Uterine fibroids: what can you tell me?

[Nestof3]

I had my annual checkup this week. I was about 7 months overdue for it.

 

My cycle has been crazy lately; the last two months were 19 days apart, and I am on day 29 now with no period. No, I am not pregnant.

 

My doctor said my uterus felt full/squishy -- something like that. She wants to give me an ultrasound in March. She is concerned I may have uterine fibroids.

 

So, what can you tell me. Yes, I've read the stuff you google, but I know I can count on the hive to tell me what I really want to know. :)

[Cricket]

:bigear: My doctor recently said she suspects them in me as well. I guess it is fairly common.

[Tree House Academy]

It is really common, especially as we age. The ultrasound will be able to tell the doc for sure if it is/is not fibroids. They look a certain way on the u/s - there is no mistake. If you have them, the doc usually wants to remove them surgically. You can also wait (depending on severity) and see if they will resolve on their own. Sometimes they do.

[MariannNOVA]

Mine were aggravated when I was pg with the twins -- in fact, I don't know if they were there or if I just didn't know I had them before the twin pregnancy.

 

Depending on your age, as you get closer to menopause, they should become less problematic. Mine gave me difficulty right before my periods stopped for good -- when my cycles were getting closer together they were painful and I had heavy bleeding. As my cycles spaced out, the discomfort dissipated. Once I stopped having periods, they became a non-issue.

 

Products with estrogen (soy, flax seed) will aggravate them.

 

HTH

[katemary63]

Fibroids are very common. There are many options for treatment. Surgery is only 1 choice. I had a fibroid the size of a grapefruit. The only symptom was uterine contractions. It felt like braxton hicks contractions, very strong but painless. My regular OB wanted to do a hysterectomy. I said no. So even though my DH and I had no plans for more children, I went to an infertility specialist because I figured they were the best at preserving my uterus. He suggested I just watch it. But the contractions did not go away and eventually I opted for surgery. I had the tumor removed only. The regular OB would not agree to it, but the infertility specialist did. Thank God!!! 8 years later, we decided to have another baby. It was a natural birth and all went well!

 

Fibroids are usually harmless. There is no need for treatment unless you have symptoms that cause you discomfort like heavy bleeding, pain or contractions. There are some treatments to try before considering surgery. Even if you do not plan to have more children, a surgeon can remove the tumors and not the uterus. There is always a chance for recurrance but they usually go away after menopause. I'm 47 and it's been 15 years since my myomectomy (fibroid tumor removal) and I think just now, I might have another one (enlarged uterus showed up on my lumbar spine MRI). I don't really care though, I'm starting menopause and it will probably just shrink and go away. I'm hoping to keep my uterus for life! Of course, some women opt for a hysterectomy and are happy with that. It's a valid choice.

[Nestof3]

Interesting. About 10 days before the start of my period, I've had (at least the last few months), these uterine contractions that feel like I'm in labor. You know, I double over, have a hard time breathing, etc.

 

It happened again a week ago. But, here I am at day 29, and nothing. I have fluctuated between 19 and 29 days lately, but before it was 24-29 days.

[mommymilkies]

When I was 16 I had one that was grapefruit sized. The u/s and hysterosalpingogram did not work, nor the 2 d&c's to diagnose me. The MRI was the only thing that showed what it really was. I had had severe and debilitating periods-I would faint and vomit from the pain. My uterus looked 5 months pregnant. I had a lapy& myomectomy and have had 5 vaginal births since. They also wanted to go straight to hysterectomy. I went to grievance and won a second opinion by a specialist.

[kalanamak]

My grandmother ignored hers (never went to the doctor) and died of uremia from them blocking her ureters. (I read the autopsy.)

 

A co-worker just lost his daughter, an RN, who declined a hysterectomy for large ones, hoping some day to have children. They compressed her vena cava, caused sluggish blood return from her legs, and with no other symptom but light-headedness for a few minutes, dropped dead of a pulmonary embolism. (She also had an autopsy.)

 

**Most are just a nuisance**, but if your doc says they are too big and have to come out, consider not that they are mere monthly pain, but can sneak up on you by compressing local structures.

[jld]

This is kind of long, but covers a lot of hormone-dependent diseases:

 

http://www.drmcdougall.com/med_hormone.html

 

I think Neal Barnard also wrote about uterine fibroids in his book Foods that Fight Pain.

