Guest guest Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 I am new to this list and have learned a lot from you ladies. My situation is as follows: I am 43 years old, African American, a little overweight and have had fibroids for years. Unfortunately within the past year they have increased in size. My recent exam indicated that there are five of them and the largest one is 3” but it is in the center of my uterus. This has caused heavy bleeding to the point that my iron level was at 6 and my potassium was not much better. These readings were taken when I went to the emergency room in late January. Since this time, I have been taking iron pills (325 mg, 3 times a day) and now it is at 11. I’m also taking a potassium pill, which has made me feel a lot better. However, during my menstrual cycle I am drained. My bleeding is severe. My OBGYN has recommended a hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries only). I asked him about the UFE. He indicated that I might be a good candidate for this. I will be seeing a radiation specialist on Monday for a consultation. I’m confused what is a UFE and what is a UAE? Are they the same? Also, I read something about a YAG laser procedure. Anyone know anything about this? I would like to hear from anyone about the UFE/UAE and how their procedure went along with any problems/concerns. I’m trying to make a good decision about UFE/UAE versus a hysterectomy and would appreciate all feedback. Thanks in advance. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 Sharon, Welcome and hi. I was the same age as you, 43, when I was diagnosed with fibroids 2 yrs ago. I finally had the UAE Nov. 02. UFE and UAE are the same thing, but just different abbreviations. Anyway, it is good you will meet with an IR to see if you are able to have the procedure done. It is not bad at all. Most women spend 1 night in the hospital and then are at home recovering. They will give you appropriate pain meds, etc , I just took it easy at home for a few days and was able to get up and around easily. By 1 week later, I felt almost 100%. I did have some pain, but nothing very serious that advil coudln't control. I had some crampy twinges in my tummy that went on and off for about 8 weeks. The procedure is very tolerable. It took care of my heavy, long periods, etc. It sometimes takes a few months or menstrual cycles to see results so you have to be patient. Read back in the archives of this group as there is a wealth of experience and information from others who have had the UAE. Good luck and let us know how things are progressing. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2004 Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 Sharon Yahoo also has a embo group you can join it is strictly for women considering ufe and women who have had the procedure done. There is alot you can learn on that site. Best of luck to you > I am new to this list and have learned a lot from you > ladies. My situation is as follows: > I am 43 years old, African American, a little > overweight and have had fibroids for years. > Unfortunately within the past year they have increased > in size. My recent exam indicated that there are five > of them and the largest one is 3 " but it is in the > center of my uterus. This has caused heavy bleeding to > the point that my iron level was at 6 and my potassium > was not much better. These readings were taken when I > went to the emergency room in late January. Since > this time, I have been taking iron pills (325 mg, 3 > times a day) and now it is at 11. I'm also taking a > potassium pill, which has made me feel a lot better. > However, during my menstrual cycle I am drained. My > bleeding is severe. My OBGYN has recommended a > hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries only). I asked him > about the UFE. He indicated that I might be a good > candidate for this. I will be seeing a radiation > specialist on Monday for a consultation. I'm confused > what is a UFE and what is a UAE? Are they the same? > Also, I read something about a YAG laser procedure. > Anyone know anything about this? I would like to hear > from anyone about the UFE/UAE and how their procedure > went along with any problems/concerns. > > I'm trying to make a good decision about UFE/UAE > versus a hysterectomy and would appreciate all > feedback. > > Thanks in advance. > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Hi! I think the 2 refer to the same thing! I am 43 also and had my procedure 7 weeks ago. It was successful meaning, no complications, and my bleeding has stopped!! How wonderful to not gush and hemmorage anymore. I had 1 period, expecting another next week. I also became very anemic and was on the iron 65mg. 3x a day. After 1 month my levels are normal again! Right now, I've been dealing with a lot of discharge which is very normal although some women get this more than others. It's dead fibroid tissue. Lovely huh? Just a small price to pay. So far so good for me. I think you should join the embo group (yahoo) and you'll find a lot of helpful info. These women are all in your boat, or have gone through it. I've found all my support there and have asked them every question in the book. I even found my IR through the group. A phenominal support. Good luck, Jen > I am new to this list and have learned a lot from you > ladies. My situation is as follows: > I am 43 years old, African American, a little > overweight and have had fibroids for years. > Unfortunately within the past year they have increased > in size. My recent exam indicated that there are five > of them and the largest one is 3 " but it is in the > center of my uterus. This has caused heavy bleeding to > the point that my iron level was at 6 and my potassium > was not much better. These readings were taken when I > went to the emergency room in late January. Since > this time, I have been taking iron pills (325 mg, 3 > times a day) and now it is at 11. I'm also taking a > potassium pill, which has made me feel a lot better. > However, during my menstrual cycle I am drained. My > bleeding is severe. My OBGYN has recommended a > hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries only). I asked him > about the UFE. He indicated that I might be a good > candidate for this. I will be seeing a radiation > specialist on Monday for a consultation. I'm confused > what is a UFE and what is a UAE? Are they the same? > Also, I read something about a YAG laser procedure. > Anyone know anything about this? I would like to hear > from anyone about the UFE/UAE and how their procedure > went along with any problems/concerns. > > I'm trying to make a good decision about UFE/UAE > versus a hysterectomy and would appreciate all > feedback. > > Thanks in advance. > Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Thank you ladies for your quick responses, references (embo yahoo group), for telling it like it is, and your well wishes. I will keep the group posted on my decision. Sharon --- jenficks jenficks@...> wrote: > Hi! I think the 2 refer to the same thing! I am 43 > also and had my procedure 7 weeks ago. > I think you should join the embo group (yahoo) and you'll find a lot of > helpful info. 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.