Re: new to the group, trying to decide, lots of questions, long posting here

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

You describe my feelings exactly. Bless your heart!

I have the same delima and await a myo in 5 weeks. I don't look forward to

it, but since finding out how big mine are (15cm) I'm scared and anxious to

get it out.

Mine is located outside the uterous and therefore I don't have the usual

symptoms but I do have pressure and sharp pains. I was wondering if anyone

ever felt sharp aches or pains in the upper section of the abdomen. I feel

it when I exhale...below my ribs! I wonder if it's something else or if the

growth is pushing my other organs and causing pain up there!

Anyone relate?

new to the group, trying to decide, lots of

questions, long posting here

Hi, everyone:

Hoping I can get some good input from those that have been there.

Here's my story:

I am 47 yrs old, have had fibroids for at least 12 years, based on the

first insanely heavy period I had (clots the size of oranges just

falling out of me!) I was diagnosed through ultrasound about 5 or 6

years ago, after a lot of bad medicine, unneeded procedures and becoming

anemic. The gyn who diagnosed me has been encouraging me to have a

hysterectomy since the initial diagnosis. I have been resistant to

losing one of my major internal organs, regardless of the fact that I

have no immediate use for my uterus. I just figured I would tough out

the bad periods (hey, it was 2- 3 really bad days a month and I am used

to pain - I have very advanced degenerative disc disease so my back

hurts all the time.) She put me on the pill initially but I have always

reacted badly to the pill and decided the side effects weren't worth it.

On each return visit, my exams indicated the fibroids were growing.

Which never surprised me because I could feel the increased pressure and

other well documented related symptoms. However, I have only now

realized why my belly seems so distended sometimes and why I can pull it

in. Last Friday's exams (hadn't been there for 2 years) showed my

uterus to be at 16 wks. She didn't give me the cm size but I now

understand that this means that the uterus has enlarged due to the size

of the fibroids, to the size of a 4 month preganancy. And where she was

strongly recommending before, now she is strongly pushing for the

hysterectomy.

Myomectomy was suggested, but given my age and the chance of regrowth,

she says that there is really no point in keeping my uterus. Also, all

of the fibroids are outside the uterus, so surgery would seem to be the

only option. But my periods are still very regular and predictable, so

while they are hell, at least I can plan for them. My gyn says that as

I get closer to menopause, they will become radically irregular, and

possibly longer and heavier. Which is why she says have the surgery now

and get it over with. Here are my concerns and hesitations, and the

issues that I would really like some feedback on:

1.) I am being a baby about not wanting my belly cut open and having a

scar. I had a bad surgical experience many years ago and I am scared,

and I just hate the idea of four days in a hospital.

2.) Big concern: my ovaries are going to remain (supposedly, but who

knows what will happen once she is in there) so I am being told that I

will notice absolutely no changes re: moods, femininity, sexuality, et

al related to estrogen production. I have a really hard time believing

this, although all the medically written literature says so. I would

really like some anecdotal evidence that this is, in fact, the case

3.) I have not yet explored other options that I have just recently

been reading about (i.e. UAE) and plan to ask my gyn about them. I

suspect that she will quote chapter and verse about the fibroids being

too big and that they may likely grow back. Any experience with things

like UAE, myolosis or cryomyolosis out there? I know that these

procedures are very new.

I have already made an appointment for a second opinion, and may go for

a third, and I am meeting with my GP, whom I have been with for 15

years, to get his input. But I am torn. I can feel these huge,

horrible things inside of me, and after this last visit, and my recent

research, now that I am finally looking honestly at what is going on in

there, I can't stand them. All the little pains and pressures that I

have basically been ignoring all these years, are suddenly amplified and

I can't sleep for the awareness of the pressure on my anus and in my

bowels. So I should be running for the knife. But that scares me too,

and I want to be really sure that I have explored all the other options,

if there are any, beforehand.

Anyway, I am really sorry to be so very, very long-winded, and for

anyone who has made it this far, I would truly love to hear your

experiences. Thank you to everyone for being there. Between this site

and iVillage, I feel so much better than I did a week ago.

[Guest guest]

Hi t--I've experienced that feeling too. It seems

cyclical in my case. I thought it may have been due to

the large size of my fibroid coupled with the usual

bloating around my period. I'm having my myo in two

weeks and, like you, feel anxious.

