Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

[Guest guest]

Audrey,

I don't understand why it's costing you a " small fortune " to see another

specialist in order to compare against the one specialist you've already

seen. Doesn't it just cost you a $10 - $15 co-payment for each consultation

w/ a specialist; e.g. your insurance company picks up the rest of the bill?

What test's are these specialist performing?

The IR specialist I visited didn't even charge me an office visit, and he

spent a whole hour w/ me answering questions.

The fertility specialist I saw to talk about myomectory only charged me an

office visit and he also performed a vaginal and rectal exam. He didn't

perform an ultrasound, but he didn't need to. He was so experience he told

me my uterine size with just the vaginal exam. In fact, I had only set up

this appointment to be a consutation, not an exam. But this specialist was

so fast and confident, in the middle of my interview he suggested he examine

me. The examination was done in 10 - 15 minutes, then we just continued the

interview.

Have you looked for an Interventional Radiologist to interview and research

this alternative as well?

- Debbie

Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

> Hello everyone.

> I have a lemon size submucous fibroid that has been causing me pain

> for about six months. My uterus is about 9-10 week size.

> I have been reading the posts here for a while and have followed many

> of your kind words of advice and subsequently left the gyn who thought

> hysterectomy should be done.

> Someone one this group advised looking for a infertility specialist,

> so I did. He strikes me as very bright, very kind, very unwilling to

> ever give a person a hysterectomy who does not truly need one. In my

> case he has recommended a laparoscopic myomectomy. He tells me a

> vaginal myomectomy would be possible but might have to be done in two

> stage, two operations, due to the size and placement of my fibroid.

> So, and am considering having the laparoscopic myomectomy performed

> very soon. I WANT THE NASTY THING OUT! sorry for shouting...

> He tells me he does them routinely. I can be in and out of the

> hospital in one day. It just seems too good to be true. I wonder if I

> might not be missing something. This is, I guess, a second opinion,

> although the first was the opinion of an idiot, so maybe it does not

> count. I worry slightly that the hospital he does his surgeries in is

> not perhaps the best in my area, and I do have the name of someone

> else at one that is. Both these good non invasive doctors are,

> naturally not covered by my insurance and to go see another one, and

> possibly have another series of tests could cost me a small fortune.

> Should I just go ahead and get this over with? Or hold on spend some

> more money and choose between two competent doctors? Sorry this was so

> long.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

patients fared better in the no-profits.

Tish

[Guest guest]

His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

patients fared better in the no-profits.

Tish

[Guest guest]

His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

patients fared better in the no-profits.

Tish

[Guest guest]

Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

or where I may source a copy?

We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

on the issues that will be dealt with here.

Thanks.

Jill Mcwhinnie

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

> His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> patients fared better in the no-profits.

>

> Tish

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

or where I may source a copy?

We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

on the issues that will be dealt with here.

Thanks.

Jill Mcwhinnie

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

> His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> patients fared better in the no-profits.

>

> Tish

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

or where I may source a copy?

We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

on the issues that will be dealt with here.

Thanks.

Jill Mcwhinnie

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

> His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> patients fared better in the no-profits.

>

> Tish

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Thanks for your reply. No. It costs much more than a co-payment if I go to a

doctor that is not covered by my insurance. I wrote out a check for $725 the

other day, for the exam and a sonogram. Next week I will shell out more than

that for that water test I forget the name of. Hystersalpingography? I might

get 80% reimbursed, but I won't know for sure until I submit the bill.

I picked the Doctor I did because I knew someone who had a myo done by

him and was very pleased. You must have better insurance than I do in this

regard. I have found that the doctors that are on my plan are often not the

ones I would let cut me open and pull something out. I went off plan last

year to get doctor of my choice perform biopsy on breast and was reimbursed

for a good part, eventually. Can you just go see anyone you want to? I might

be curious to consult an Interventional Radiologist but from what I have read

here, and on the group for UAE it seems as though there are more

complications with those than with myos. I am afraid to have that substance

pumped into my groin. I had a laparoscopy years ago for something different,

so I know what I am in for there. It was not pleasant but I had none of the

after affects I have read about with UAE. Rather than have the fibroid

trickle out in bits and suffer fevers and odd symptoms I would just like it

out. I am not so worried about the money really, but worried that I might be

jumping on this chance to GET IT OUT and this might not be the perfect doctor

or hospital. This doctor is at St. 's. The other, that I have not seen

yet, is at Colombia. I spoke to her office and they told me for a fibroid my

size they assume, but are not certain she would do an abdominal myo. Oh dear.