[Jamee]

I just had an ultrasound to check for these--it was negative. The doctor sounded as if they're pretty common. I'd request an ultrasound and go from there.

[cougarmom4]

6 weeks ago I had an extremely heavy period--gushing huge clots all night & day; when I started passing out, dh took me to the ER. I lost so much blood that they had to give me 7 units (which apparently is a lot). Dr told me later it was life or death there for a bit. They found in an ultrasound that I had many endometrial polyps and quite a few uterine fibroids...did a d&c, but the bleeding started back up a few days later. (as a side note, my periods had been very heavy for a year & a half...with the two previous months being even heavier, longer and closer together).

 

A week later I went in for a hysterectomy--luckily dh and I had previously decided our family was complete so I haven't been going through any emotional distress as I recover. I realize there are other options out there besides going straight to hysterectomy--but after all the trauma with my trip to the ER, I was just ready to have it all over with and not worry that it might happen again.

 

From what I researched, many women have fibroids--most are benign and don't cause any problems. I wish I had known about it all before it became an emergency situation...and taken care of it in a less traumatic way!

[Nestof3]

Thank you so much for the warnings. I'm so sorry for those painful memories. It's very hard when our loved ones ignore medical advice. I was just thinking before coming on the board how my mom hasn't had a gyn appt in decades. She just doesn't see them as important. ugh

 

I also have a friend who is 22, and she's never been. I think that her parents just don't think it's necessary because she isn't sexually active, and perhaps they have that idea that if a physician probes inside of you, it somehow makes you less pure. I really don't know, as this is speculation.

 

My grandmother ignored hers (never went to the doctor) and died of uremia from them blocking her ureters. (I read the autopsy.)

 

A co-worker just lost his daughter, an RN, who declined a hysterectomy for large ones, hoping some day to have children. They compressed her vena cava, caused sluggish blood return from her legs, and with no other symptom but light-headedness for a few minutes, dropped dead of a pulmonary embolism. (She also had an autopsy.)

 

**Most are just a nuisance**, but if your doc says they are too big and have to come out, consider not that they are mere monthly pain, but can sneak up on you by compressing local structures.

[Nestof3]

6 weeks ago I had an extremely heavy period--gushing huge clots all night & day; when I started passing out, dh took me to the ER. I lost so much blood that they had to give me 7 units (which apparently is a lot). Dr told me later it was life or death there for a bit. They found in an ultrasound that I had many endometrial polyps and quite a few uterine fibroids...did a d&c, but the bleeding started back up a few days later. (as a side note, my periods had been very heavy for a year & a half...with the two previous months being even heavier, longer and closer together).

 

A week later I went in for a hysterectomy--luckily dh and I had previously decided our family was complete so I haven't been going through any emotional distress as I recover. I realize there are other options out there besides going straight to hysterectomy--but after all the trauma with my trip to the ER, I was just ready to have it all over with and not worry that it might happen again.

 

From what I researched, many women have fibroids--most are benign and don't cause any problems. I wish I had known about it all before it became an emergency situation...and taken care of it in a less traumatic way!

 

About a year ago, I had lots of clotting. These huge ones would just fall out while I was taking a shower. It was gross (but fascinating, as I love learning about the human body). It got to where on the first full day of my period, I couldn't leave the house because I would soak through everything in 5 seconds.

 

I haven't had those for a while, but I keep having these minor uterine contractions with no period. I am now starting to get concerned.

[MariannNOVA]

About a year ago, I had lots of clotting. These huge ones would just fall out while I was taking a shower. It was gross (but fascinating, as I love learning about the human body). It got to where on the first full day of my period, I couldn't leave the house because I would soak through everything in 5 seconds.

 

I haven't had those for a while, but I keep having these minor uterine contractions with no period. I am now starting to get concerned.

 

THIS happened to me in two different cycles, then never happened again. The two cycles when it happened, I literally could not leave the bathroom.

[Cricket]

About a year ago, I had lots of clotting. These huge ones would just fall out while I was taking a shower. It was gross (but fascinating, as I love learning about the human body). It got to where on the first full day of my period, I couldn't leave the house because I would soak through everything in 5 seconds.

 

I haven't had those for a while, but I keep having these minor uterine contractions with no period. I am now starting to get concerned.

 

I've had this problem as well. Now I'm freaked out and need to go back in and see the doctor and get that ultrasound done!

