Hello,
I am from Ontario, Canada. I was diagnosed with Fibroid tumors 6 years ago, at the time there was only 2 found. Noone has bothered to monitor or to try and do anything about them, now the pain has got to the point where some days I can’t even get out of bed. I went to another doctor 1 month ago and they did a abdomen as well as an internal ultrasound. The results were not nice, they now say I have so many tumors they can’t give me a number of how many. I am to see a specialist in 10 days to schedule a hysterectomy, they say this is the only way the pain will go away. My menstraul cycles last longer than it goes away and I have such a heavy flow I cannot go to work alot of the time. Do you have any suggestions for me before I have this histerectomy done?

Dear Wanda-
These emails are very sad for our program…In Canada we know your options are limited. You will probably not find a doctor willing to even try to save your uterus. We have operated on patients from Canada who came all the way here for our program..in order to save their uterus.
This is a classic example of why we tell patients do NOT follow the “wait and see” philosophy..fibroid tumor disease only gets WORSE. If the initial tumors are removed…the spread of the disease is greatly minimized and hysterectomy can be avoided. Once the disease is allowed to spread..and the tumors increase in size and number, most gyns are not capable or willing to remove them without a hysterectomy.
We recommend you get several opinions, but chances are you will not find a physician willing to preserve your organs.
I know we can help you here in Los Angeles…give my office a call if you are interested.

Dear Doctor,

I have fibroid tumors and the doctor says that he will check me in a few more months again. My question today stems from the fact that my father was diagnosed with cancer in January 1999 and passed away from lung cancer with brain metastis in September of 1999. His oncologist suggested that every one of us should watch ourselves very carefully.
I was checked a couple times, this last time was mid January of 2003, first time was June 2000. I really don’t know exactly what kind of tumor I have (location wise). But I was wondering with a history of cancer,should I seriously consider taking action with these tumors that are inside me? They do cause severe abdominal pain during my menstrual cycle. I have to take 3 Ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol at one setting to try to alleviate the pain. As of December 2002, I have not had a period, but the pain still comes at certain times of the month. This irregularity occurred previously in June of 2000 when they initially found the tumors.
I will be 45 in July of 2003 and my pap test came out just fine.
What do you think doctor, should I pursue anything immediately or check back with my doctor and wait for a few months?
Sincerely, Tamara

Dear Tamara-
I would not delay in getting treatment…the symptoms will only get worse.
Fibroids are benign tumors….Since this program opened 7 years ago, I have never seen a cancerous fibroid. They are extremely rare…
Your severe pain with your cycles may be associated with adenomyosis…which is a form of endometriosis. This needs to be treated immediately….it spreads into the uterus with every cycle. Most gyns will recommend hysterectomy..we do not advocate that.
Again, adeno is a benign disease. It can be laser removed while preserving the uterus for normal hormone balance and natural sexual response. Our FAS program has been extremely successful with this disease.
I know we could eliminate your symptoms…..give my office a call if you are interested.

Dear Dr. del Junco Jr.,

I have a very large (cantalope size) fibroid tumor. Just one, but a big one. I have had Uterine embolization 5 years ago. Afterward, the tumor went up and down in size with my hormones for a while, and has settled on staying big for a year now. I am 50 and I am in menopause, and have not had a period in almost 2 years. I have no bleeding whatsoever.
Please tell me your opinion of trying hydroxygen as a detoxification and do you think it could help shrink this tumor? Also, what about Lupron to shrink the tumor? Would it just get big again afterwards? Lupron worked really well before the embolization, but the tumor grew as soon as I stopped it.

Dear Austin-
Your case is a classic reason why we do not advocate UAE-Uterine Artery Embolization. Many women are convinced that that surgery will take care of their fibroid problems..this is not usually the case. We just operated on a 45 year old, who tried UAE 4 years ago. Her tumors had continued to grow ..we have seen several patients, post UAE
In your case, your tumor should not continue to grow much more. These tumors are strictly fed with estrogen..if you are in menopause, and NOT taking any hormone replacement therapy, the tumors should not grow. The purpose of Lupron is to shut down your ovaries and reduce your estrogen flow…mother nature has already done that for you. The fibroid may shrink slightly over time, but tumors that large dont change too much; They remain as solid masses in the pelvis. We recommend removing fibroids for this exact reason…even if cycles have stopped, carrying around large tumors for the rest of your life can be uncomfortable..many women still experience urinary frequency, back pain and discomfort with sexual intercourse.
You may have to live with your tumor that size, unless you elect to have it removed.