Maybe that is the right thing to do...who knows? That is often the trouble

with 2nd opinions! They differ! And how are we to know what is right? Have

you decided on treatment?

Thanks so much again for your reply, Audrey

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Thanks for your reply. No. It costs much more than a co-payment if I go to a

doctor that is not covered by my insurance. I wrote out a check for $725 the

other day, for the exam and a sonogram. Next week I will shell out more than

that for that water test I forget the name of. Hystersalpingography? I might

get 80% reimbursed, but I won't know for sure until I submit the bill.

I picked the Doctor I did because I knew someone who had a myo done by

him and was very pleased. You must have better insurance than I do in this

regard. I have found that the doctors that are on my plan are often not the

ones I would let cut me open and pull something out. I went off plan last

year to get doctor of my choice perform biopsy on breast and was reimbursed

for a good part, eventually. Can you just go see anyone you want to? I might

be curious to consult an Interventional Radiologist but from what I have read

here, and on the group for UAE it seems as though there are more

complications with those than with myos. I am afraid to have that substance

pumped into my groin. I had a laparoscopy years ago for something different,

so I know what I am in for there. It was not pleasant but I had none of the

after affects I have read about with UAE. Rather than have the fibroid

trickle out in bits and suffer fevers and odd symptoms I would just like it

out. I am not so worried about the money really, but worried that I might be

jumping on this chance to GET IT OUT and this might not be the perfect doctor

or hospital. This doctor is at St. 's. The other, that I have not seen

yet, is at Colombia. I spoke to her office and they told me for a fibroid my

size they assume, but are not certain she would do an abdominal myo. Oh dear.

Maybe that is the right thing to do...who knows? That is often the trouble

with 2nd opinions! They differ! And how are we to know what is right? Have

you decided on treatment?

Thanks so much again for your reply, Audrey

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Thanks for your reply. No. It costs much more than a co-payment if I go to a

doctor that is not covered by my insurance. I wrote out a check for $725 the

other day, for the exam and a sonogram. Next week I will shell out more than

that for that water test I forget the name of. Hystersalpingography? I might

get 80% reimbursed, but I won't know for sure until I submit the bill.

I picked the Doctor I did because I knew someone who had a myo done by

him and was very pleased. You must have better insurance than I do in this

regard. I have found that the doctors that are on my plan are often not the

ones I would let cut me open and pull something out. I went off plan last

year to get doctor of my choice perform biopsy on breast and was reimbursed

for a good part, eventually. Can you just go see anyone you want to? I might

be curious to consult an Interventional Radiologist but from what I have read

here, and on the group for UAE it seems as though there are more

complications with those than with myos. I am afraid to have that substance

pumped into my groin. I had a laparoscopy years ago for something different,

so I know what I am in for there. It was not pleasant but I had none of the

after affects I have read about with UAE. Rather than have the fibroid

trickle out in bits and suffer fevers and odd symptoms I would just like it

out. I am not so worried about the money really, but worried that I might be

jumping on this chance to GET IT OUT and this might not be the perfect doctor

or hospital. This doctor is at St. 's. The other, that I have not seen

yet, is at Colombia. I spoke to her office and they told me for a fibroid my

size they assume, but are not certain she would do an abdominal myo. Oh dear.

Maybe that is the right thing to do...who knows? That is often the trouble

with 2nd opinions! They differ! And how are we to know what is right? Have

you decided on treatment?

Thanks so much again for your reply, Audrey

[Guest guest]

Hi Tish,

I too,being a Canadian (Hi Jill) am very interested in the difference of a

" not-for-profit " hospital

as opposed to another type.Would the " not-for -profit " be cheaper? Could you

explain?