And, --sounds like you're doing the right thing

by looking for a second, maybe third opinion. (I've

went to 4 doctors.) You are not a baby! I think it is

sensible to avoid surgery unless it is completely

necessary. And, as everyone here will tell you, there

are other good options besides hysterectomy. I'm not

sure of the exact stats on regrowth after myo., but

regrowth is not the inevitability your dr. makes it

out to be. And, as far as UAE is concerned, you have

nothing to lose by going to a consult. (I haven't

heard of research indicating regrowth is a problem

with UAE.) I decided it was not for me (based on size

of fibroids), but I was glad I considered all my

options.

I know how it feels to be anxious and just want the

darn things gone but I think you'll probably feel

better with your decision if you've looked at all your

options. Good luck!

Tara

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

See comments within...

<snip>

I was diagnosed through ultrasound about 5 or 6

years ago, after a lot of bad medicine, unneeded procedures and becoming

anemic. The gyn who diagnosed me has been encouraging me to have a

hysterectomy since the initial diagnosis. I have been resistant to

losing one of my major internal organs, regardless of the fact that I

have no immediate use for my uterus. I just figured I would tough out

the bad periods (hey, it was 2- 3 really bad days a month and I am used

to pain - I have very advanced degenerative disc disease so my back

hurts all the time.) She put me on the pill initially but I have always

reacted badly to the pill and decided the side effects weren't worth it.

From what I know, the pill is not a good drug for relief. You want to be on a

progestin only. They must have learned a lot in recent years.

On each return visit, my exams indicated the fibroids were growing.

Which never surprised me because I could feel the increased pressure and

other well documented related symptoms. However, I have only now

realized why my belly seems so distended sometimes and why I can pull it

in. Last Friday's exams (hadn't been there for 2 years) showed my

uterus to be at 16 wks. She didn't give me the cm size but I now

understand that this means that the uterus has enlarged due to the size

of the fibroids, to the size of a 4 month preganancy. And where she was

strongly recommending before, now she is strongly pushing for the

hysterectomy.

You need to find a way to slow/reverse the growth. You actually needed to find

this way years ago. My new OBY/GYN did not push me for one, instead mentioned it

as an option of last resort.

Myomectomy was suggested, but given my age and the chance of regrowth,

she says that there is really no point in keeping my uterus. Also, all

of the fibroids are outside the uterus, so surgery would seem to be the

only option. But my periods are still very regular and predictable, so

while they are hell, at least I can plan for them.

From what I research, fibroids located on the outer wall do not cause heavy

bleeding, just the submucosal, possibly intermural ones.

My gyn says that as

I get closer to menopause, they will become radically irregular, and

possibly longer and heavier. Which is why she says have the surgery now

and get it over with. Here are my concerns and hesitations, and the

issues that I would really like some feedback on:

1.) I am being a baby about not wanting my belly cut open and having a

scar. I had a bad surgical experience many years ago and I am scared,

and I just hate the idea of four days in a hospital.

You are not a baby about this. I can't afford to be out of work for more than a

week. Surgery scares me too, even the UAE.

2.) Big concern: my ovaries are going to remain (supposedly, but who

knows what will happen once she is in there) so I am being told that I

will notice absolutely no changes re: moods, femininity, sexuality, et

al related to estrogen production. I have a really hard time believing

this, although all the medically written literature says so. I would

really like some anecdotal evidence that this is, in fact, the case

I have heard removing the uterus causes the bladder to lose support, and

incontinence becomes a problem. Gee, if it isn't blood, it's urine!

3.) I have not yet explored other options that I have just recently

been reading about (i.e. UAE) and plan to ask my gyn about them. I

suspect that she will quote chapter and verse about the fibroids being

too big and that they may likely grow back. Any experience with things

like UAE, myolosis or cryomyolosis out there? I know that these

procedures are very new.

My OBY/GYN basically admitted that because it is new the long term effects are

not known. I think I would rather be on the cutting edge of a new procedure with

a promise of less future complications than going with the tried and true method

and it's complications. Hey, I'd rather be a pioneer!

I have already made an appointment for a second opinion, and may go for

a third, and I am meeting with my GP, whom I have been with for 15

years, to get his input.

VERY good ideas!

