28 and DON’T Want the Big “H”! –Help!

I’m from NYC. I had a myomectomy in 2000 for uterine fibroids. My Dr. said when he got in there it was worse than anticipated. They removed as much as they could while still keeping the uterus in tact. I was only 23 at the time. They were scared that it might have been adenomyosis, but turns out it wasn’t. I was and am a classic case. I have all the symptoms – anemia, extremely heavy bleeding, 8 – 10 day periods, fatigue, frequent urination. After my myomectomy my period was better for maybe 3 months. There were no guarantees, but I went with surgery so that I could have a chance at future pregnancy. And of course they’ve grown back. Now my fibroids have grown to more than twice the size in just 4 years. It’s so huge that it reaches past my belly-button. I’m at 24 weeks according to the fertility Dr my ob/gyn recommended. This Dr. does not seem optomistic at all. I’m 28 and want to have children…but he’s telling me that I probably can’t. This can’t be true! I’m only 28 and can’t have a hysterectomy! They are going to run more tests to see if there is any way i can have another surgery, still conceive and carry a child to term. They say I can’t even have the bikini cut I had prior, but it will have to be a vertical cut. Is it really hopeless? I’ve been reading up on Female Alternative Surgery and doing research online. I notice while many people/sites are highlighting myomectomies and alternatives instead of a hysterectomy, i’m not hearing much about successes of women that were able to have children after such procedures. Have there been any real stories…real successes? I’ve had one myomectomy already and have to figure out something soon. I’m scheduled for a saline sonogram and an MRI next week so that they can see more. Please help me! I’ll have a child tomorrow if I could…i just want to be given a fighting chance.

Dear Claudine-
I would recommend you run your tests and get the results. Based on your email…your only option may be our FAS procedure, especially if you have had a previous myomectomy. IF your doctors cannot assure you that they can remove your tumors, and you cannot get pregnant in your existing condition, your next best option is to try our laser procedure and see if we can maintain your fertility. We cannot give you any fertiility guarantees but we can remove those deeper and larger tumors that are producing your infertility and your symptoms.
We also feel it is of the utmost importance that you save your uterus…especially at your age. Many complications can arise from a hysterectomy..and we would definitely advise against that procedure for a patient as young as you are.
Good luck to you.
Dr. DJ