Our health system in Canada is handled by each province individually.I'm in

Quebec,which is in major

crisis.All hospitals here( and everywhere in Canada) are government owned and

run.All doctors are

paid by the province and there are set rates for an office visit,surgery etc.A

surgeon here would

make under $500 Canadian dollars for a myomectomy that would be about $200

US.(as opposed to around

$2,500-$3,500 US in the States)You can see right away a dis-incentive to do

anything very complicated

or to learn new technique.In some specialties entire graduating classes leave

for the US.One year

elective surguries in Quebec were all cancelled for a period of time because of

a shortage of

anthesesiologists.Another cost saver is that beds,lots of beds,are closed during

the summer months.At

one point the waiting list (again Quebec Jill,I think you're somewhere else) for

heart bypass was so

long that you needed to have a heart attack to jump the line.A lot of people

went to the US for

surgery.The argument is whether we should have a two tiered system-the hold out

is that this would

undermine a system whose basic principal is that everyone gets health care

regardless of their

income.While I have always been an advocate of some form of 2 tiers I was very

struck the other day

when I visited,in order to see a GP,a clinic in a very poor part of

Montreal.(Cliniques are just

places where over-heads for doctors are reduced by renting a big office

space,they are still part of

the system) Anyway the point is the roster of doctors was very impressive,from

the Montreal

General,The Royal Vic etc- very well trained physicians in numerous specialties

meeeting the needs of

this very poor community.

So,anyway,sorry for the ramble here,its just to put a perspective on it.

Best,

Bonnie

Jill McWhinnie wrote:

> Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

> patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

> or where I may source a copy?

>

> We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

> care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

> on the issues that will be dealt with here.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Jill Mcwhinnie

> Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

>

> > His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> > these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> > experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> > works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> > fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> > etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> > hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> > hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> > patients fared better in the no-profits.

> >

> > Tish

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Tish,

I too,being a Canadian (Hi Jill) am very interested in the difference of a

" not-for-profit " hospital

as opposed to another type.Would the " not-for -profit " be cheaper? Could you

explain?

Our health system in Canada is handled by each province individually.I'm in

Quebec,which is in major

crisis.All hospitals here( and everywhere in Canada) are government owned and

run.All doctors are

paid by the province and there are set rates for an office visit,surgery etc.A

surgeon here would

make under $500 Canadian dollars for a myomectomy that would be about $200

US.(as opposed to around

$2,500-$3,500 US in the States)You can see right away a dis-incentive to do

anything very complicated

or to learn new technique.In some specialties entire graduating classes leave

for the US.One year

elective surguries in Quebec were all cancelled for a period of time because of

a shortage of

anthesesiologists.Another cost saver is that beds,lots of beds,are closed during

the summer months.At

one point the waiting list (again Quebec Jill,I think you're somewhere else) for

heart bypass was so

long that you needed to have a heart attack to jump the line.A lot of people

went to the US for

surgery.The argument is whether we should have a two tiered system-the hold out

is that this would

undermine a system whose basic principal is that everyone gets health care

regardless of their

income.While I have always been an advocate of some form of 2 tiers I was very

struck the other day

when I visited,in order to see a GP,a clinic in a very poor part of

Montreal.(Cliniques are just

places where over-heads for doctors are reduced by renting a big office

space,they are still part of

the system) Anyway the point is the roster of doctors was very impressive,from

the Montreal

General,The Royal Vic etc- very well trained physicians in numerous specialties

meeeting the needs of

this very poor community.

So,anyway,sorry for the ramble here,its just to put a perspective on it.

Best,

Bonnie

Jill McWhinnie wrote:

> Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

> patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

> or where I may source a copy?

>

> We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

> care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

> on the issues that will be dealt with here.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Jill Mcwhinnie

> Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

>

> > His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> > these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> > experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> > works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> > fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> > etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> > hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> > hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> > patients fared better in the no-profits.

> >

> > Tish

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Tish,

I too,being a Canadian (Hi Jill) am very interested in the difference of a

" not-for-profit " hospital

as opposed to another type.Would the " not-for -profit " be cheaper? Could you

explain?