Dear Dr. del Junco Jr.,

I went for a yearly exam the other day and my doctor found a 2 inch fibroid. I had an ultrasound done yesterday. He wants to monitor this and wants me to try taking the pill again. My concern is that I just read that estrogen can increase the size of these fibroids. I am 39 and have had my tubes tied for 15 years now. Should I worry about this? Besides making my cycles more regular and possibly helping my cramping, is this something I should try? It sounds like I will eventually have to have the thing removed. I have experienced fatigue, constant urination, problems with my bowels and back pain and the thing is only 2 inches!! Thank you for your response.

Dear Lori-
We dont recommend this “bandaid” approach…your doctor is treating your symptoms….not your disease.
Fibroids need to be surgically removed..they grow with every menstrual cycle. Based on your email…you probably have more than one 2 inch fibroid. Fibroids that small would not produce your other symptoms.
Most of our patients come to the consultation with an ultrasound report…we have not seen one accurate study yet. Those tests are very nonspecfic…often indicating 5 maybe 6 tumors..we are removing an average of 22 tumors per patient and have taken over 138 from one patient!! These results never show up on ultrasounds.
If you are having the symptoms you described…you may want to get another gynecological opinion. Birth control pills will only delay the eventual outcome.

Dear Dr. del Junco Jr.,

I am 60 years old and have been diagnosed with one golf ball size fibroid. This does not bother me in the least except that I bleed slightly every day. I have had an ultrasound, a pap smear, numerous blood tests for harmones and cancer and a cat scan. They all turn out negative for cancer or anything else. My doctor now wants to do a endometrial biopsy. I feel this is too much. I feel great and had not been to a doctor in 33 years so I have no idea how long I have had the fibroid. What do you think?
I am really tired of all these tests and just want to stop and go back to my regular life. Thank you.

Dar Joan-
Many post menopausal women bleed and or spot due to fibroids. However, the position of the fibroid within the uterus will determine this…there is also the possibility that your bleeding is NOT due to the fibroid. Your doctor is just trying to rule out other causes. I would have the biopsy to make sure everything is fine…its only one more test. Get it over with..and then if its negative…move on.
Good Luck.

I am 53 years old. I’ve had 4 children all by cesearean section. I have always had heavy periods lasting 7 days or more. In the last 6 years, my periods are extremely heavy, with huge clots. I have anemia and fibroid tumors. Last year my doctor tried endometrial ablation but could not do it as she was afraid of rupturing other organs because the tumors were large and close together. I decided to do a wait and see. I have been told that these fibroid should shrink once I start menopause. One year later, I am still experiencing anemia and heavy bleeding. My gyno has recommended a hysterectomy which I am scheduled for May. I don’t want to do this as I have already had 4 surgeries. Am I in any danger. Should I try to wait. I feel lousy. I have had one lupron shot and still feel lousy. I got my period again. I don’t know what to do. Does anyone else have this problem at this age. I really feel something else is wrong but the doctor doesn’t seemed too concerned.

Dear Lorri8
I would not wait for surgery…even if you hit menopause most women require some type of hormone replacement therapy. This will start your fibroids growing again..and probably start your symptoms as well. We would not recommend the hysterectomy, but rather just removing your tumors. Many women experience side effects of a hysterectomy that are irreversible..please read our website section. Make sure you know what you are getting into…
Good luck

My Dr. is suggesting a hysterectomy due to my fibroid. It is not huge 6cm, but is at the top of my uterus. He believes I have adhesions from 2 prior c-sections that have attached my uterus to the abdominal wall. My uterus is mishapen and is high in my abdominal cavity. I have a constant feeling of pressure and frequent urination.

I am not fond of the thought of a hysterectomy, even though I am not planning on more children, I am 44 and have had my tubes tied. Would your procedure work even if I have adhesions??

Dear Felicia-
Female Alternative Surgery can definitely help you. Your fibroid would not be a problem, and we frequently remove pelvic adhesions during our procedure since most of our patients come to us after having a failed previous traditional myomectomy. You would be a perfect candidate.
Give my office a call for more information.

I am 37 years old and still trying to have a baby of my own. I have had a fibroid and a cyst removed by open surgery at different times. A scan last February revealed that I have fibroids again. The doctor asked me not to worry as they are not big in sizes. I now feel very full and nuseated most of the times and abdominal pain has added to the discomfort. I am scared of open surgery. What do I do?