But I am torn. I can feel these huge,

horrible things inside of me, and after this last visit, and my recent

research, now that I am finally looking honestly at what is going on in

there, I can't stand them. All the little pains and pressures that I

have basically been ignoring all these years, are suddenly amplified and

I can't sleep for the awareness of the pressure on my anus and in my

bowels. So I should be running for the knife. But that scares me too,

and I want to be really sure that I have explored all the other options,

if there are any, beforehand.

Me too! But I have taken the attitude: I may not want them, but they're mine,

and I have to do the best job to take care of them (and me)as possible. Kinda

weird, but it helps me cope. I am on provera tablets 10 days a month (just

started). I have so far, after 7 pills, experienced the side effects of

headaches and hunger. I will try the non-generic version (Upjohn) next time to

see if the side effects are less. My goal is to lose weight (really diffucult

now) and shape up my abs and glutes. True, it is only treating the symptoms of

heavy bleeding, but if I can coast along until menopause, it will be worth it.

Anyway, I am really sorry to be so very, very long-winded, and for

anyone who has made it this far, I would truly love to hear your

experiences. Thank you to everyone for being there. Between this site

and iVillage, I feel so much better than I did a week ago.

[Guest guest]

:

You sound very well informed and seem to be approaching this very

intelligently. Some thoughts I had while reading your post:

1) I agree that hysterectomy should be used as you last resort--you are

right to investigate your other options first--then go that route if the

others are not a good choice for YOU (not for your doctor). At 47, I

wouldn't discount myomectomy just because of the chance of

re-growth. Menopause may hit before regrowth, if you even had

re-growth. plus, it would take some time for a new one to grow to the size

to cause problems, maybe you could wait out that one until menopause (if it

even happened). Look how long you've waited already!

2) You should talk to an interventional radiologist about your case and

whether UAE might be a possibility for you. (Not necessarily your

gynocologist--they would not be as informed as an interventional

radiologist would be regarding whether it would be right in your case). If

you go to the SCVIR website they list doctors that perform this

procedure--I spoke with 3 of them and never received a bill for any of

their time--can you believe?

I don't think you are being a " baby " for not wanting to get your " belly cut

open " . I think you are wise to try and find the least invasive procedure

that will be effective for you first. All procedures carry some risk, so

it's really up to you how much risk you are willing to accept to deal with

your own health problems. If, in the end, you do choose a more invasive

procedure, it should be entirely up to you after weighing all the facts.

Good luck.

Sydney

At 11:08 AM 7/3/01 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi, everyone:

>

>Hoping I can get some good input from those that have been there.

>Here's my story:

>

>I am 47 yrs old, have had fibroids for at least 12 years, based on the

>first insanely heavy period I had (clots the size of oranges just

>falling out of me!) I was diagnosed through ultrasound about 5 or 6

>years ago, after a lot of bad medicine, unneeded procedures and becoming

>anemic. The gyn who diagnosed me has been encouraging me to have a

>hysterectomy since the initial diagnosis. I have been resistant to

>losing one of my major internal organs, regardless of the fact that I

>have no immediate use for my uterus. I just figured I would tough out

>the bad periods (hey, it was 2- 3 really bad days a month and I am used

>to pain - I have very advanced degenerative disc disease so my back

>hurts all the time.) She put me on the pill initially but I have always

>reacted badly to the pill and decided the side effects weren't worth it.

>

>On each return visit, my exams indicated the fibroids were growing.

>Which never surprised me because I could feel the increased pressure and

>other well documented related symptoms. However, I have only now

>realized why my belly seems so distended sometimes and why I can pull it

>in. Last Friday's exams (hadn't been there for 2 years) showed my

>uterus to be at 16 wks. She didn't give me the cm size but I now

>understand that this means that the uterus has enlarged due to the size

>of the fibroids, to the size of a 4 month preganancy. And where she was

>strongly recommending before, now she is strongly pushing for the

>hysterectomy.

>

>Myomectomy was suggested, but given my age and the chance of regrowth,

>she says that there is really no point in keeping my uterus. Also, all

>of the fibroids are outside the uterus, so surgery would seem to be the

>only option. But my periods are still very regular and predictable, so

>while they are hell, at least I can plan for them. My gyn says that as

>I get closer to menopause, they will become radically irregular, and

>possibly longer and heavier. Which is why she says have the surgery now

>and get it over with. Here are my concerns and hesitations, and the

>issues that I would really like some feedback on:

>

>1.) I am being a baby about not wanting my belly cut open and having a

>scar. I had a bad surgical experience many years ago and I am scared,

>and I just hate the idea of four days in a hospital.

