Re: Digest Number 2536 - to Cherie

[Guest guest]

Hi Cherie,

You sound like a possible UAE to me (but then again a

lot of 45-year-old women with your symptoms do sound

like it to me.) I admit I am very opinionated on this

issue due to its impact on my own situation.

Gynocologists won't give you the straight scoop on

this typically although there are a few out there with

a bit more open minds. Not enough yet though.

1) Ultrasound is inadequate to determine if you are a

candidate for UAE. MRI is generally required - but

you want to get a consult with an IR to set this up.

You don't need a referral to get a consult typically

if you already have the fibroid diagnosis.

2) Consider joining the group called 'embo' here on

yahoo where there are many women who have had the

procedure or are considering it. Someone there might

have a doctor recommendation for you, too.

btw, I'm going on my 1 year anniversary and things are

great.

best,

laurie g.

Message: 1

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 04:06:55 -0000

From: " cherie_okc "

Subject: Newbie Questions/Doc in Okla. City?

I am so grateful to find this list and I'm hoping

someone can answer

a few questions for me. I was diagnosed last summer

with fibroids.

After the ultrasound my ob/gyn recommended a hyst. and

barely offered

other suggestions except to say there was some type of

" shrinking "

procedure but she didn't recommend it. She didn't tell

me the type of

fibroids I have (and I didn't know to ask). I decided

to wait and see

how long I could hold out. In January she told me my

uterus was at a

sized compared to 8-10 wks. Now they have gotten worse

and I need to

take some action. I have an appt. with my primary care

doc on Monday

and want to be armed with information on which

treatment direction I

want to take in lieu of a hyst. Here are my questions:

1. Does an ultrasound identify the type of fibroids?

If not, what

procedure do I need?

2. My symptoms are: growing belly, pain, pressure,

constipation, and

heavier cycle but nothing too terrible. I do not have

frequent

urination or breakthrough bleeding; periods are still

very regular.

I'm not interested in preserving my fertility (I'm

45). I want to

talk to my doctor about UAE --- might I be a good

candidate for UAE?

If not, what treatment should I look into?

3. Without knowing the type of fibroids I have, should

I ask my

primary doc to authorize a referral to another ob/gyn,

an

interventional rad., or some other type of doc?

4. Can anyone recommend a doctor in Oklahoma City

(interventional

radiologist or other)?

Thanks so much for your help.

Cherie