Personal stories about surgery to treat uterine fibroids

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Personal stories about surgery to treat uterine fibroids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Cheryl, age 45: Uterine fibroids made me miserable for a week to 10 days every month. Since my husband and I did not want any more children, I decided it was time to take action. Not only was the pain getting to me, but I was losing enough blood that I had anemia I couldn't beat. I was tired all the time! I knew a hysterectomy was the only sure cure for the pain caused by uterine fibroids. My doctor talked with me about the discomfort and risks of a hysterectomy. She also said she might have to remove my ovaries. I had a hysterectomy, and my ovaries were removed. The first 2 weeks after the surgery were pretty rough, but my family and I managed. I now take estrogen every day. It's been a year since my surgery, and I feel great.

Francine, age 42: My periods were really painful about 5 years ago. I went to my doctor, and he asked a lot of questions about my periods and did an exam and some tests. When all the tests came back normal, he said uterine fibroids might be the cause of my pain. He said the only sure treatment for uterine fibroids was a hysterectomy. I didn't want to have surgery, so I asked if waiting a few months would be dangerous. He said waiting would be fine, and maybe I should try birth control pills and taking ibuprofen during my periods. After a few months, the pain eased up. I am glad I decided to wait and see if my pain decreased before having surgery.

Terry, age 37: I have large uterine fibroids and have had them since I was in my early 30s. They didn't cause any problems until I got pregnant with my first child. I went into labor about a month early, and my daughter had to spend several days in the intensive care unit. My husband and I would like to have one more child, but I want to avoid another premature labor if I can. My doctor has told me about a procedure called a myomectomy. It doesn't guarantee that I won't deliver early, but it may help. He will be able to remove the uterine fibroids from my uterus without taking my uterus out. I won't have to have a large incision in my abdomen either. I am looking forward to having this done. We will wait several months and then try to have another child. Even if I need to deliver by cesarean after a myomectomy, I'm happy to have the chance of a full-term pregnancy!

Ginny, age 37: I was surprised when my doctor told me uterine fibroids could be the cause of the pain I was having with my periods. I had never heard of uterine fibroids before. He told me all about uterine fibroids and the treatments I could try. When he said using ibuprofen for a few days right before my period starts and then for several days during my period might stop the pain, I thought I might as well try it. It took a couple of months of using this system, but now I hardly have any pain. I am glad that I did not have surgery.

Credits

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC