Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Dear Carla My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . I was really referring to your comments mentioned below: That said, I'm with Patty Meo on this one. If pregnancy is a desire, check all the options and make sure that myomectomy is not a doable procedure first. What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. If I had completed my family or did not want children I would definitely consider UAE or maybe cryosurgery, or even adopt the wait and watch approach, but this is not an avenue I wish to take. Please excuse the name confusion. from 35 years old infertility/fibroidsTina wrote: What other operation has this fertility success rate when it comes to fibroids? from Okay. I'm confused. If you're and not Tina, then who is Tina? It's so hard to remember everyone -- but even harder with this kind of confusion!!!! did I miss an email where this was explained? Considering that myomectomy has been around at least a good 100 years, of course there are thousands of pregnancies after this procedure known. Also, considering there really isn't any other " operation " besides myomectomy for fibroids when one desires fertility, it would indeed be the only operation with any kind of success rate. However, sometimes I think a full fertility work-up is bypassed entirely in lieu of a myomectomy and other times women undergo myomectomy when they might have been able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term even with the presence of their fibroids. Having fibroids does not necessarily mean they are the source of infertility nor does it mean that having them removed will definitely increase your chances of becoming pregnant. I don't know of any controlled studies that have comparatively answered that question. In fact, I believe that controlled myomectomy studies are just flat out non-existent. Of course, particularly large fibroids would certainly be most problematic with a pregnancy and the location of the fibroids can also present problems -- 2 obvious issues that would probably warrant their removal prior to becoming pregnant. For the national guidelines (U.S.) on determining/treating infertility, you can review this documentation online: http://www.icsi.org/guide/Infert.pdf (this is a 47 page Adobe Acrobat file) A summary of this documentation can be found at: http://www.guidelines.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=001340 & sSearch_string=infertility Both documents may require much more discussion with a physician to truly understand the clinical information presented. Too often, fibroids are removed via myomectomy but a woman is still unable to conceive due to endocrinological problems that go undiagnosed and untreated. The same, unfortunately, can be said of UAE patients trying to conceive post-procedure. If infertility is an issue, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist may well be in order before making any specific treatment decision. Although anecdotal, I can tell you that I've communicated with many women pre and post UAE and pre and post myomectomy who desired fertility and yet were never tested for any other potential causes of their infertility beyond fibroids. Hormonal imbalances that create fibroids, can also present problems with fertility. Taking out the fibroids or treating them via UAE does not, necessarily, address the problem of hormonal imbalance. Two friends of mine who thought myomectomy (for one) and UAE (for the other) would " cure " their infertility problems were both suprised to learn that it did not. After seeing reproductive endocrinologists, both learned their bodies weren't producing progesterone. With proper treatment and assistance from a knowledgeable infertility specialist, both conceived and delivered beautiful babies. There are a lot of variables that play into infertility. Fibroids is only one. I miscarried one child but carried two others to term while simultaneously growing some lovely fibroids. " Uncomfortable " would be an understatement of how I felt at the 9 month mark. Even so, pregnancy was possible with fibroids -- and is possible for a great many women. (That said, my first child was " without fibroids " sharing the womb -- and a much more pleasant and " comfortable " pregnancy, to say the least. Of course, at the time, I did not know that and complained vociferously about how uncomfortable I was -- as do all new mothers, I believe!) Definitely a lot of issues involved with this decision to undergo treatment. Finding a good fertility specialist that you truly trust would be a major first step in this process and completely necessary in order to truly understand your current condition, all of your options, and the potential risks involved with any given treatment. Carla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Dear Carla My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . I was really referring to your comments mentioned below: That said, I'm with Patty Meo on this one. If pregnancy is a desire, check all the options and make sure that myomectomy is not a doable procedure first. What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. If I had completed my family or did not want children I would definitely consider