Fibroid and Menstruation problem

[Strawberry37]

I'm a 37 year old mom and have problematic fibroids that cause heavy bleeding and somewhat of a swollen belly (my doctor says that my uteras is the size of a 4month pregnancy). I had the uterine fibroid embolization procedure in April 2006. That procedure only did half the job (I don't have to go to the bathroom as much and I don't have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom - however, the heavy bleeding still exists). I had even considered the Depo Shot to stop the periods (but was told by some friends that it causes hair loss). Because the bleeding is so bothersome - I'm considering a myomectomy or partial hysterectomy. Has anyone had any results after any of these procedures? I'm also a little apprehensive about getting a hysterectomy because I don't want to loose my sex drive (its kind of like taking tools away from your toolbox). Help!

[mayflowers]

I had a hysterectomy due to fibroids enlarging my uterus.  It was the best thing I ever did.  My periods were terrible.  My iron was so low due to the lose of blood each month. I was so tired all the time I would come home from work and sleep for 2 hrs and then was still able to sleep at night.  

Don't worry, you will not lose your sex drive.  Actually it may increase because you will be feeling better and have more energy.

As long as you are sure you don't want anymore kids, I say go for the hysterectomy.  I wish I had a done it sooner.  Not getting a monthly period is one of the most freeing things you will ever experience.  Plus you'll save some money!

[Strawberry37]

Thank you for responding "Mayflowers". I'm also worried about blood loss (I don't want a blood transfusion). I'm anemic and haven't been taking my iron pills like I'm supposed to. Did the hysterectomy put you through menopause ? Did you have to take supplements ? I just want to be free from this bleeding problem. If I didn't have another period, I'd be so happy. I don't anticipate on having more children (I'm approaching 40). Every time I discuss the hysterectomy issue with my auntie - she is so against it and says that I'm going to have so many medical problems after a hysterectomy. But, she doesn't understand what I go through every month. My doctor did say that my sex life would not be altered - but I don't understand how is that possible?

[mayflowers]

The only way the hysterectomy would put you in immediate menopause is if you have your ovaries removed. You can keep them!!!!  I kept one ovary b/c the other ovary had cysts on it.  The dr said all I needed was one and he was right.  So, no I didn't go directly into menopause at all.  The dr said I would go through it at the time I was supposed to which would be around 50.  I don't take any medication at all.  

I take a good multi-vit- without IRON.  That's important b/c your body doesn't lose iron like it did when you had a period.  

I did get 6 weeks off of work (paid) but I started feeling better after 2 weeks.  It is very painful the first week, I'll be honest about that.  They can give you pain meds but it wasn't enough for me.  Then, about the 7th day after the surgery, I realized I didn't have the pain anymore.  I was a little uncomfortable but nothing to hard to handle.  It kept getting better from there.

I didn't experience any other problems either.  No urinary problems, nothing.  Even the scar has faded to where it's almost nothing. That took about a year though.  I had a bikini cut, like a c-section I suppose.  I never had any kids but I was 42 and knew that I didn't want them so late in life anyway.  That was the hardest decision - not being able to ever have kids.

I think because I kept the one ovary, my sex drive never changed.  The ovaries are what produces the hormones for your body.  When we go through menopause, those will shut down which is why you will sometimes hear of women who lose their sex drive.

I hope this helps but if you have any other questions, I'll be happy to answer them for you.  

[SDteacher]

You should definitely have that hysterectomy.  My mother in law (40yrs. old) had it done at the beginning of the year. Her fibroid was as big as a cantelope melon and damaged her bladder.  Now she has a hard time controlling her bladder b/c she waited too long to have the surgery.  Don't worry about your sex drive and menopause.  It's better than wearing diapers!

[twinkster]

I had a myomectomy 7 months ago.  I too had HORRIBLE bleeding problems.  Even ended up in the ER a couple of times.  Was so anemic that I had to have several iron infusions.  The largest fibroid was 11 cm and my uterus also was the size of a 4 month pregnancy.  

I'm 34 and have no children yet, so I opted for the myomectomy.  The surgery was laparoscopic with a small vertical incision (about 2 inches) for a hand port to help with taking this softball size fibroid out of me.  I was in the hospital one night, and out of work for 3 weeks (definitely could have gone back after a week and a half).

All symptoms were immediately relieved.  My periods are about 4 days long and fairly light (well, compared to what they were).  I don't have to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes and 5 times during the night, and I have no more pain.  I've also been cleared to try and conceive.

The downside......it's been only 7 months and at my 6 month ultrasound, they found two more fibroids growing.  They are small right now, so we don't have to do anything, but my fibroids tend to grow really really fast, so we are keeping a close eye on them and hoping I get pregnant soon.  If they grow too big I will have to have another myomectomy.

If I didn't want children, I would definitely have gone for the hysterectomy.  I do not want to go through all this again, it was such a horrible experience (the bleeding the pain, the ER visits, UGH).  

[kriskay1]

I am going in on Thursday to talk to my surgeon about a hysterectomy, and set up a date. I have 2 children and don't want anymore. (They are teenagers and I am in my 30's) I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me??? I have 4 fibroid tumors and my uterus is that of a 4 month pregnancy. I too have horrible periods, my bladder is not able to expand due to the largest fibroid (I pee all the time), I am bloated badly and have horrible cramps all the time. I have yet talked to anyone that has said it was a bad decision to have a hysterectomy. I plan on asking to keep atleast one ovary, but should I keep my cervix as well? I am so nervous about this, yet excited to live a better life (no periods, and hoepfully more energy) I would appreciate anyones incite!!! Thanks!!
Sheri

[Happy2serve]

It is all about what your goals are for the future...kids or no kids.  Personally, I think keeping all of our organs is the way to go since we are all individuals and our bodies respond differently.  I chose myomectomy because if I can keep what I was born with ...why not?  The heavy bleeding is not an issue for me I only had bulking issues and I too looked 4 month pregnant.  So again it is about your goals?  But remember it can always get worse.  For those with anemia, blood tranfusions are extremely risky and I would not go there.  Medicine has alternatives to transfusions that they can treat you without blood transfusions, you will just have to ask or research  because it is the easy and lazy way out for them to use transfusions.  You can always use a cell saver like they use in heart surgeries or use volume expanders or EPO.  Make them use their skills.  When we chose the easy way out...it does not always work out in our best interests.