[JFSinIL]

After four years of not having kids despite trying, a doctor finally took a peek and found a fibroid the size of a baseball. It was removed,...a month later I conceived twins. :-)

 

Now - this doc. also did a flat-out slice-me-open to remove it, then kept me in the hospital FIVE days. Halfway through my preg, with twins we switched OB's - the second one said I should have had the fibroid removed via laproscopic (no I can not spell it and spellcheck is not helping)instead of being cut open with a six-inch incision and gone home same day. Sigh. I was also having real PAIN from scar tissue from having the fibroid removed - as those twins grew the scar tissue was stretched and HURT.

 

So - a fibroid can be removed laproscopicly. That teeny incision thingie. Even if it is a big fibroid (I guess they carve it into smaller chunks to remove?)

[katemary63]

After four years of not having kids despite trying, a doctor finally took a peek and found a fibroid the size of a baseball. It was removed,...a month later I conceived twins. :-)

 

Now - this doc. also did a flat-out slice-me-open to remove it, then kept me in the hospital FIVE days. Halfway through my preg, with twins we switched OB's - the second one said I should have had the fibroid removed via laproscopic (no I can not spell it and spellcheck is not helping)instead of being cut open with a six-inch incision and gone home same day. Sigh. I was also having real PAIN from scar tissue from having the fibroid removed - as those twins grew the scar tissue was stretched and HURT.

 

So - a fibroid can be removed laproscopicly. That teeny incision thingie. Even if it is a big fibroid (I guess they carve it into smaller chunks to remove?)

 

My surgeon offered me the option of laparoscopy or regular (like a c-secton) surgery. But, my fibroid was so large, he said I would have to take meds to be put into early menopause which would shrink the tumors. Then, I'd have the laparoscopy and then be brought back out of menopause. I opted for regular surgery rather then messing with my hormones. My surgery was about 15 years ago, so they may be willing to remove a large fibroid laparoscopically now, I don't know, but then, they were not. (My surgeon was an infertility specialist at one of the best hospitals in Chicago.) If one is facing fibroid surgery and would like to preserve their fertility, see a specialist.

[v-girl]

Thank you for this thread. I needed a good reminder to schedule a gyno appt. I have them, but we have opted not to remove them for now. I want one more baby and so we will wait until I'm done having kids (my uterine walls are thin and irritable and removal could end my chances of another pregnancy).

 

I did go on the pill for a couple of months last year to get things on track a little. The pain was just too much for a while. I have bad months and bearable months.

[Tess in the Burbs]

Dawn I had fibroids in 2006 and had surgery there at Sentara VB hospital as outpatient. The Dr was there on First Colonial and if you want the name I will search my medical records to get it to you. I believe he was a urogynecologist. I recovered quickly and was very pleased with the facility and my surgery.

[mommymilkies]

My lapy was inpatient and my bikini scar is over 7". That was the smallest they said they could make it because of the size.

 

I was also pg in 3 weeks after surgery and went to a specialist. The only pain during pg I had was from adhesions. Massage your scars!!!

Edited February 20, 2011 by mommymilkies

[Negin]

Dawn, just wanted to say that your hair is simply gorgeous. :)

 

Okay, the small amount of info I have:

 

Fibroids are fairly common among women who consume a high proportion of red meat.

 

Conventional dairy products may also increase fibroid risk. Cow's milk is one of the worst things we can drink.

Cow’s milk accounts for up to 80% of the estrogens consumed. This may stem from the fact that cows are milked frequently during pregnancy when estrogen levels are their highest. These estrogens end up in the milk supply and can promote growth of fibroid tumors of the uterus and stimulate breast tissue, potentially increasing the risk of certain types of both benign and malignant breast disease.

 

Fibroids are rarer among women who regularly eat green vegetables and whole grains.

 

I remember my naturopath friends once told me that caffeine, particularly sodas, may increase risk greatly. Interestingly, fibroids are very, very common in this part of the world, where young women drink Coke like it's going out of style.

Edited February 26, 2011 by Negin in Grenada

[JFSinIL]

My surgeon offered me the option of laparoscopy or regular (like a c-secton) surgery. But, my fibroid was so large, he said I would have to take meds to be put into early menopause which would shrink the tumors. Then, I'd have the laparoscopy and then be brought back out of menopause. I opted for regular surgery rather then messing with my hormones. My surgery was about 15 years ago, so they may be willing to remove a large fibroid laparoscopically now, I don't know, but then, they were not. (My surgeon was an infertility specialist at one of the best hospitals in Chicago.) If one is facing fibroid surgery and would like to preserve their fertility, see a specialist.

