Sunday, June 15, 2003    

Hi there.  I came across your web site and would very much like to get your opinion on several such issues, which apply to my situation.  What a wonderful help reading your web site has been!  It's amazing how much I've read on this subject since being diagnosed with fibroids a few years ago, and nice to see that there are people like you who help and provide information.  Here is my story: 

My gynecologist found fibroids inside me a few years ago, and I went to get an ultrasound, which confirmed that there were three significant fibroids at the time (the largest about 2" in diameter).  I went to her every six months since, and in December she found that they'd gotten larger in her exam, so sent me again for an ultrasound.  I was told they did indeed get larger, but that I should do nothing if they were causing me no problem.  She also said that I did not have to stop taking the birth control pill, which I'd been taking for many years (Ortho Novum 1/35) as it had nothing to do with fibroid growth.

I went for a second opinion and was told to get off the birth control pill IMMEDIATELY, and to come back in a month.  I stopped the pill and returned to the second doctor, but there was no shrinkage.  He said to come back in a few months.  I also had a consultation with a doctor who does the uterine embolization procedure in NYC, and he said that he was not able to inform me on the usage of the pill, but did not feel my case was severe enough to warrant intervention at that time. 

I returned to both doctors recently (my first and second gyno) for a check up, and the first doctor (my original one) said they had not grown or shrunk.  She said I did not have to take the pill and would be fine going back on it or even using the patch or vaginal ring if I did not yet want to get pregnant (I am 40 years old and divorced, but am serious with someone and do not want to rule out the possibility).  She also said that the only way I'll know if I can get pregnant or not is to try, that a few things could happen - i.e., could have problems conceiving, could conceive then miscarry, etc. 

The other doctor (second opinion) said he felt my fibroids had gotten LARGER, and when I asked about the pill, etc., he said that if I took hormones again I'd be under the knife in no time.  Two qualified doctors - two totally different opinions!!!!  He also said that if I wanted to even consider getting pregnant, he'd have to do further testing to see where the fibroids are in relation to the fallopian tubes, etc., then might have to remove one or two of the big ones IF I wanted to consider pregnancy.  If not, then he said just leave things alone until there's a problem, and since I have so many fibroids, apparently, it would ultimately require having my uterus out anyway.  He also said that if I had the uterine embolization it would kill my uterus, period. 

I am totally confused as to what to think, whom to believe, and how to proceed.   Best,   -  New York City, New York

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Friday, May 30, 2003   

Hello,

I am a 48.5 year old female just diagnosed with 2 fibroids (2 cm and 8 cm).   I was shocked since I have no symptoms other than a little weight gain and a not so flat stomach.  My doctor said we can either "wait and see" or have a hysterectomy.  I am just shocked these days how doctors just jump to a hysterectomy without trying another approach. 

My question to you is, if I make it to menopause in a few years, will I be out of "the woods" with this illness?  Another words, will they shrink enough that I won't have to worry about them.  My doctor mentioned the shots (Lupron) to shrink the fibroids before surgery.  I am just not ready to give up my uterus without a good fight. 

I live in New Hampshire and will try to locate a radiologist who can perform (UAE), possibly Boston.  I was so thankful for finding your website.  My mom had a hysterectomy for fibroids when she was in her 40's (30 years ago).  She too was shocked they are still doing hysterectomies these days for fibroids.  It is such a radical approach with all the technology we have today. 

Thanks for your wealth of information, God Bless.  – New Hampshire