Re: Symptoms and Relief

December 23, 2002

In a message dated 12/23/2002 3:45:37 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

dcheflin@... writes:

> now I am experiencing bloating which has my abdomen so extended that

> it pushes upward into my rib area (very uncomfortable).

>

I am wondering if you or anyone feels some shortness of breath from this,

possible related to pressure on the diaphragm?

Thanks,

Becca

December 23, 2002

At 12/23/02 05:47 PM, moftap@... wrote:

>I am wondering if you or anyone feels some shortness of breath from this,

>possible related to pressure on the diaphragm?

I think I do. When I am sitting down I sometimes have to stretch my

diaphram because it feels as if everything is squashed together, if that

makes any sense. Sometimes it seems as if my rib cage or my stomach is

rising higher into my throat area as ridiculous as that sounds.

December 24, 2002

Good morning,

I am concerned about the bloating

your experiencing and hope I

can ask some questions. Your age?

Since the fibroid dx 4-5 years ago,

do you have a record of the size

of your uterus and the growth

of the fibroids on an annual basis?

How long have you been

on the bc pills/are you still on them?

Were you given a transabdominal

vaginal ultrasound at last years checkup?

In addition to the bloating,

are you having real discomfort

in the pelvic area; appetite loss;

gastrointestinal pain--gas,

indigestion, nausea?

Any change in bowel movements

/urine? Unusual fatigue?

Pain with sex?

Based on that type of bloating

your describing, I'd call your

gyne's office, tell them about

this symptom and get in ASAP.

Err on the side of caution

ruling out any other co-existing

disease besides the fibroids.

Please let us know how your doing

and the results of your appt.

Take good care,

Marsha

Now, unfortunately, the pain is starting to

> return during the periods (there is a dull ache between periods),

the intensity of the bleeding/clotting is starting to pick back up

and now I am experiencing bloating which has my abdomen so extended

that it pushes upward into my rib area (very uncomfortable).

Except for surgery, is there any relief from some of these symptoms?

I can barely tolerate the discomfort from the bloating...It has

gotten so bad that I find myself skipping meals because the added

pressure from a full stomach is too much.

I am schedule for my yearly gyno exam at the end of January....They

> will be taking another Ultrasound to monitor the size of the

> Fibroids...I fear that they have gotten bigger (hence the cause of

> the increased pressure).....How big (and heavy) can these things

get??

>

> Help!

December 24, 2002

Age is 42. My Doctor does send me for a yearly transabdominal vaginal

Ultrasound. The last exam (last year) indicated that there are three

fibroids which were approx 2 CM in size (each around the same size).

I do not have the size of my uterus and the doctor indicated that

size was not of concern (maybe to him...). I am schedule for my

yearly gyno appointment in mid January.

I have been on BC since approx 1993. The Doctor placed me on the

pill for the pain and excessive bleeding.....This did help with the

pain (which was extreme) and has helped somewhat with the bleeding

(although things seem to be gradually reverting back to where I

started in 1993).

Besides the bloating, I have experienced some (I wouldn't descibe it

as " real " ) discomfort in the area of where I believe the fibroids are

located (near the ovary area). Usually, I experience a pulling

sensation, but, have experienced a dull ache (off and on throughout

the month) within the last several months. The major discomfort at

this point is the constant feeling of fullness and the pressure

against my rib area (on both sides)...

My appetite has been fine....I have experienced a bit of

gastrointestinal discomfort (gas). The bowel habits seem to change

on a dime during the day...

I appreciate your feedback.....Any additional thoughts?

> Good morning,

> I am concerned about the bloating

> your experiencing and hope I

> can ask some questions. Your age?

> Since the fibroid dx 4-5 years ago,

> do you have a record of the size

> of your uterus and the growth

> of the fibroids on an annual basis?

> How long have you been

> on the bc pills/are you still on them?

> Were you given a transabdominal

> vaginal ultrasound at last years checkup?

>

December 24, 2002

Yes. When I am sitting....Especially in chairs that are very

upright...When I drive, I have my seat adjusted back so that it takes

some of the pressure off of rib area...I can really relate to the

comments about " outgrowing " the jeans....My pants/jeans have become

tight just in the area of my abdomen (legs, thighs, etc. still fit

the same)....Besides the size, I am wondering how much a Fibroid can

weigh???? My weight has increased by 10 lbs. but the only area that

appears to have grown is my abdomen (I look like I am in the early

stages of pregnancy)....

> >I am wondering if you or anyone feels some shortness of breath

from this,

> >possible related to pressure on the diaphragm?

>

> I think I do. When I am sitting down I sometimes have to stretch

my

> diaphram because it feels as if everything is squashed together, if

that

> makes any sense. Sometimes it seems as if my rib cage or my

stomach is

> rising higher into my throat area as ridiculous as that sounds.

December 24, 2002

> Besides the bloating, I have experienced some (I wouldn't descibe it

> as " real " ) discomfort in the area of where I believe the fibroids

are located (near the ovary area). Usually, I experience a pulling

> sensation, but, have experienced a dull ache (off and on throughout

> the month) within the last several months. The major discomfort at

> this point is the constant feeling of fullness and the pressure

> against my rib area (on both sides)...

> I appreciate your feedback.....Any additional thoughts?

I'm glad to hear your going in mid-Jan.

Is there a nurse practitioner in the office

you could call and discuss the bloating

symptoms/and dull ache? At the least

to give your gyne a heads up that you've

got some real problems with bloating

I don't know what the newer research

on long term birth control use is--I'd

ask your gyne if new research is

indicating a change in practice guidelines

utilizing bc pills for long periods of time.

I'm sorry your having such a time with the

bloating symptoms. I hope your gyne does

a thorough pelvic exam, good quality TVA,

and any other tests to properly dx

the bloating. Get your questions lined up,

and get a thorough consult. Let us know

how your doing.

Best wishes,

Marsha

December 24, 2002

>

> In addition to the bloating,

> are you having real discomfort

> in the pelvic area; appetite loss;

> gastrointestinal pain--gas,

> indigestion, nausea?

> Any change in bowel movements

>

Can the nausea be a symtpom of the fibroids as well?! I have been

battling nausea/ slight diarrhea/gas and churning feeling for almost a

week now. The symptoms all started with the start of my period but

have not gone away with my period. I had been having more bulk

bloated type feelings, have been diagnosed with a subserous fibroid

that is pressing on my bowel. I kept thinking I had some kind of

viral bug, but it's really dragging on and dragging me down. I

couldn't eat anything other than saltines on Saturday and stayed in

bed all day. Lucky me, the doctors are all on vacation now.

December 25, 2002

,

I hope by now your back

to normal. Did you have

a fever on Sat. and still

have a fever?

Did you drink fluids to

compensate for the diarrhea?

How long have you had the

symptoms now?

Can you call your primary

care doc and discuss your

symptoms?

Take care,

Marsha

> Can the nausea be a symtpom of the fibroids as well?! I have been

> battling nausea/ slight diarrhea/gas and churning feeling for

almost a week now. The symptoms all started with the start of my

period but have not gone away with my period

December 26, 2002

:

I had tremendous nausea during menstruation when I had fibroids. There was at

least 1 day during my cycle when I could not keep anything down, including water

- I regurgitated EVERYTHING. In fact, on bad days, when I would clear my

throat, I would regurgitate the saliva. Nausea can indeed accompany a serious

fibroid problem.

Joyce