Our health system in Canada is handled by each province individually.I'm in

Quebec,which is in major

crisis.All hospitals here( and everywhere in Canada) are government owned and

run.All doctors are

paid by the province and there are set rates for an office visit,surgery etc.A

surgeon here would

make under $500 Canadian dollars for a myomectomy that would be about $200

US.(as opposed to around

$2,500-$3,500 US in the States)You can see right away a dis-incentive to do

anything very complicated

or to learn new technique.In some specialties entire graduating classes leave

for the US.One year

elective surguries in Quebec were all cancelled for a period of time because of

a shortage of

anthesesiologists.Another cost saver is that beds,lots of beds,are closed during

the summer months.At

one point the waiting list (again Quebec Jill,I think you're somewhere else) for

heart bypass was so

long that you needed to have a heart attack to jump the line.A lot of people

went to the US for

surgery.The argument is whether we should have a two tiered system-the hold out

is that this would

undermine a system whose basic principal is that everyone gets health care

regardless of their

income.While I have always been an advocate of some form of 2 tiers I was very

struck the other day

when I visited,in order to see a GP,a clinic in a very poor part of

Montreal.(Cliniques are just

places where over-heads for doctors are reduced by renting a big office

space,they are still part of

the system) Anyway the point is the roster of doctors was very impressive,from

the Montreal

General,The Royal Vic etc- very well trained physicians in numerous specialties

meeeting the needs of

this very poor community.

So,anyway,sorry for the ramble here,its just to put a perspective on it.

Best,

Bonnie

Jill McWhinnie wrote:

> Hi. I was interested in your reference to the research study indicating that

> patients fared better in non-profit medical centres. Do you know the title

> or where I may source a copy?

>

> We're on the brink of a major debate in Canada on " options " for our health

> care system. That study sounds like it would give an interesting perspective

> on the issues that will be dealt with here.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Jill Mcwhinnie

> Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

>

> > His advice doesn't seem unreasonable to me. You could ask how many of

> > these procedures he performs in a year to get an idea of his

> > experience. You could try to see what the nurses at the hospital he

> > works in think of him. I had a full open myomectomy for very big

> > fibroids (18 weeks with a couple of grapefruits, a couple of oranges,

> > etc.) and was out of the hospital in a little less than 3 days. The

> > hospital was not a fancy medical center but a not-for-profit

> > hospital. I got good care. A recent research study found that

> > patients fared better in the no-profits.

> >

> > Tish

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I can offer some valuable input here I feel. I only

WISH I had done something when these things were

smaller.

Have you considered UAE? This is what I would have

had if I was your size. They get good reduction at

that size and it would most likely relieve your

symptoms. No surgery!

If you want to go myomectomy, you have to consider

regrowth. UAE guarantees no more fibroid problems.

But if you prefer myo, I can realte to the problem

with confidence you have in the hospital and I

personally feel that you need to be somewhere where

you can RELAX. Now, if you like the doc enough and

can place youself in his hands, maybe you can create a

list of possible problems like say post op pain and

discuss with him ahead of time to make a plan so you

feel covered and secure.

If you want to go to the better hospital you can

always take your tests to the new doc and at least you

would not have to have them repeated since they are so

current. All you would be out is the consult fee and

that would be worth it.

When I read " laparoscopic myomectomy " I was thrilled

for you. It is due to your smaller size that this is

still an option, and I would caution you these suckers

can grow up to four weeks size in say four months so I

would not wait to do something or you could be looking

at an abdominal incision and major surgery with the

longer recovery time.

I do not have any medical experience or training. I

am only giving you the benefit of my hindsight and

what I wish I had done when I had the chance. My

waiting had ended up with me in the 20+ week category

and totally miserable. If your symptoms are as

bothersome as you say boy I would act now. As it is I

have lost over two years to this. My quality of life

has been waaay compromised and I thought it was all

worth it if I got a better outcome but now I am not

sure. Two years is a long time to feel like crud.

I wish you good luck and most of all a decision that

you can really feel good about..soon!

- B

--- audrey wrote:

> Hello everyone.

> I have a lemon size submucous fibroid that has been

> causing me pain

> for about six months. My uterus is about 9-10 week

> size.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I can offer some valuable input here I feel. I only

WISH I had done something when these things were

smaller.