>2.) Big concern: my ovaries are going to remain (supposedly, but who

>knows what will happen once she is in there) so I am being told that I

>will notice absolutely no changes re: moods, femininity, sexuality, et

>al related to estrogen production. I have a really hard time believing

>this, although all the medically written literature says so. I would

>really like some anecdotal evidence that this is, in fact, the case

>3.) I have not yet explored other options that I have just recently

>been reading about (i.e. UAE) and plan to ask my gyn about them. I

>suspect that she will quote chapter and verse about the fibroids being

>too big and that they may likely grow back. Any experience with things

>like UAE, myolosis or cryomyolosis out there? I know that these

>procedures are very new.

>

>I have already made an appointment for a second opinion, and may go for

>a third, and I am meeting with my GP, whom I have been with for 15

>years, to get his input. But I am torn. I can feel these huge,

>horrible things inside of me, and after this last visit, and my recent

>research, now that I am finally looking honestly at what is going on in

>there, I can't stand them. All the little pains and pressures that I

>have basically been ignoring all these years, are suddenly amplified and

>I can't sleep for the awareness of the pressure on my anus and in my

>bowels. So I should be running for the knife. But that scares me too,

>and I want to be really sure that I have explored all the other options,

>if there are any, beforehand.

>

>Anyway, I am really sorry to be so very, very long-winded, and for

>anyone who has made it this far, I would truly love to hear your

>experiences. Thank you to everyone for being there. Between this site

>and iVillage, I feel so much better than I did a week ago.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I felt the same way as you. I had a myectomy and my fibroids were larger

than yours. I was very scared too. I did end up under the knife and the scar

is a lot longer than I expected. Am I painting a sore picture? Yes. But, the

end result is hardly any pain, even where the scar is and I can go to the

tiolet like normal people. I am so glad I had it done. I wish I had had it

done earlier. I gave my gyno strict instructions and could afford it so I

was under anaesthetic for 3 hours. I then had heart complications 2 days

later as I had never been in hospital before. But, I don't regret having

been done. In fact, I am moving forward now and feel I have been given a new

lease of life. I ended up have blood transfusions because I was anaemic. I

still have one smaller fibroid attached to an ovary which the gyno left as I

intend to have my first child as soon as possible. I am 40 and the only way

I could have a myectomy was if I wanted children. I have all my female parts

left am are anxiously awaiting the dreaded period. THis has been somewhat

long winded and this is the first time I have actually recorded anything

about the op and even telling you about it makes me feel even better and

more confident. All the best with your decision.

>

>Reply-To: uterinefibroids

>To: uterinefibroids

>Subject: new to the group, trying to decide, lots of

>questions, long posting here

>Date: Tue, 03 Jul 2001 11:08:42 -0700

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>

>Hi, everyone:

>

>Hoping I can get some good input from those that have been there.

>Here's my story:

>

>I am 47 yrs old, have had fibroids for at least 12 years, based on the

>first insanely heavy period I had (clots the size of oranges just

>falling out of me!) I was diagnosed through ultrasound about 5 or 6

>years ago, after a lot of bad medicine, unneeded procedures and becoming

>anemic. The gyn who diagnosed me has been encouraging me to have a

>hysterectomy since the initial diagnosis. I have been resistant to

>losing one of my major internal organs, regardless of the fact that I

>have no immediate use for my uterus. I just figured I would tough out

>the bad periods (hey, it was 2- 3 really bad days a month and I am used

>to pain - I have very advanced degenerative disc disease so my back

>hurts all the time.) She put me on the pill initially but I have always

>reacted badly to the pill and decided the side effects weren't worth it.

>

>On each return visit, my exams indicated the fibroids were growing.

>Which never surprised me because I could feel the increased pressure and

>other well documented related symptoms. However, I have only now

>realized why my belly seems so distended sometimes and why I can pull it

>in. Last Friday's exams (hadn't been there for 2 years) showed my

>uterus to be at 16 wks. She didn't give me the cm size but I now

>understand that this means that the uterus has enlarged due to the size

>of the fibroids, to the size of a 4 month preganancy. And where she was

>strongly recommending before, now she is strongly pushing for the

>hysterectomy.