UAE or maybe cryosurgery, or even adopt the wait and watch approach, but this is not an avenue I wish to take. Please excuse the name confusion. from 35 years old infertility/fibroidsTina wrote: What other operation has this fertility success rate when it comes to fibroids? from Okay. I'm confused. If you're and not Tina, then who is Tina? It's so hard to remember everyone -- but even harder with this kind of confusion!!!! did I miss an email where this was explained? Considering that myomectomy has been around at least a good 100 years, of course there are thousands of pregnancies after this procedure known. Also, considering there really isn't any other " operation " besides myomectomy for fibroids when one desires fertility, it would indeed be the only operation with any kind of success rate. However, sometimes I think a full fertility work-up is bypassed entirely in lieu of a myomectomy and other times women undergo myomectomy when they might have been able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term even with the presence of their fibroids. Having fibroids does not necessarily mean they are the source of infertility nor does it mean that having them removed will definitely increase your chances of becoming pregnant. I don't know of any controlled studies that have comparatively answered that question. In fact, I believe that controlled myomectomy studies are just flat out non-existent. Of course, particularly large fibroids would certainly be most problematic with a pregnancy and the location of the fibroids can also present problems -- 2 obvious issues that would probably warrant their removal prior to becoming pregnant. For the national guidelines (U.S.) on determining/treating infertility, you can review this documentation online: http://www.icsi.org/guide/Infert.pdf (this is a 47 page Adobe Acrobat file) A summary of this documentation can be found at: http://www.guidelines.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=001340 & sSearch_string=infertility Both documents may require much more discussion with a physician to truly understand the clinical information presented. Too often, fibroids are removed via myomectomy but a woman is still unable to conceive due to endocrinological problems that go undiagnosed and untreated. The same, unfortunately, can be said of UAE patients trying to conceive post-procedure. If infertility is an issue, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist may well be in order before making any specific treatment decision. Although anecdotal, I can tell you that I've communicated with many women pre and post UAE and pre and post myomectomy who desired fertility and yet were never tested for any other potential causes of their infertility beyond fibroids. Hormonal imbalances that create fibroids, can also present problems with fertility. Taking out the fibroids or treating them via UAE does not, necessarily, address the problem of hormonal imbalance. Two friends of mine who thought myomectomy (for one) and UAE (for the other) would " cure " their infertility problems were both suprised to learn that it did not. After seeing reproductive endocrinologists, both learned their bodies weren't producing progesterone. With proper treatment and assistance from a knowledgeable infertility specialist, both conceived and delivered beautiful babies. There are a lot of variables that play into infertility. Fibroids is only one. I miscarried one child but carried two others to term while simultaneously growing some lovely fibroids. " Uncomfortable " would be an understatement of how I felt at the 9 month mark. Even so, pregnancy was possible with fibroids -- and is possible for a great many women. (That said, my first child was " without fibroids " sharing the womb -- and a much more pleasant and " comfortable " pregnancy, to say the least. Of course, at the time, I did not know that and complained vociferously about how uncomfortable I was -- as do all new mothers, I believe!) Definitely a lot of issues involved with this decision to undergo treatment. Finding a good fertility specialist that you truly trust would be a major first step in this process and completely necessary in order to truly understand your current condition, all of your options, and the potential risks involved with any given treatment. Carla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Dear Carla My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . I was really referring to your comments mentioned below: That said, I'm with Patty Meo on this one. If pregnancy is a desire, check all the options and make sure that myomectomy is not a doable procedure first. What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. If I had completed my family or did not want children I would definitely consider UAE or maybe cryosurgery, or even adopt the wait and watch approach, but this is not an avenue I wish to take. Please excuse the name confusion. from 35 years old infertility/fibroidsTina wrote: What other operation has this fertility success rate when it comes to fibroids? from Okay. I'm confused. If you're and not Tina, then who is Tina? It's so hard to remember everyone -- but even harder with this kind of confusion!!!! did I miss an email where this was explained? Considering