Questions to ask Doc about scheduled Laparoscopic surgery

[jules377]

I am not sure if I could ask about fibroids here?

I am 34 yrs hoping to have children in the future.  I am scheduled for Laparoscopic surgery on the 24th of August.  I have a pre op on the 9th and I dont want to miss anything I need to know before I go in for surgery...pre and post.

I am currently on Lupron for the past 2 and a half months to shrink two large fibroids that caused a rare sickness called Meig Syndrome.  This create fluid in your abdomen causing your abdomen to be distended looking pregnant.

The lupron has helped to shrink my 7 and 8 cm fibroids Thank God!  Lots of hot flashes and night sweats but definitely worth it as I am period and pain free!
They also found blood collected in I guess my right f tube and i am being asked whether I wish it completely removed.  Oooch.  My doc said this is best to prevent risk of eptopic pregnancy.  Any input on this?

Overall is there anyone else who has similar experiences that could shed some light to what I can expect during and after surgery and questions I should be asking my doctor pre surgery.

[jules377]

That is true Sharon. With age comes experience.  When you hear of other peoples experience you realize that yours in not so bad.  

I have had these female problems with menstral cramps, cysts and now fibroids for years.  I believe they just evolve as I get older.  I was in pain for something or other.  My cyst was a throbing pain in my right groin area which goes down to my right leg.  I was put on the Pills for that which just made it worst...my periods was a mess and a nightmare.  I was so bloated and cramped up from my neck down.  Had difficulty moving around for the first 3-4 days of my period.  I came off the pills and the cyst only grew in size and was said to be complex.  I was sceduled for surgery June 10 2008 but got cold feet and did not go for it.  I had my brother's wedding that I was helping to plan and it was just too much for me.  Needless to say I got in trouble with my Gyn at the time and she refuse to see me after that.  My family doctor sent me to another GYN who sent me to another GYN when he did so test and it show that the cyst was gone but fluid was in my abdomen.  I prayed to God to remove the cysts and He did but because they said the fibroids where not a problem I did not focus so much on them.  Now they have grown and become a problem called Meig Syndrome.  I have done so many tests (ultra sounds, CT Scans, MRIs, Blood and Urine) I felt like a lab rat.  My last MRI took so long I thought they were testing my endurance in a confined space without moving...I was so close to screaming "get me out of here"!  Thank God I havent had one since that one or I would be quite nervous  about it.  That one was my third or forth.  

They found blood in the fluid that was drawn from my abdomen which was not normal.  Testing the fluid come back neg for cancer or anything else. So I kept being sent back to find out what is causing the blood.  I was then sent to my current gyn as this department performs mini surgeries.  She sent me for an ultra sound (I done about a dozen of these) and several blood and urine test.  Her last explanation was that the blood is caused by a 10cm collection of blood in what I understand to be my f tube (not sure though...in my follow up my new gyn said he suggest the removal of my f tube so I conclude that is where the blood has been collected.

I was placed on Lupron to shrink my fibroids which the gyn confirm is working.  Has anyone used lupron on this site?  It is used to reduce the estrogen hormone in the body which is what causes fibroid to grow.

On the 9th I will hopefully know more after I asked him question about the pending surgery.

[Sharon2714]

the best part about getting older is u get to hear more and more experience .. i pray u have the best available doctors to do a complete and thorough lap ...n i had a co worker in the 90's who had to undergoe an endo "cleaning out" every couple of years .. she endured pain i pray no one ever does (from her endo) heavy bleeding even dehydration and vomitting all from stupid endo in the wrong place ... eh .. ..so whats the story with urs ?? what kind of tests have u had etc
pray u the best
love
sharon

[jules377]

Thanks for your imput Hopesehell.  It is nice to have any feedback when faced with these types of decisions.  I guess I will know more when I see the surgeon at my preopp.  He said to come with all my questions.  

Thanks again.

[hopeshell]

I don't have personal experience to share.  Hoping to bump your post to the top of the board and someone with personal experience can answer it for you.  That is a tough call about removing the tube.  I probably would remove it if I were in your situation because ectopic pregnancies can cause you to have problems on your other side too if it were to occur.  With one side functioning, you should still be able to get pregnant.  If you get an ectopic pregnancy and infection, you may lose the other side as well.   That is such a hard decision though.  Usually, the doctor's recommendation is the way to go.  You could get a second opinion if you are on the fence about it.  Good luck in making your decision.