Please help me figure out these results?

[rtjrevie]

Ok here is my story.  For the past year (perhaps longer but only tested every 3 months this year) my Ferriten level has been at a 4 despite iron supplementation (when able to tolerate)  They have done a complete upper/lower GI work up and everything was normal, stated it was probably from heavy menstrual cycles.  I had a transvag ultrasound compelted and found a fibroid (3cm) in left side of uterus. I was referred to OB/GYN and went for the appt yesterday.  He told me that according to US, I also had a thickened lining of the uterus (1.3cm) and a larger than normal uterus.  He told me that I will have a number of options (birth control, mirena, ablation, or hysterectomy)  he told me that I may want to seriously consider a hysterectomy because over time the fibroid will grow and cause discomfort and I already have serious side effects from the heavy bleeding. He took a sample of the uterine lining, told me not to panic and wait for the results to see if it showed polyps.  I have a few questions 1) what could the uterine tissue samples show and what does it mean to have enlarged uterus and lining  2)Is it premature to discuss hysterectomy already? (I am 33, done having kids)  3) I would really prefer not to be on the pill, my husband had a vasectomy so that I wouldn't have to deal with side effects I have had in past from birth control. any suggestions from ppl that may have gone through this would be appreciated?  The doctor told me that the side effects from hysterectomy are not that bad as long as they leave the ovaries.  I am in a little bit of a panic and not sure what route would be best.  

[rtjrevie]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the response and the supposrt! :-)

[Cherie762]

I agree that sometimes reading up on line is not the best choice, depends on the sorce, I have found you can either prove or di-prove just about anything. Try to stick with the medical forums and not blogs.

In my opinion a couple of months is long ( but remember im a cautious one ) if it was me and I did not feel bleeding was slowing down by 5 or 6 weeks Id be phoning /dr.

there are many name brands of all hormones, so what really matters is the type of hormone...progestrone is very commonly used as you said for fibroids and heavy bleeding.

Have your iron levels tested, why not at next dr visit, very simple blood test, in the meantime try to eat iron high foods like, red meats, raisins.

Honestly I tell women all the time getting the right hormone for your own body chemistry is sometimes easy, your dr may choose the right one for you first time, sometimes it may take up to 5 different bouts of different hormones, or combos, but dont loose hope because the right medicine is there for you.

Your very wise to hold off on the hyster till other options are exhausted. If and when you do need one I will be here to walk you threw it,

C

[rtjrevie]

Hi Cherie762, I got my results back and the tissue is benign! Ya! So that is great news. Now he has started me on Medroxypr AC (progesterone) 10mg x 12 days a month.  I talked to him on the phone so the conversation was short.  He told me to try it for a couple of months to see if it decreases my bleeding.  So now I have been researching it online (which isn't always the best idea!) and I am reading a lot of side effects such as heavy bleeding and discomfort. Also I read that it is used when there isn't other reasons for heavy bleeding such as fibroids? (but I do have a fibroid) Do you know anything about this hormone medication? My periods are heavy enough, I can't imagine bleeding more. I am worried what this will do to my already iron levels.  He did mention possibly going on Mirena? Any opinions on this?  I know I should discuss this with my docotor (which I will) but I also want an opinion from someone who has had or knows of someone with personal experience so I can weigh my options. I chose to hold off on hystectomy until I have tried other things.  Thank you for your time, I really do appreciate it!!

[rtjrevie]

Hi thanks for the response, its amazing how reassuring it is to talk to someone with personal experience.  I will get my results next week (my doctor is out of office til Wed) I will let you know what they are.  Like I said thanks for taking the time to listen (read)  :-)  Happy New Year!!!