that myomectomy has been around at least a good 100 years, of course there are thousands of pregnancies after this procedure known. Also, considering there really isn't any other " operation " besides myomectomy for fibroids when one desires fertility, it would indeed be the only operation with any kind of success rate. However, sometimes I think a full fertility work-up is bypassed entirely in lieu of a myomectomy and other times women undergo myomectomy when they might have been able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term even with the presence of their fibroids. Having fibroids does not necessarily mean they are the source of infertility nor does it mean that having them removed will definitely increase your chances of becoming pregnant. I don't know of any controlled studies that have comparatively answered that question. In fact, I believe that controlled myomectomy studies are just flat out non-existent. Of course, particularly large fibroids would certainly be most problematic with a pregnancy and the location of the fibroids can also present problems -- 2 obvious issues that would probably warrant their removal prior to becoming pregnant. For the national guidelines (U.S.) on determining/treating infertility, you can review this documentation online: http://www.icsi.org/guide/Infert.pdf (this is a 47 page Adobe Acrobat file) A summary of this documentation can be found at: http://www.guidelines.gov/FRAMESETS/guideline_fs.asp?guideline=001340 & sSearch_string=infertility Both documents may require much more discussion with a physician to truly understand the clinical information presented. Too often, fibroids are removed via myomectomy but a woman is still unable to conceive due to endocrinological problems that go undiagnosed and untreated. The same, unfortunately, can be said of UAE patients trying to conceive post-procedure. If infertility is an issue, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist may well be in order before making any specific treatment decision. Although anecdotal, I can tell you that I've communicated with many women pre and post UAE and pre and post myomectomy who desired fertility and yet were never tested for any other potential causes of their infertility beyond fibroids. Hormonal imbalances that create fibroids, can also present problems with fertility. Taking out the fibroids or treating them via UAE does not, necessarily, address the problem of hormonal imbalance. Two friends of mine who thought myomectomy (for one) and UAE (for the other) would " cure " their infertility problems were both suprised to learn that it did not. After seeing reproductive endocrinologists, both learned their bodies weren't producing progesterone. With proper treatment and assistance from a knowledgeable infertility specialist, both conceived and delivered beautiful babies. There are a lot of variables that play into infertility. Fibroids is only one. I miscarried one child but carried two others to term while simultaneously growing some lovely fibroids. " Uncomfortable " would be an understatement of how I felt at the 9 month mark. Even so, pregnancy was possible with fibroids -- and is possible for a great many women. (That said, my first child was " without fibroids " sharing the womb -- and a much more pleasant and " comfortable " pregnancy, to say the least. Of course, at the time, I did not know that and complained vociferously about how uncomfortable I was -- as do all new mothers, I believe!) Definitely a lot of issues involved with this decision to undergo treatment. Finding a good fertility specialist that you truly trust would be a major first step in this process and completely necessary in order to truly understand your current condition, all of your options, and the potential risks involved with any given treatment. Carla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Tina wrote: My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. Thanks for straightening me out on the name confusion. I'm normally quite horrible with remembering names anyway -- so added confusion gets my head spinning in circles! What I mean by "doable" in terms of myomectomy, has a great deal to do with location, size, and number of fibroids. These variables can mean either a rather easy myomectomy that does not disrupt the overall condition of the uterus OR they can mean a major laparotomy that destroys the ability of the uterus to successfully carry a child to term without rupturing -- with many variables in between those 2 ends of the spectrum with myomectomy. If fibroids put a woman at the worst end of the myomectomy spectrum (lets say 25 fibroids of varying sizes located all over the uterus), a patient may want to consider a UAE instead because the myomectomy surgery to remove those fibroids may well render the uterus unable to viably carry a child to term without rupturing. Does that make sense? On the other hand, a submucosal fibroid or a subserosal fibroid may be easy to remove via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy while UAE might pose much greater risks. Understanding the treatment options and the risks posed by each, has a lot to do with your individual fibroid situation. I'm so sorry to read that you've lost 4 babies. I'm