53, they HAVE shrunk. I was just examined today, and good news! My gyno could hardly feel them anymore. So, yes I waited it out, and they DID shrink up just like they are supposed to. I have been suffering however, with other menopause symptoms. HOT FLASHES, and worsening depression!! UGH! If one thing doesn't get cha, another will!! But....I DO believe your fibroids will eventually shrink up. Please don't worry too much about them. And yes, Ibuprofen does help quite alot with the pain. Did you know that it also eases up the bleeding some? If I was bleeding heavily, (many times) I would take three Ibuprofen, and voila!!
The bleeding would ease up, too. It is a great pain reliever for those painful, heavy days. My first two days were always miserable! But I am a survivor of the period years! That part of me is OVER...GONE FOR GOOD!
And now I deal with other problems. It never seems to end for us unlucky female species. Much luck to you. Take care of yourself, Angel! You will be OK!!