Dear Lucy-
Thank you for your posting.
Open surgery is the best answer. IF you dont treat your fibroids, they will continue to grow and eventually most women have a hysterectomy. We dont advise this type of open surgery. You need to seek out a program that can remove even the small fibroids at the center of your uterine muscle. IF you leave any fibroids behind,the disease will continue to spread. Nausea and abdominal pain may be associated with something else..like adenomyosis, which can also be laser treated with open surgery. You need to ask your doctor his/her opinion of the pain, fullness and nausea.
Our FAS program can help you and we maybe able to spare your fertility; it depends on the extensive of your disease process.
Good luck to you.

I am 45 years old and was diagnosed with fibroids approximately 3 years ago. Because the pain was unbearable, I am being treated with birth control pills to help alleviate the pain and slow the growth (I had my tubes tied in 1995). I have most of the symptons of fibroids. Everything I have read so far on the internet has suggested that fibroids not be treated with estrogen therapy and that estrogen helps them to grow. Now I’m confused as to what course of action to take since the pain and excessive periods have been going on for the past two months. I have an appointment with the doctor at the end of the week for another ultrasound and to discuss options. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Dear Newhouse-
You are receiving very traditional medical treatment for fibroid tumors. BCP’s controls the amount of estrogen released monthly, and can possible slow down or “regulate” the amount of growth of the tumors. With this type of treatment you are basically treating symptoms and not the disease process. Your fibroids are going to continue to grow and cause discomfort as long as they are there. I do not believe in postponing the necessary surgery…the longer you wait the larger the tumors, and the more bleeding involved. Get them removed….but do not let them take your uterus.

Hello Dr.

I had been going to my family Dr. prior to this and I had told him on several occasions that I was tried all the time and that my period was very heavey and I was passing clots. All he did was order a blood test to check my Hemo and find it to be in the range of 8.5 and he give me Iron pills. I had no pain at all. I was tried all the time and complain of haveing headaches around the time for my period. The Iron pills and testing went on for about a year and a half, from 1989 until 1999.I am confused because Dr.’s are trained to recognize trouble .
I am a 41 year old, who was told that she had a fibroid tumor in March 2001 because of servere pain in the lower stomch area and no my family Dr. did catch it, I had surgery on the 3rd of April 2001 with the hopes of waking up to find my tumor had been removed, but instead my Dr. removed the adhesion and said that he was going to treat my tumor with Lupron. I am confused.

Dear LadyLuv-
It sounds very much as if your surgeon did not feel comfortable removing the tumors, at the time of the procedure. Lupron is used to “shrink” the tumors to reduce blood loss and make the surgical procedure easier. We do not believe in this approach, nor do we use Lupron in this practice.
You mentioned that you are being followed by a “family doctor”-I would suggest find a good gynecologist to treat your condition. You need to have your tumors removed.
Good Luck

Dear LadyLuv-
If you have been seeing a gynecologist and you are unhappy, find another one. Lupron is not a permanent solution to your problems….and you need to stop bleeding. Get another opinion.
Good Luck

I am scheduled for a hysterectomy next month. I am 48 years old and have 3 children. I had problems with uterine fibroids and endometriosis before my first child was born. More than one doctor wanted to give me a hysterectomy but because I didn’t have any children yet I found a doctor that really helped me with my condition put me on medication to shrink the tumor and dissolve the endometriosis. After that I had my first child. That was 15 years ago. I have had problems off and on with my period and pain. In May,2000, I had my last period and than starting in April, 2001 I started passing blood clots. Each month since than I started experiencing more pain. The doctor recently gave me a DNC and exploratory surgery and told me that I would need a hysterectomy. With me going into menopause it made the fibroid tumor start giving me trouble all over again. He said that he didn’t want to rush into giving me surgery yet and wanted to start giving me shots once a month for 8 months with the understanding that I may still need surgery afterwards. He gave my husband and I a pamphlet about the Lupron Depot shots and after discovering the side effects and me possibly still having the surgery afterwards we decided that it would be best for me to have the surgery.
I have talked to more than one woman that has already had a hysterectomy and is doing just fine.
I also talked to a woman that had the Lupron shots for 6 months and still had pain and had to have the surgery anyway. Any further information you can give me on hysterectomy surgeries and alternative treatments for uterine fibroids will be greatly appreciated.

Dear Faithful-
I am unable to advise you further on hysterectomies as I do not believe in that procedure as a treatment for fibroid tumors. You may have spoken to some women that have been fine after that surgery, however there are many women who do not do well once their uterus is removed. Please read my website section on Hysterectomy Complications-these are a reality for many women.Make sure you are aware of the possible outcomes.
I also do not use Lupron in my practice. I feel it is an unnecessary form of treatment, only delays needed surgery and can have negative effects on the hormone balance of the woman.
You are a perfect candidate for FAS, however my suggestion is to find a physician who is willing to remove your tumors, laser treat your endometriosis, and preserve your organs. Good Luck

Dear Faithful,

Please look under the posting titled “If you consider a hysterectomy read this first” on this Bulletin Board. The person who wrote it, initialed “dh” has been through this procedure and may be of some assistance to you.