a little confused (again! it's been a bad morning here in Whoville for me!) though, about the diagnosis of fibroids as the potential cause. The fibroids were discovered with the 4th pregnancy? After the first, second, or even third miscarriage, what diagnostics did you undergo to try and determine the causes of miscarriage prior to conceiving the fourth time? I'm no doctor . Just someone trying to help women understand the issues the best way I know how to. I can definitely empathize with your desire to have children. Losing one pregnancy is a tremendous sorrow when a child is desperately desired -- I can't imagine losing 4. I hope your myomectomy is successful too. I'll definitely be rooting for you. Carla Dionne Executive Director National Uterine Fibroids Foundation 1 (877) 553-NUFF mailto:carla@... http://www.NUFF.org /list/uterinefibroids "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Tina wrote: My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. Thanks for straightening me out on the name confusion. I'm normally quite horrible with remembering names anyway -- so added confusion gets my head spinning in circles! What I mean by "doable" in terms of myomectomy, has a great deal to do with location, size, and number of fibroids. These variables can mean either a rather easy myomectomy that does not disrupt the overall condition of the uterus OR they can mean a major laparotomy that destroys the ability of the uterus to successfully carry a child to term without rupturing -- with many variables in between those 2 ends of the spectrum with myomectomy. If fibroids put a woman at the worst end of the myomectomy spectrum (lets say 25 fibroids of varying sizes located all over the uterus), a patient may want to consider a UAE instead because the myomectomy surgery to remove those fibroids may well render the uterus unable to viably carry a child to term without rupturing. Does that make sense? On the other hand, a submucosal fibroid or a subserosal fibroid may be easy to remove via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy while UAE might pose much greater risks. Understanding the treatment options and the risks posed by each, has a lot to do with your individual fibroid situation. I'm so sorry to read that you've lost 4 babies. I'm a little confused (again! it's been a bad morning here in Whoville for me!) though, about the diagnosis of fibroids as the potential cause. The fibroids were discovered with the 4th pregnancy? After the first, second, or even third miscarriage, what diagnostics did you undergo to try and determine the causes of miscarriage prior to conceiving the fourth time? I'm no doctor . Just someone trying to help women understand the issues the best way I know how to. I can definitely empathize with your desire to have children. Losing one pregnancy is a tremendous sorrow when a child is desperately desired -- I can't imagine losing 4. I hope your myomectomy is successful too. I'll definitely be rooting for you. Carla Dionne Executive Director National Uterine Fibroids Foundation 1 (877) 553-NUFF mailto:carla@... http://www.NUFF.org /list/uterinefibroids "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Tina wrote: My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. Thanks for straightening me out on the name confusion. I'm normally quite horrible with remembering names anyway -- so added confusion gets my head spinning in circles! What I mean by "doable" in terms of myomectomy, has a great deal to do with location, size, and number of fibroids. These variables can mean either a rather easy myomectomy that does not disrupt the overall condition of the uterus OR they can mean a major laparotomy that destroys the ability of the uterus to successfully carry a child to term without rupturing -- with many variables in between those 2 ends of the spectrum with myomectomy. If fibroids put a woman at the worst end of the myomectomy spectrum (lets say 25 fibroids of varying sizes located all over the uterus), a patient may want to consider a UAE instead because the myomectomy surgery to remove those fibroids may well render the uterus unable to viably carry a child to term without rupturing. Does that make sense? On the other hand, a submucosal fibroid or a subserosal fibroid may be easy to remove via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy while UAE might pose much greater risks. Understanding the treatment options and the risks posed by each, has a lot to do with your individual fibroid situation. I'm so sorry to read that you've lost 4 babies. I'm a little confused (again! it's been a bad morning here in Whoville for me!) though, about the diagnosis of fibroids as the potential cause. The fibroids were discovered with the 4th pregnancy? After the first, second, or even third miscarriage, what diagnostics did you undergo to try and determine the causes of miscarriage prior to conceiving the fourth time? I'm no doctor . Just someone trying to help women understand the issues the best way I know how to. I can definitely empathize with your desire to have children. Losing one pregnancy is a tremendous sorrow when a child is desperately desired -- I can't imagine losing 4. I hope your myomectomy is successful too. I'll definitely be rooting