Re: 34 and a newbie...why me?

[Guest guest]

Hi there!

I was just diagnosed with a fibroid in Dec. of this past year. Mine

was 7 cm last time it was checked on Ultrasound. I am only 19, I

have no clue how long it has been there.I do get nausea alot and I'm

tired ALL the time.I am having surgery next wed. for what they think

is endometriosis. Because I have contsant pain in my pelvic area. I

Just thought I would write and let you know you're not alone. Hope

everything is going well. Have a good day!

s aunt,(march 10th '04)

a

> Hi, I am new to this. I was diagnosed about year ago and when I

recently went in I was told the fibroids had grown to the size of

plums and bigger. I get sick alot on the stomach sometimes I can't

keep food down. I get tired alot, nausea, they hurt sometimes I had

spotting when I would engage in love making. I don't do that

anymore. When I first went to the Dr. he told me i just had to live

with it, now they grown i can have surgery. My Dr. act like it was

no big deal. I feel along no one understands what I am going

through, I ask why me? I don't know whether or not if I should have

the operation, some people say you are never the same. I don't

think I am old, I am 34. Is there anyone who have symptoms like

that, would you have surgery or is it other treatments other than

surgery?

> Thanks, Menia

[Guest guest]

< I was diagnosed about year ago and when I recently went in I

was told the fibroids had grown to the size of plums and bigger.>

Make sure the doctor checks this is the fibroids and not

something else like a stomach problem like a twisted stomach.

Fibroids can press on surrounding organs as they get bigger. An

ultrasound test will reveal how big they have grown.

< I get tired alot, >

That may be anaemia, or the problems with eating. Worry adds

to it.

That's the fibroids.

You should have been able to have surgery before I would have

thought?

Yeah, a lot of doctors do that. I can only think that either because

fibroids a common complaint, with something like 1 in 5 women

being known to have this problem. or maybe that's the manner

they cultivate for all illnesses, meant to convey professionalism,

but actually conveying disinterest?.

To be fair, I expect they are very sympathetic about the situation

of fibroid women they've encountered. Doctors feel pressured

because they don't understand that 'a stitch in time saves 9'.

It can be a very disturbing problem to live with, it does merit help

and advice, and you've every right to feel unhappy about it. If you

have surgery it will probably be major elective surgery. I think

that's a big deal.

Believe me, other women understand. If you think of one in 5

women having fibroids, X in 10 have other gynaecological

problems like PCOS and Endometriosis. Then other women

(and men) out there are sympathetic because they know

someone who has gone through this. You realise there's a

hidden understanding out there that's not talked about much at

all in the media.

Yes...it's not fair, is it? You want yto be healthy/normal like other

people's. The strange thing is that after a year of this you start

discovering the Hollywood celebrities, that pretty has-it-all girl

down the road, and some of your friends and relatives also have

gynaecological or other health problems and you hadn't realised.

< I don't know whether or not if I should have the operation, some

people say you are never the same. I don't think I am old, I am

34.>

If you mean hysterectomy, it isn't the only treatment and you

should beware doctors who aren't interested in offering you

other options. If your fibroids have grown very large that may

cause problems. Prepare questions before you go in about their

experience, what problems might occur and why they

recommend the treatment they have and not other options for

you. These answers will hopefully give you some idea of whether

it's in your best interests or suspect. A second opinion will help

you to judge if you're unsure. If you're not happy, say you'll get

back to them with an answer when you've digested the news.(

It's your body.)

People on this forum can help suggest doctors for second

opinions where you live and to discuss the fibroids you have.

What country are you in? The USA?

There are different types of hysterectomy. (If you're not keen, get

a second opinion if the doctor won't give you a myomectomy

instead.)

The myomectomy allows you to keep fertility, but tell the doctor if

you may possibly want to have children in the future, to

emphsise the need for the right kind of treatment.

You could look into UAE (uterine Artery Embolisation). They say

it's less invasive than surgery, but some people say it's not the

best option if you want to guarantee your fertility. As with other

fibroid topics we could do with more research to help us decide.

There are some other treatment options too, but it all depends

on what type of fibroids you have etc.

UAE won't scar you like surgery, but it's still serious and it

shrinks the fibroids rater than getting rid of them. Have a look at

the Yahoo 'embo' forum too.

Some women do nothing and live with them, but it sounds as if

your symptoms are horrible to live with.

Some less invasive methods like D & C depend on the size type

and position of fibroids.

Keep posting Menia and tell us how your next doctors

appointment goes. Fibroid books are very helpful indeed and

there are some good information sites on the internet for

fibroids. I forget the addresses and names, but a key word

search should bring them up.