newbie--urinary problems

[Guest guest]

Hi--I'm 51 years old and have had problems with

fibroids for the past 4 years. But no problems with my

periods--they're just fine, and FSH tests show I don't

seem to be near menopause.

My problems have been urinary in nature--Either I need

to pee and can't; or I have to pee all the time; or I

can't get to the bathroom in time; or I " leak " when I

cough. But these problems come and go--sometimes I go

months without any problems. (I also develop UTIs

several times a year, for which I " m given Bactrin.)

The medical opinion seems to be that the fibroids are

causing my urinary problems because they're putting

pressure on the bladder.

My fibroids are getting bigger, however, and I feel a

lot more pressure in my lower abdominal area. Now my

uterus is the size of a 20-week pregnancy. (Six months

ago it was 16-week size.) I have 5 or 6 fibroids. The

largest is 10 cm. Vaginal ultrasound indicates that my

ovaries are fine.

My GYN recommends a hysterectomy. Briefly touched on

UAE, which she said wasn't recommended in my case,

because of the size of the fibroids. (On that KQED

program last week, someone indicated that a 10 cm

fibroid would shrink to 8 cm with UAE--that probably

wouldn't be much help, would it?)

I have a request in to my insurance company for a

second opinion consultation at UC Medical Center

(not my HMO) with a woman doc who specializes in both

urology and gynecology. But the first available

appointment with her is several months away.

In your opinions, should I be investigating UAE in the

meantime anyway? My gyn also said myo " wasn't

recommended in my case " but I'm not sure why.

Opinions? Comments?