It's been a year (a good one)

June 2, 2004

Exactly one year ago today I had my 40+ fibroids removed. And my uterus is

still here and doing fine (nope, no swiss cheese). I am feeling great.

MMercurie asked about pitrocin (sp?) and cell-savers. Pitrocin is what Dr. West

and some other top-docs use. If I recall correctly, he explained that he

injects it into one area of the uterus (or maybe the fibroid itself?) and it

drains the blood from that area. He has to wait about 20 minutes for that to

happen; then he can more bloodlessly remove the fibroid. When he finishes with

one area, he then goes on and does the same with the next area. (Check out his

book for a better description.) Part of why his surgery takes longer than other

docs', and why he charges more.

He also uses the cell-saver, which does gather up the blood to minimize blood

loss. But I think it gets recycled back into your system somehow (I forgot to

ask how, but NOT a transfusion). But I know he almost never gives transfusions

and always uses the cell-saver. His book probably explains that better too.

If you found a doctor who does those 2 things and also avoids cutting the

stomach muscles, I'd say that's a great start. Tell us the doc's name and see

if anybody knows him. Given all the not-so-wonderful doctors we've encountered,

I'd say two hours is very reasonable to travel if you find a doc that you feel

really comfortable with. Ask about how much experience he has, how often he

ends up converting to a hysterectomy, how likely he thinks it is for you. But

personally, what you've said so far is encouraging.

Happy anniversary to me!! Or maybe I should say Happy Separation Day

anniversary.

R.

June 3, 2004

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Hi ,

Congrats on your anniversary! And thank you for your input about the lastest

gyn I've seen about my fibroids. This doc does seem very impressive and his

surgical technique sounded a lot like Dr. West's (at least from the accounts

I've read here.)

Btw, the doctor's name is Dr. Lanval Daly and he is in Toronto. Anyone here

from the Toronto area know of him? Unfortunately, I can never get on yahoo for

some reason so I am unable to check the archives.

Thanks also to the other women who responded to my cell-saver/petressin

question.

Rhonda

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