Have you considered UAE? This is what I would have

had if I was your size. They get good reduction at

that size and it would most likely relieve your

symptoms. No surgery!

If you want to go myomectomy, you have to consider

regrowth. UAE guarantees no more fibroid problems.

But if you prefer myo, I can realte to the problem

with confidence you have in the hospital and I

personally feel that you need to be somewhere where

you can RELAX. Now, if you like the doc enough and

can place youself in his hands, maybe you can create a

list of possible problems like say post op pain and

discuss with him ahead of time to make a plan so you

feel covered and secure.

If you want to go to the better hospital you can

always take your tests to the new doc and at least you

would not have to have them repeated since they are so

current. All you would be out is the consult fee and

that would be worth it.

When I read " laparoscopic myomectomy " I was thrilled

for you. It is due to your smaller size that this is

still an option, and I would caution you these suckers

can grow up to four weeks size in say four months so I

would not wait to do something or you could be looking

at an abdominal incision and major surgery with the

longer recovery time.

I do not have any medical experience or training. I

am only giving you the benefit of my hindsight and

what I wish I had done when I had the chance. My

waiting had ended up with me in the 20+ week category

and totally miserable. If your symptoms are as

bothersome as you say boy I would act now. As it is I

have lost over two years to this. My quality of life

has been waaay compromised and I thought it was all

worth it if I got a better outcome but now I am not

sure. Two years is a long time to feel like crud.

I wish you good luck and most of all a decision that

you can really feel good about..soon!

- B

--- audrey wrote:

> Hello everyone.

> I have a lemon size submucous fibroid that has been

> causing me pain

> for about six months. My uterus is about 9-10 week

> size.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I can offer some valuable input here I feel. I only

WISH I had done something when these things were

smaller.

Have you considered UAE? This is what I would have

had if I was your size. They get good reduction at

that size and it would most likely relieve your

symptoms. No surgery!

If you want to go myomectomy, you have to consider

regrowth. UAE guarantees no more fibroid problems.

But if you prefer myo, I can realte to the problem

with confidence you have in the hospital and I

personally feel that you need to be somewhere where

you can RELAX. Now, if you like the doc enough and

can place youself in his hands, maybe you can create a

list of possible problems like say post op pain and

discuss with him ahead of time to make a plan so you

feel covered and secure.

If you want to go to the better hospital you can

always take your tests to the new doc and at least you

would not have to have them repeated since they are so

current. All you would be out is the consult fee and

that would be worth it.

When I read " laparoscopic myomectomy " I was thrilled

for you. It is due to your smaller size that this is

still an option, and I would caution you these suckers

can grow up to four weeks size in say four months so I

would not wait to do something or you could be looking

at an abdominal incision and major surgery with the

longer recovery time.

I do not have any medical experience or training. I

am only giving you the benefit of my hindsight and

what I wish I had done when I had the chance. My

waiting had ended up with me in the 20+ week category

and totally miserable. If your symptoms are as

bothersome as you say boy I would act now. As it is I

have lost over two years to this. My quality of life

has been waaay compromised and I thought it was all

worth it if I got a better outcome but now I am not

sure. Two years is a long time to feel like crud.

I wish you good luck and most of all a decision that

you can really feel good about..soon!

- B

--- audrey wrote:

> Hello everyone.

> I have a lemon size submucous fibroid that has been

> causing me pain

> for about six months. My uterus is about 9-10 week

> size.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Audrey,

I still have not decided if I should go with UAE or myomectomy. There have

been enough bad experiences on this email group to discourage me from UAE.

So sometimes I think I should just take the 4 - 6 weeks hit and go with a

myomectomy.

I saw one fertility specialist about a month ago, he performs about 50 myo's

per year, has never had one turn into hystorectomy. I felt very confident

in him.

I saw an IR about a month ago, he's performed about 34 UAE's over a 1 1/2

year period. I felt somewhat confident in him. The only reason I say

somewhat is because he only follows your progress if you email him.

Otherwise it's up to the Gyn to provide the post care. I'm not happy w/

this un-involvement.