for you. Carla Dionne Executive Director National Uterine Fibroids Foundation 1 (877) 553-NUFF mailto:carla@... http://www.NUFF.org /list/uterinefibroids "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2000 Report Share Posted December 13, 2000 Dear Carla Thankyou for your words of knowledge and wisdom. As you can see from what I have said previously, I have tried to become pregnant, even though I did not know I had the fibroids. The fibroids were discovered on the 4th miscarriage which happened at 19 weeks. The other babies were lost by the 9th week. I had no investigative procedures to find out why I was miscarrying, even though I did ask my doctor to refer me for a scan after the 3rd miscarriage, he said there was no need. I was so niave, I hadn't even heard of fibroids before this happened to me. I had been trying to conceive for 2 years after my 2nd miscarriage. Everyone said to me, I've got to relax, it'll happen soon, nobody mentioned fibroids. I thought that as long as I was having regular smear tests, that everything was alright. I must confess I did start to wonder why I was not getting pregnant after the 2nd loss and did get my doctor to refer me to the hospital for tests about a year after that, but did not want to believe that there was anything wrong with me, I kept hoping if I miss the appointments, I'll be pregnant next month or something like that, I was in turmoil and still am really. My Gynocological care has been lacking. I am angry, but I still have a chance so am counting on this myomectomy to put me on the right track again. I had no symptoms, no heavy bleeding, although I did get some period pains, I thought this was normal. When I went for my yearly scan, nobody gave me an abdominal examination, I didn't even know I was supposed to have one. My fibroids are mainly subceral and submucosal. I have about 7 or 8, the largest being 8cm. When I was pregnant they were pressing against my uretha, leading to my bladder, I was in the most excruciating pain ever imaginable. There was a woman who was also pregnant the same time as me and she had fibroids, but they were situated at the top, she now has a beautiful baby girl. So yes, the location and size are of paramount importance when it comes to fertility. bye for now Re: infertility/fibroidsTina wrote: My name is , |'m using my sisters computer who is Tina . What did you mean by doable procedure. I really want a family and unfortunately have lost 4 babies due to fibroids. The fibroids were only discovered when I had my 12 week scan during pregnancy. I am due to have a myomectomy on the 11th January 01. I have no live births, and have looked at other options, and from the information I have seen realise myomectomy is the best option for me. I realise that adhesions due to surgery could render me infertile, but am willing to take that chance, after reading all these success stories. I have not read many success stories of conception through Uterine Artery Embolisation. Thanks for straightening me out on the name confusion. I'm normally quite horrible with remembering names anyway -- so added confusion gets my head spinning in circles! What I mean by " doable " in terms of myomectomy, has a great deal to do with location, size, and number of fibroids. These variables can mean either a rather easy myomectomy that does not disrupt the overall condition of the uterus OR they can mean a major laparotomy that destroys the ability of the uterus to successfully carry a child to term without rupturing -- with many variables in between those 2 ends of the spectrum with myomectomy. If fibroids put a woman at the worst end of the myomectomy spectrum (lets say 25 fibroids of varying sizes located all over the uterus), a patient may want to consider a UAE instead because the myomectomy surgery to remove those fibroids may well render the uterus unable to viably carry a child to term without rupturing. Does that make sense? On the other hand, a submucosal fibroid or a subserosal fibroid may be easy to remove via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy while UAE might pose much greater risks. Understanding the treatment options and the risks posed by each, has a lot to do with your individual fibroid situation. I'm so sorry to read that you've lost 4 babies. I'm a little confused (again! it's been a bad morning here in Whoville for me!) though, about the diagnosis of fibroids as the potential cause. The fibroids were discovered with the 4th pregnancy? After the first, second, or even third miscarriage, what diagnostics did you undergo to try and determine the causes of miscarriage prior to conceiving the fourth time? I'm no doctor . Just someone trying to help women understand the issues the best way I know how to. I can definitely empathize with your desire to have children. Losing one pregnancy is a tremendous sorrow when a child is desperately desired -- I can't imagine losing 4. I hope your myomectomy is successful too. I'll definitely be rooting for you. Carla Dionne Executive Director National Uterine Fibroids Foundation 1 (877) 553-NUFF mailto:carla@... http://www.NUFF.org /list/uterinefibroids " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has. " Margaret Mead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.