>

>Myomectomy was suggested, but given my age and the chance of regrowth,

>she says that there is really no point in keeping my uterus. Also, all

>of the fibroids are outside the uterus, so surgery would seem to be the

>only option. But my periods are still very regular and predictable, so

>while they are hell, at least I can plan for them. My gyn says that as

>I get closer to menopause, they will become radically irregular, and

>possibly longer and heavier. Which is why she says have the surgery now

>and get it over with. Here are my concerns and hesitations, and the

>issues that I would really like some feedback on:

>

>1.) I am being a baby about not wanting my belly cut open and having a

>scar. I had a bad surgical experience many years ago and I am scared,

>and I just hate the idea of four days in a hospital.

>2.) Big concern: my ovaries are going to remain (supposedly, but who

>knows what will happen once she is in there) so I am being told that I

>will notice absolutely no changes re: moods, femininity, sexuality, et

>al related to estrogen production. I have a really hard time believing

>this, although all the medically written literature says so. I would

>really like some anecdotal evidence that this is, in fact, the case

>3.) I have not yet explored other options that I have just recently

>been reading about (i.e. UAE) and plan to ask my gyn about them. I

>suspect that she will quote chapter and verse about the fibroids being

>too big and that they may likely grow back. Any experience with things

>like UAE, myolosis or cryomyolosis out there? I know that these

>procedures are very new.

>

>I have already made an appointment for a second opinion, and may go for

>a third, and I am meeting with my GP, whom I have been with for 15

>years, to get his input. But I am torn. I can feel these huge,

>horrible things inside of me, and after this last visit, and my recent

>research, now that I am finally looking honestly at what is going on in

>there, I can't stand them. All the little pains and pressures that I

>have basically been ignoring all these years, are suddenly amplified and

>I can't sleep for the awareness of the pressure on my anus and in my

>bowels. So I should be running for the knife. But that scares me too,

>and I want to be really sure that I have explored all the other options,

>if there are any, beforehand.

>

>Anyway, I am really sorry to be so very, very long-winded, and for

>anyone who has made it this far, I would truly love to hear your

>experiences. Thank you to everyone for being there. Between this site

>and iVillage, I feel so much better than I did a week ago.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

_________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi ! I recently had a myomectomy to remove my rather large

fibroid (not quite as large as yours)from my 20wk sized uterus. I

was in the hospital for three days and felt surprisingly good. I was

up and walking around in no time and every day I was able to walk a

little bit farther. Now I am 5 weeks post surgery and feel

practically 100%. I still have some numbness in my abdomen and I

can't do quite as many crunches at the gym as I used to, but other

than that my life has completely returned to normal.

My doctor told me that I have a chance of them gowing back because we

have the gene that grows them and that hasn't changed. However,

because you are closer to menopause the likelihood of yours growing

back before you stop producing enough estrogen to support them is

smaller.

Also, I've read that they grow more and are more symptomatic right

before menopause, so maybe you're close and that is what's causing

the sudden changes.

I agree that you should go talk to an IR about UAE, it won't hurt to

find out if it is an option for you. That would help you not have to

have your belly cut open. Oh, and you're not a baby. That's some

pretty scary stuff! What got me through it was knowing that I had

eliminated every other possibility and had done my research as far as

doctors go, and that this was my best option. That confidence can

carry you a long way.

My doctor told me that the only doctors that recommend hysterectomy

are the ones that aren't knowledgeable enough to perform a

myomectomy. Hysterectomy is a much simpler procedure to preform and

myo requires skill. If they haven't done too many of them they may

be recommending it because it is better for them. Just food for

thought. Oh, and there's lots of research that shows what your

doctor said about life after hysterectomy is a little sugar coated.

There are many more reasons to preserve your uterus other than

reproducing.

Good luck as you try to figure out this craziness..

Giselle

[Guest guest]

>Yes. But, the

> end result is hardly any pain, even where the scar is and I can go to the

> tiolet like normal people. I am so glad I had it done.

, that's good to hear since I will most likely be having a myo within

he next 6 weeks.

