Re: Post-myo report (long and a bit rambling) 2

[Guest guest]

I had my myo a week ago today with Dr. West. I was with in the

hospital. It was great having her there to walk the halls, chat about our

surgeries,

and compare notes.

I ditto everything that she has said about Dr. West. He is very patient,

calming and confident. He also said that I would not have pain and that was true

in my case. My pain was at the most at a 3-4 on a scale of 0-10. The only thing

I have taken is extra strength tylenol for discomfort.

I had a few fibroids removed but my main problem was adeomyosis. This is

undistinguishable from fibroids on ultrasound. It is endometriosis in the wall

of

the uterus. This is usually found during surgery. Dr. West had to think on

the spot and 'change the program.' It is not an easy surgery because it cannot

be distinguished from the normal muscle fiber of the uterine wall. The surgery

is called debulking.

I had never been told I had endometriosis or anything like it. The

adenomyosis showed up on my ultrasound as three fibroids. I have read that it is

common

in women in their 40's. I am almost 47.

He assured me that it would not return because I am close to menopause. Most

of the sites I have looked at recommed a hysterectomy for this. Dr. West does

not.

The other thing Dr. West said he would do was to look around while he was in

there and check to make sure everyhting was in working condition. He did and

he found an adhesion in my intestines from a previous surgery. This section

was very painful when I had a BM. Now it's not!

One week later I can tell you I feel much better than I did two weeks ago. I

waited until my condition became symptomatic to decide what to do. I had the

'fibroid' diagnosis eight years ago. All of the gyns that I went to said that

if 'it didn't bother me then it didn't bother them.' But they all said once it

bothers you, a hysterectomy is the only option.

I was in a watch and wait mode and asymptomatic except for the bulk feeling

until this past December when things changed. I started to have an average of

two periods per month, excruciating back aches and an overall ill feeling and

fatigue. That's when I saw Dr. West and knew he would be the person I could

trust to respect my body and my wishes.

I want to thank Carla for starting this group and to all who post and share

their stories. This group has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and

information. It has also given me strength and support. Thank you,

Cary

[Guest guest]

Cary,

Thank you for sharing your experience. it makes it so much easier for those

of us awaiting surgery to hear success stories.. I am also using Dr West &

your post has helped me so much! Continued healing!!! keep us posted!! Colleen

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

I'm a new member, awaiting my first ultrasound due to what are thought to be

fibroids and an enlarged uterus, based on palpation. My ultrasound is next week

and, thanks to this group, I have already confirmed that I will not be permitted

to see the ultrasound and will not be given results by the technician. At least

I know in advance and can prepare myself for that. While I am trying to think

positively and am trying not to get ahead of myself, I am interested in

recommendations for good Drs./surgeons with experience and commitment to

preserve fertility and the uterus, as much as possible.

I am in the Los Angeles, Southern California area. I am trying to work through

the archives and all of the posts. Based on them, I understand that Dr.

out of UCLA comes highly recommended. Any others? How about Drs/surgeons to

avoid?

Thanks everyone. Those of you that are having a hard time and/or getting ready

for surgery, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

-- Re: Post-myo report (long and a bit rambling) 2

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