Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Dear T.,

I too have had many issues with fibroids. I had a myomectomy in 1993. Apparently, I had so many fibroids that my entire abdominal cavity was filled and the doctor could not figure out why I wasn't in constant pain or incontinent. After the surgery, my fibroids did not grow back due to a combination of conscious emotional changes, vigilance and herbs.(a good source of information on emotional factors related to fibroids can be found in Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom - Christiane Northrup). Fast forward to 2005. I married later in life and got pregnant (on the first try). At my first ultrasound, I had so many fibroids that they could not see the sack. I miscarried at 8 weeks and my doctor sent me to a fertility specialist to make sure that my uterus could eventually support a pregnancy. I took the herb Chasteberry (Vitex ) for 6 weeks ,twice a day and by the time I saw the doctor the fibroids were gone. My fibroids, prior to the surgery were large but not painful. The fibroids post miscarriage were large and painful. I had both a hysterosalpingogram and an hysteroscope and the doctor told me that he could not believe how good my uterus looked inside. I'm sharing this with you to let you know that surgery is not the only option, no matter how bad it looks. My understanding of the embolization procedure is that you will not be able to bear children afterwards. Over the past few years I have read a lot about both fibroids and infertility and have learned that there are several options. I know that not everything works for everyone, but I have had great success with the herb Chasteberry (no side effects). Acupunture has also been very helpful. As I'm sure you know, there is a lot of information out there! Good luck to you!

M. M.

Definitely search through the Google groups for women with the same condition... they will have the experience you need. Also, take any advice you read with a huge helping of salt... lots of people have lots to gain, beyond anything they're selling, by convincing others they're 'right' -- it's your body and you need to do the research, yes, and you need to make the decision --in consultation with professionals you trust.

It's overwhelming, isn't it? I wish you weren't going through this.

T. ~
I don't know much about the procedure. But are you done having kids? If you are, I would deffinitely have a hysterectomy. The fibroids are going to continue to grow, and when you're pregnant, they can get even worse. I know you only have 1 child, but what do they say about having more? Is it even going to still be an option? If not, do the hyst. If your doctor can do the DaVinci hyst. it's WAY better! Pretty much a laprascopic vaginal hyst - I was in the hospital overnight and only 3 weeks off work.
Good Luck!
D.

I had embolization done because of endometriosis and fibroids. I was never able to get pregnant, and my periods became so heavy and painful, the doctor recommended the procedure to me. Said I would likely not have menstruation again. Well, it worked in removing the pain and heavy bleeding for awhile but I continued to menstrate. Finally the fibroids got bad enough that the doctor recommended partial hysterectomy (best thing I have ever done in my life, aside from marrying my husband and adopting my 2 beautiful children!!) Do not be frightened of the procedure, but make sure that it will work for you and get you results.

I'm alittle behind on my email but I felt I had to respond. I haven't had an UFE but I also had fibroid tumors and they made life miserable. I'm not sure where you live but I went to Dr. Samir Hamati and had a hysterectomy. I have never been happier! I had the it done with the DaVinci Robot and recovery time awesome, only 4 tiney incisions. I could have stayed over night after the operation but felt fine enough to come home. My life has changed tremendously and if I had to do it again I wouldn't hesitate! Dr. Hamati is a wonderful doctor and really cares about women's health I highly recommend you check all your options. If you have the problem of the fibroids coming back....I'm not 100% but can't they come back after an UFE? If you need anymore info on this please feel free to contact me.
Best of luck to you:)

I don't know about UFEs or partial hysterectomies, but I would advise you to seek out as much qualified medical information as possible, to always have someone with you at doctor's appointments, and to be your own advocate. A friend of mine also was diagnosed with a uterine fibrois. Sadly, her doctor advised her fibroids were harmless and said they should watch it for a while, then tried to shrink if before surgically removing it. A biopsy showed it was benign. Fast forward about 2 years and my friend felt another mass in her abdomen. She was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer which has spread to her spine. Her new doctor requested a sample of the tissue taken from the original fibroid and tested it; this biopsy showed the original fibroid actually was cancerous. I don't mean to scare you, I just want to reinforce that YOU need to be active in and drive your course of treatment and make sure you are as informed as possible.

I had fibroids too, but not as severe as yours. After a miscarriage in Feb 2005, I had an abdominal myomectomy in Sep 2005, and of course, a c-sec with the following baby. Embolization was not offered to me because I wasn't sure I was finished having children. I think you have to do some soul-searching and decide if you want to try to save your uterus for another baby that you might not get, or be done with this and enjoy the blessing you do have. This is a tough one, but your health needs to be the main concern here. I would tell you to pray first, and meantime do all the research you can do, so that when you do make a decision, you can look ahead and never look back wondering if you did the right thing!

~L.