I'll see my second fertility specialist to talk about myomectomy next week.

I've already decided I want an MRI to find out as well as possible exactly

how many, where, what size, etc. about my fibroids. This will help me make

my decision between UAE and/or myomectomy. I plan to do this next month.

Ultrasounds (I've had 2) so far show I have one 11cm subserosal Fibroid.

I decided on 10/2000 when I was diagnosed w/ the fibroid that I would try

natural healing for a year before I tried the the myo or UAE medical cure.

I'm currently taking herbs, about 12 herbal pills twice a day (Vitalerbs,

Adrenetone, Kelp-T, and Cycle-eze. I tried 10% progesterone cream the

first 6 months, no effect on the fibroid.

My insurance, United Health PPO, only requires I pay a $15 co-payment on

every visit I make. I've also already confirmed my insurance covers 90% of

the UAE and/or Myomectory if I use a member Dr. (all the specialist Dr's I

visited are members, which I didn't know before I visited them.) and my

insurance will cover 70% of the UAE and/or Myo if the Dr. is not a member.

My insurance will also cover 90% of the MRI if Dr. is a member.

Proceedure code/CPT for UAE is 37204. Proceedure code/CPT for MRI is

72196.

That's just a quick summary of the research I've done for the past 7 months.

- Debbie

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or wait...

> Debbie,

> Thanks for your reply. No. It costs much more than a co-payment if I go to

a

> doctor that is not covered by my insurance. I wrote out a check for $725

the

> other day, for the exam and a sonogram. Next week I will shell out more

than

> that for that water test I forget the name of. Hystersalpingography? I

might

> get 80% reimbursed, but I won't know for sure until I submit the bill.

> I picked the Doctor I did because I knew someone who had a myo done

by

> him and was very pleased. You must have better insurance than I do in this

> regard. I have found that the doctors that are on my plan are often not

the

> ones I would let cut me open and pull something out. I went off plan last

> year to get doctor of my choice perform biopsy on breast and was

reimbursed

> for a good part, eventually. Can you just go see anyone you want to? I

might

> be curious to consult an Interventional Radiologist but from what I have

read

> here, and on the group for UAE it seems as though there are more

> complications with those than with myos. I am afraid to have that

substance

> pumped into my groin. I had a laparoscopy years ago for something

different,

> so I know what I am in for there. It was not pleasant but I had none of

the

> after affects I have read about with UAE. Rather than have the fibroid

> trickle out in bits and suffer fevers and odd symptoms I would just like

it

> out. I am not so worried about the money really, but worried that I might

be

> jumping on this chance to GET IT OUT and this might not be the perfect

doctor

> or hospital. This doctor is at St. 's. The other, that I have not

seen

> yet, is at Colombia. I spoke to her office and they told me for a fibroid

my

> size they assume, but are not certain she would do an abdominal myo. Oh

dear.

> Maybe that is the right thing to do...who knows? That is often the trouble

> with 2nd opinions! They differ! And how are we to know what is right? Have

> you decided on treatment?

> Thanks so much again for your reply, Audrey

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY  10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "

[Guest guest]

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY  10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "

[Guest guest]

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY  10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "

[Guest guest]

Audrey:

How large is your fibroid? I am considering lap myo also and wonder what

the size limit is.

Donna

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or

wait...

Dear Debbie, and All,

Thank you for your letter Debbie. I feel the way you do about UAE,

maybe

even more so. I didn't even bother checking it out. You have done very good

homework, I must say. Tell me why you think you would be in for a 4-6 week

hit with myo? I was counting on about a 10 day recovery. When I had a lap

ten

years ago I was lying down for about a week afterwards. I am older now, 44,

and this is a bit more complicated than that was so I was thinking 2 weeks.

And the doctor I am seeing concurred.

Are you looking at abdominal, or laparoscopic myo? Your fibroid does

sound large, just a bit larger than mine. I understand that size is perhaps

not quite as important as placement. Is that the reason you are, or they are

recommending abdominal? If they are?

