MRI - Necessary or Not?, and Lupron

[Guest guest]

'Is an MRI needed?' was one of the questions that was asked of Dr's Silberzwieg

and West during the NY meet-up. A summary of Dr West's answer: If a UAE

procedure is being considered, an MRI may be useful because the IR needs to know

certain precise info about the fibroid(s), including exact location. However,

in the case of a myo, an MRI is not necessary because the Dr is able to observe

and feel for all fibroids while performing the procedure. For myo, an

ultrasound may be helpful, and this is what Dr West asks his patients for.

Two other RE's whom I consulted here in MI also requested ultrasounds and did

not need MRI's. That being said however, in my case as well as others who have

posted here, an ultrasound often does not show all of the fibroids you may have

because a large one may be hiding several smaller ones. My many ultrasounds

always showed only one very large fibroid when in fact there were others, and my

left ovary was also undetectable. As I stated in a recent earlier post, I

believe that a skilled surgeon is able to see/feel and remove ALL fibroids

during a myo procedure.

As regards Lupron, 3 dr's (including 2 RE surgeons) I consulted in MI wanted me

to take Lupron. I refused and went on to the next, ending w/Dr West in NY who

does not want his patients taking this drug. I was also threatened with

possible profuse bleeding, transfusion, and hysto during surgery (--and

certainly no chance of future fertility) if they were to attempt a myo, not even

considering whether I took Lupron or not. At least they only considered a 3 mth

treatment period prior to surgery.

A skilled surgeon, it appears, does NOT want his/her patients to receive Lupron,

as it turns the fibroids into a mushy, jelly-like substance, and the Dr is

unable to adequately feel them during the procedure to ensure that he/she is

removing all of them (per Dr West). Once the Lupron treatment period ends, the

fibroids continue their growth path again. Perhaps this is one of the reasons

why many women have had them " grow back " ? (as well as that the Dr may simply

just not take them all out while he's in there?...this was mentioned during the

meet-up also).

This does not even touch on the other health issues associated with use of

Lupron. Much useful info on the drug can be obtained on-line, or from a

pharmacist. I would hope that the recent poster whose Dr still has her on this

drug after > 6 mths (is this even legal?), will immediately start asking some

serious questions -- why does he continue to give her Lupron while waiting &

waiting for shrinkage adequate for him to comfortably operate...when does he

think this may happen? Wasn't he comfortable enough w/his skills that he could

operate right up front w/o Lupron like a skilled Dr could (or...even after 3

mths WITH Lupron)...if not, why didn't he recommend her to another Dr? Has he

fully informed her of both the STerm and LTerm effects of Lupron? Etc, etc.

--- and to look for a new Dr.

Two recommendations have been emphasized many times by the LOL - to research as

thoroughly as possible, and to get additional opinions until YOU are truly

comfortable with both your Dr and the procedure he recommends for you.

PS - I am aware that several LOL have felt that their own Lupron symptoms were

not particularly dramatic, and I understand that it was their own personal

decision to take the drug, which is fine; however, my main concern is that every

woman be aware of all pro's/con's before making their own decision. marie

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I noticed you mentioned michigan. I live in the Lansing area and my doctor

told me yesterday, 'we' could just cut that fibroid out and while we are in

there do a hysterectomy. She didn't talk any further about other options. I am

not impressed so I am looking to see another doctor. Any suggestions?

Thank you,