 

Mine was 20 years ago (!!!). I might add - insurance only let me stay in the hospital one night after a c-section - I was so wasted from post-term twins (almost 16 lbs of baby on my 5' 1" frame) that the doctor ORDERED insurance to pay for another night's stay. Yet a mere fibroid removal, which in retrospect was not as big a deal as those twins, insurance gladly paid up fro as many days as the doctor ordered.

 

I was told later that the fibroid doctor made money by the hospital visits - it was in HER interest to keep me in as long as possible (five nights). I really did NOT need to be there more than one night! If that!!!

[mommymilkies]

Negin- do you have research for that? I had mine after being an almost lifelong vegetarian who ate mostly bread and sugar. Lol

 

Ido agree about the estrogen effects of dairy and soy, though.

[Nestof3]

Thank you (for the compliment and the information).

 

I consume red meat about once every two weeks -- usually in spaghetti sauce ( buy Laura's Lean beef).

 

I use a mixture of organic skim milk and almond milk or coconut milk in my cereal, but I don't drink milk on the side. I consume cheese more often than that, though.

 

I eat spinach and almonds almost daily, and we only use whole grains for bread and pasta. Cereals around here are Kashi. Romaine is regularly eaten as well. I do drink two cups of coffee a day, but soda about once or twice a month when out to eat.

 

Dawn, just wanted to say that your hair is simply gorgeous. :)

 

Okay, the small amount of info I have:

 

Fibroids are fairly common among women who consume a high proportion of red meat.

 

Conventional dairy products may also increase fibroid risk. Cow's milk is one of the worst things we can drink.

Cow’s milk accounts for up to 80% of the estrogens consumed. This may stem from the fact that cows are milked frequently during pregnancy when estrogen levels are their highest. These estrogens end up in the milk supply and can promote growth of fibroid tumors of the uterus and stimulate breast tissue, potentially increasing the risk of certain types of both benign and malignant breast disease.

 

Fibroids are rarer among women who regularly eat green vegetables and whole grains.

 

I remember my naturopath friends once told me that caffeine, particularly sodas, may increase risk greatly. Interestingly, fibroids are very, very common in this part of the world, where young women drink Coke like it's going out of style.

[Negin]

Negin- do you have research for that? I had mine after being an almost lifelong vegetarian who ate mostly bread and sugar. Lol

Ido agree about the estrogen effects of dairy and soy, though.

I can't remember where I got the info, but all my info is from sources that I trust. Sadly and frustratingly, there are no guarantees when it comes to health. Many do everything "right" and still have health problems. Others seem to do all sorts of "wrong" things, and live in great health. Health problems are seldom due to just one thing. All sorts of environmental and other factors could come into play. :confused: I'm just sharing the info that I have and am learning along with everyone else. I never claim to be an expert.

 

I consume red meat about once every two weeks -- usually in spaghetti sauce ( buy Laura's Lean beef).

I use a mixture of organic skim milk and almond milk or coconut milk in my cereal, but I don't drink milk on the side. I consume cheese more often than that, though.

I eat spinach and almonds almost daily, and we only use whole grains for bread and pasta. Cereals around here are Kashi. Romaine is regularly eaten as well. I do drink two cups of coffee a day, but soda about once or twice a month when out to eat.

As above.

 

If it were me, and I had fibroids, or pretty much any health problem, and if I could, I would first look into every natural approach possible. I would try to seek out a very good naturopath, acupuncturist, whatever. I would do my research. I'm a huge believer in acupuncture and have seen amazing results from it, particularly when it comes to female problems, but actually pretty much anything. Acupuncture is thousands of years old and has little to no side effects, unlike conventional medicine. Most importantly, what I really love about it, is that an acupuncturist can help develop an herbal formula that is tailored specifically to you, in addition to using the traditional needles to help health problems. Herbs have a greater synergy with acupuncture, so you may see a greater benefit if you use both.

To find a qualified acupuncturist- go to http://www.nccaom.org or go to http://www.acufinder.com

Meds and conventional medicine, would be my choice only if and after natural methods did not work, for at least 3 months, or as long as I could tolerate it. Again, this is just me.