Yesterday I had an in office test, I believe a sonohystergram, where water

is

sent into the uterus to better determine size and placement. It was hardly

painful. Hours afterwards a burning pain began and stayed with me through

out

the night. I do not know if it was due to the after affects of the test or

just part of the usual pain I live with that comes and goes. The doctor felt

confident of it's accuracy. He is sure a laparoscopic myo will be no

problem.

He told me he does about a hundred a year. Did not seem to feel that MRI was

needed.

I am very close to going and getting the lap myomectomy. I could get it

next week. Not sure what is stopping me. I had a hard time sleeping.

Visions

of the 'thing' be pulled out in masticated bits, through my cut belly

button,

some of which were forgotten inside, coupled with the pain kept me up.

Before

I talked to the doctor yesterday, I had childishly envisioned the fibroid

coming out whole. Being weighed. But that is not how they do lap.

I don't know what difference it makes, but for some weird reason the

churning up of it is scaring me.

I might have to wait until the first week of June if I don't do it next

week. Maybe it takes a while to get used to the idea of being operated on.

Yes, I want it out very much. But I am not looking forward to general

anesthesia or the recovery period. And I don't want to risk missing my

daughter's school play.

I still have not heard from my insurance as to how much they will reimburse

me. That's one matter. The other is that I have appointments lined up with

two other doctors other than the one who could do it next week. One of the

other doctors in on my plan, so I would shell out nothing. The other is at a

great hospital. Reason dictates that I should wait. I think.

There are times I am so grateful that I have found a doctor who is

appalled by the idea of hysterectomy, and times when I am grateful I am not

in the midst of a truly life threatening malady. Times when I am very

grateful for the Internet and this group, for all this support. But, but,

there are time when I feel so sorry for myself, and so very guilty for the

mediocre mother I have been these last six months. And very guilty for the

loss my personal work has suffered. It is becoming more and more difficult

to

turn away from researching my surgery options to dealing with the other

parts

of my life.

Does everyone else feel just plain weak all over? I am having trouble

now

with subway stairs and simple things like cleaning the house and brushing my

girls hair, and just everything...

The doctor gave me a prescription for Iron...maybe that will help. I shall

try to stop being so hard on myself, surgery is after all a big deal. An

acupuncturist I was seeing reminded me that although the dinners I have been

half heartily throwing together, and the disinterested glance at the kids

homework I give is better than nothing. At least I am here. Many mothers are

working so hard, poor things, they are not ever there to give even that

much....

I hope you all had better nights than I did. Please forgive me for rambling

on. It is helpful to be able to. Audrey

[Guest guest]

Audrey:

How large is your fibroid? I am considering lap myo also and wonder what

the size limit is.

Donna

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or

wait...

Dear Debbie, and All,

Thank you for your letter Debbie. I feel the way you do about UAE,

maybe

even more so. I didn't even bother checking it out. You have done very good

homework, I must say. Tell me why you think you would be in for a 4-6 week

hit with myo? I was counting on about a 10 day recovery. When I had a lap

ten

years ago I was lying down for about a week afterwards. I am older now, 44,

and this is a bit more complicated than that was so I was thinking 2 weeks.

And the doctor I am seeing concurred.

Are you looking at abdominal, or laparoscopic myo? Your fibroid does

sound large, just a bit larger than mine. I understand that size is perhaps

not quite as important as placement. Is that the reason you are, or they are

recommending abdominal? If they are?

Yesterday I had an in office test, I believe a sonohystergram, where water

is

sent into the uterus to better determine size and placement. It was hardly

painful. Hours afterwards a burning pain began and stayed with me through

out

the night. I do not know if it was due to the after affects of the test or

just part of the usual pain I live with that comes and goes. The doctor felt

confident of it's accuracy. He is sure a laparoscopic myo will be no

problem.

He told me he does about a hundred a year. Did not seem to feel that MRI was

needed.

I am very close to going and getting the lap myomectomy. I could get it

next week. Not sure what is stopping me. I had a hard time sleeping.

Visions

of the 'thing' be pulled out in masticated bits, through my cut belly

button,

some of which were forgotten inside, coupled with the pain kept me up.

Before

I talked to the doctor yesterday, I had childishly envisioned the fibroid

coming out whole. Being weighed. But that is not how they do lap.