Alison

[Guest guest]

I'm 45 and just recently was told that I have two new fibroids. I say

new because 10 years ago I had a myomectomy to have 4-5 golf ball

sized fibroids removed. So, regrowth is indeed a possibility after a

myomectomy. However, I'm 10 years older. My symptoms this time

around are quite a bit easier to deal with (for now). My current

doctor says that we can hold off on doing anything at the moment and

just see if I can make it through to menopause without the symptoms

getting worse. She tells me that the current fibroids should shrink

significantly if I can reach menopause before we have to do anything

about dealing with these fibroids.

I would definitely seek another opinion before deciding to go with a

hysterectomy.

Jan

new to the group, trying to decide, lots of

questions, long posting here

> Hi, everyone:

>

> Hoping I can get some good input from those that have been there.

> Here's my story:

>

> I am 47 yrs old, have had fibroids for at least 12 years, based on

the

> first insanely heavy period I had (clots the size of oranges just

> falling out of me!) I was diagnosed through ultrasound about 5 or 6

> years ago, after a lot of bad medicine, unneeded procedures and

becoming

> anemic. The gyn who diagnosed me has been encouraging me to have a

> hysterectomy since the initial diagnosis. I have been resistant to

> losing one of my major internal organs, regardless of the fact that

I

> have no immediate use for my uterus. I just figured I would tough

out

> the bad periods (hey, it was 2- 3 really bad days a month and I am

used

> to pain - I have very advanced degenerative disc disease so my back

> hurts all the time.) She put me on the pill initially but I have

always

> reacted badly to the pill and decided the side effects weren't worth

it.

>

> On each return visit, my exams indicated the fibroids were growing.

> Which never surprised me because I could feel the increased pressure

and

> other well documented related symptoms. However, I have only now

> realized why my belly seems so distended sometimes and why I can

pull it

> in. Last Friday's exams (hadn't been there for 2 years) showed my

> uterus to be at 16 wks. She didn't give me the cm size but I now

> understand that this means that the uterus has enlarged due to the

size

> of the fibroids, to the size of a 4 month preganancy. And where she

was

> strongly recommending before, now she is strongly pushing for the

> hysterectomy.

>

> Myomectomy was suggested, but given my age and the chance of

regrowth,

> she says that there is really no point in keeping my uterus. Also,

all

> of the fibroids are outside the uterus, so surgery would seem to be

the

> only option. But my periods are still very regular and predictable,

so

> while they are hell, at least I can plan for them. My gyn says that

as

> I get closer to menopause, they will become radically irregular, and

> possibly longer and heavier. Which is why she says have the surgery

now

> and get it over with. Here are my concerns and hesitations, and the

> issues that I would really like some feedback on:

>

> 1.) I am being a baby about not wanting my belly cut open and

having a

> scar. I had a bad surgical experience many years ago and I am

scared,

> and I just hate the idea of four days in a hospital.

> 2.) Big concern: my ovaries are going to remain (supposedly, but

who

> knows what will happen once she is in there) so I am being told that

I

> will notice absolutely no changes re: moods, femininity, sexuality,

et

> al related to estrogen production. I have a really hard time

believing

> this, although all the medically written literature says so. I

would

> really like some anecdotal evidence that this is, in fact, the case

> 3.) I have not yet explored other options that I have just recently

> been reading about (i.e. UAE) and plan to ask my gyn about them. I

> suspect that she will quote chapter and verse about the fibroids

being

> too big and that they may likely grow back. Any experience with

things

> like UAE, myolosis or cryomyolosis out there? I know that these

> procedures are very new.

>

> I have already made an appointment for a second opinion, and may go

for

> a third, and I am meeting with my GP, whom I have been with for 15

> years, to get his input. But I am torn. I can feel these huge,

> horrible things inside of me, and after this last visit, and my

recent

> research, now that I am finally looking honestly at what is going on

in

> there, I can't stand them. All the little pains and pressures that

I

> have basically been ignoring all these years, are suddenly amplified

and

> I can't sleep for the awareness of the pressure on my anus and in my

> bowels. So I should be running for the knife. But that scares me

too,

> and I want to be really sure that I have explored all the other

options,

> if there are any, beforehand.

>

> Anyway, I am really sorry to be so very, very long-winded, and for

> anyone who has made it this far, I would truly love to hear your

> experiences. Thank you to everyone for being there. Between this

site

> and iVillage, I feel so much better than I did a week ago.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>