49 with fibroid causing increasing symptoms...

[tlee59]

I'm hoping someone has information for me from a similar problem...  I am 49 years old  and have a 4 inch uterine fibroid with increasing symptoms.  I have irregular bleeding, mid to heavy 'spotting' at least 2 to 3 times a week plus a regular (usually fairly heavy) period every 2 to 3 weeks.  I also have vaginal discharge that ranges from annoying to heavy (similar to a yeast infection yet different - a yellowish color, not a normal white 'cottage cheese' type).  It's difficult to tell if it contains blood since I spot so often...  Along with that I now have difficulty waiting when I have to urinate.  
I am not sure what type of specialist it would be best to see.  The OB-Gyn I was referred to (and have seen a couple times) keeps trying to steer me towards birth control pills.  I have never had children, started my period's when I was 9 and don't want the increased risk birth control pills would give me now.  Does anyone have any information or help for me?  Thanks in advance...

[sandy7111]

Hi Lori. I know is been almost 5 years of your problem but am 49 years old now and have the same problem you did. So what did you decided in? did you have a surgery or did you waited for your menopause. Hope you can help me with your experience
Thank you
Sandy7111

[behnke3]

I was wondering did you have any pelvic pain or camping with your fibroid?  I have a fibroid and have had some discomfort from it, pain and cramping.  My physician doesn't think the pain is coming from the fibroid.  I have had a MRI and a CT scan they both showed nothing except a fibroid.

[schlom]

I had to have my uterus and a very large fibroid removed.I am 49 and was nowhere  near  menopause.I went to 2 Doctors and they all thought I was pregnant.I had problems with urinating also.Go check out all the options.I had all the nasty symptoms, but have always had painful periods.I looked like I was over 6 mths preg. Good luck

[tlee59]

The Dr appointment today resulted in her recommending a D&C followed by an endometrial ablation instead of a hysterectomy.  I am just now starting some research on this and would appreciate any information or experience I can get!

[tlee59]

Thanks for all the responses.  I have an appointment with my GYN to go over biopsy results as well as an appointment with another for a second opinion this week.  A couple weeks ago my GYN did a biopsy of the uterine lining to make sure we weren't dealing with cancer.  The good news is that no cancer cells were present.  However, she did have a difficult time getting the sample for biopsy.  The main fibroid is large, very hard and is close to the uterine opening.  She said that the lining itself was also very rough instead of smooth (possibly many smaill fibroids as well).  Have to say, that wasn't one of the most pleasant experiences I've had!  Although I had my normal on and off spotting since the biopsy, the period about a week or so after the biopsy was very strange.  It was very thick and more brown than red.  Not sure what that's all about, just another new addition to the strange symptoms.
I'll keep you all updated on what happens - maybe someone else can benefit from our experiences.

[Lori49]

I too am 49 and my uterus is the size of a cantaloupe and a fibroid the size of a orange on top of that with fibroids all around. My GYN says surgery, I also took my test results to my MD and he said that it would get worse before getting better and if my GYN said surgery than I should listen.

[hey3]

I am 35 and recently had an abdominal hyst. 6 weeks ago. Fibroid 12cm=to a 18-20 week pregnancy. It all depends on how big your fibroid is what kind of treatment is recommended. At 49 you are very close to menopause, fibroids usually shrink after menopause although I have heard they don't always "go away". I was suprised, like poppy, to hear you need a hyst. I had pressure problems and digestive difficulty, now I had more than I realized now that it is gone, pain before during and sometmes after the period. Have you guys checked alternative methods? These usually only work if the fibroid is under 12 weeks size. There is emoblization, ultraosonic treatment, myomectomy. You may want to check with more than one doctor. I found a doctor that specializes in other methods but ulitmately had a hyst. A least this doctor, listened to me and agreed to try a myomectomy, I decided the week of for the hyst. During surgery there is always a double setup in case a hyst is needed after the doc gets in there. Some things can't be seen on a sonogram. Abalation will not stop fibroids from growing or coming back. You can leave your cervix, one of my doctors, the one I didn't use, just was going to take it out because he could. I went to another. Lowers your risk of infection if it can be left and lowers vag prolapse and helps keep sexual function (this is a topic of dispute) Check out ob/gyn.net. Has some information on it. The thing that bothers me is the scar. No one else can see it but I think it looks ugly. I have a 6 inch plus transverse scar. The skin hangs over it. Yuck! I am going to exercise and lose weight if that doesn't help I am going to a plastic surgeon. My doc also does tummy tucks he doesn't think it is that bad. His comment was "at least you don't look pregnant anymore" Oh well, I need to quit obsessing. It could be much worse.
I hope you all do well and make a educated decision on your care. It is your body.
Hey3

[poppy32]

i`m 39 and have just had a laporoscope op to supposedly remove ovarian mass as seen on scan, However i have been now told that i will need a hysterectomy due to fibroids. I`m in shock. I went in because of 1 thing and now need a drastic operation which makes me feel really low. I need another scan soon to check on growth before removal. I would discuss fully with your gynae doc before making a decision. My doc says i`m too young for medical management, or to leave for nature to reduce, eg start of menapause so looks like i will have to have hysterectomy. I feel this will decrease my femininity and would like advice from anyone who can help.

[nettenaz]

I am 39 with similar symptoms and contemplating endometrial ablation and fibroid removal as alternative to the hysterectomy.  I would definitely get a second/third opinion as my OB-GYN recommended another OB/GYN for additional evauluation and treatment. Good luck,