I don't know what difference it makes, but for some weird reason the

churning up of it is scaring me.

I might have to wait until the first week of June if I don't do it next

week. Maybe it takes a while to get used to the idea of being operated on.

Yes, I want it out very much. But I am not looking forward to general

anesthesia or the recovery period. And I don't want to risk missing my

daughter's school play.

I still have not heard from my insurance as to how much they will reimburse

me. That's one matter. The other is that I have appointments lined up with

two other doctors other than the one who could do it next week. One of the

other doctors in on my plan, so I would shell out nothing. The other is at a

great hospital. Reason dictates that I should wait. I think.

There are times I am so grateful that I have found a doctor who is

appalled by the idea of hysterectomy, and times when I am grateful I am not

in the midst of a truly life threatening malady. Times when I am very

grateful for the Internet and this group, for all this support. But, but,

there are time when I feel so sorry for myself, and so very guilty for the

mediocre mother I have been these last six months. And very guilty for the

loss my personal work has suffered. It is becoming more and more difficult

to

turn away from researching my surgery options to dealing with the other

parts

of my life.

Does everyone else feel just plain weak all over? I am having trouble

now

with subway stairs and simple things like cleaning the house and brushing my

girls hair, and just everything...

The doctor gave me a prescription for Iron...maybe that will help. I shall

try to stop being so hard on myself, surgery is after all a big deal. An

acupuncturist I was seeing reminded me that although the dinners I have been

half heartily throwing together, and the disinterested glance at the kids

homework I give is better than nothing. At least I am here. Many mothers are

working so hard, poor things, they are not ever there to give even that

much....

I hope you all had better nights than I did. Please forgive me for rambling

on. It is helpful to be able to. Audrey

[Guest guest]

thanks very much for the info!

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or

wait...

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY 10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "

[Guest guest]

thanks very much for the info!

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or

wait...

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY 10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "

[Guest guest]

thanks very much for the info!

Re: Should I go get that myomectomy? or

wait...

Donna,

My fibroid is described as lemon size. It measured once at about 10

centimeters, yesterday with a more accurate test it measured six-seven

centimeters.

I got information from cailleach@... not long ago that I am

going to cut & paste for you in case you missed it. I also remember read

somewhere, Dr. Stanley West's site? That there are those who specialize in

lap myo who rarely find one too big to take out that way. Placement and type

of fibroid are also a factors. My doctor is in NYC, Vidali, MD. He

does minimally invasive surgery. He is part of a group.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons · Adlap

Central Office

872 5th Ave.

New York NY 10021 USA

Phone Toll Free 1-

Web site: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons-www.adlap.com

Good Luck Take care Audrey

Here is the repost from cailleach@... ( Carla, I believe who

has a very interesting web site everyone should look at, sex, lies and

uterinefibroids)

I recall a woman reporting to this group that she had laparoscopic removal of

a 10 cm fibroid and everyone who knew anything about lap. myo. was very

impressed, so that would seem to be an upward limit.

I looked up a couple of archived articles, but some of them gave weight

limits " The largest myoma removed weighed 1300 gms. " , " Much morcellation may

be necessary but the surgeon’s patience and hard work are rewarded by

accomplishing removal of large-sized masses, sometimes exceeding 1000 g. " (H

Reich, MD); " The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g " (Nezhat

et al., 1994)

J-B DUBUISSON & C CHAPRON wrote " The means size of the largest myoma removed

[from each woman] is 48 + 21.2 mm (from 20 to 130 mm). " For size in cm,

divide by 10, so this is talking of one woman's largest fibroid being 13 cm.

But the author also mentioned an attempted laporoscopy on a " 10 cm myoma

which proved difficult to dissect and haemorrhaged " ; the operation was

converted to laporotomy. In their conclusion, these authors write, " As far as

sub-serous and/or interstitial myomas are concerned, all myomectomies cannot

be treated by laparoscopic surgery. In our opinion, the indications for

laparotomy, which correspond to the limits of laparoscopic surgery for this

indication, are as follows: several myomas (more than 3) of 4 cm or more in

size, and a myoma of more than 8 cm. "