I have a couple of friends who underwent hysterectomies. One was in her mid fifties at the time and it took her a couple of YEARS to find some relief from side effects. This was done because of a prolapsed bladder “just in case”!! She did not know about FAS at the time, but was clearly upset at the limited options given to her. She followed the medical advice reluctantly, only to realize later that she had her organs taken out for no good reason. After she witnessed my speedy recovery she just couldn’t even compare our situations. She told me later that if she knew about FAS earlier, she would have run to LA – but now all she could do is ask Dr. DJ for a tummy tuck!!
The other friend lives in a foreign country without the possibility to undergo FAS (which she would have much rather had if she could). She is in her mid forties. Since she just had it done, I can’t say for sure that she is ok yet, but she did keep her ovaries.

So keep your faith and follow your own gut instinct combined with solid research. Good luck!

Mica

Hi I am 22 years old and have had an abnormal period for ever, but since october 2000, I have had a period every 2 weeks. I went to a doctor today and I have an appointment next tuesday for an ultrasound and some other test. He thinks I have fiberoid tumors in my uterus. He’s not sure thest test tuesday will comfirm. I dont want to have a hysterectomy! I only have 1 child and want another one. He didnt act like he was going to do a hyterectomy but I am still scared. Can these tumors turn into cancer?

Thank you – WORRIED

Dear Liz-
Wait to get your ultrasound results before you panic!!
If you have fibroids, many physicians can remove simple tumors successfully without having to remove your uterus. Fertility is not always effected by fibroids. If you do have the disease, I would recommend having the tumors removed as soon as possible, especially if they are contributing to pregnancy problems. Good Luck

I am a 46 year old woman with at least one fibroid outside the uterus which is equivalent to a five-month pregnancy. they all stated I probably have more tumors inside in different areas. I have had three opinions: all three doctors said hysterectomy at first: the fibroid was the size of a golf ball in March 2001; it is now Sept. Two doctors said they can do myomectomy, 33 % chance of return of the fibroids, with possibility of more blood loss and switching to a hysterectomy. They are all talking about taking all but ovaries. I stated I did not want cervix taken. One said yes, one said no. Please advise. Also, incision areas were different: bikini for two, vertical starting at the navel for one. Also, what about embolization?

thank you very much

Dear jsr-
You are the classic patient that needs FAS!!
Your doctors are correct when they say myomectomies are often unsuccessful in that recurrence rates are high. Most of the tumors are not removed-especially those that are deep and intramural. Our FAS procedure removes all those tumors and without the need for blood transfusions. It is a special technique assisted with laser. We do 99% of all our patient with a bikini incision.
I do not advocate embolization, however I do not believe you would be a candidate with a tumor that large.
I definitely do not recommend hysterectomy-there are too many post operative complications for many women.
Please give my office a call if you would like our help.

I will be having an abdominal myo on 9/26/01, however, I am still a bit confused as to why my doc believes there is a 50-50 chance of the myo turning into a hysterectomy. I am assymptomatic…absolutely no symptoms at all. Had I not had an IVP in January I would not have found out that there is some impingement on the ureter to my left kidney…causing a back fill. The IVP also showed that I have one large fibroid sitting directly in front of my bladder. Cystoscopy was good….but the doc had trouble inserting the catheter due to the fibroid pressing against the urethra. Not a fun procedure when the doc couldn’t find the correct direction to insert the catheter.

I have opted for abdominal myo because of the impingement but want to retain my uterus. My doc is concerned that there may be posterior fibroids that could cause uncontrolled bleeding that will result in hysterectomy. Can you explain what significance these posterior fibroids have in my situation and what an ultrasound truly shows the surgeon? Shouldn’t the ultrasound prove if the fibroids are pedunculated?

Dear MoonBaby-
Ultrasounds are very nonspecific diagnostic tests and often do not give a complete or accurate account of pathology.
The significance of your posterior fundal fibroid is the compression to your left ureter. As the fibroid grows it may eventually block all urine flow from your left kidney-producing irreversible damage. You need to have the tumors removed.
Most of the time, the traditional myomectomy approach will only remove those tumors that are easily accessible, and not very large, for fear of major blood loss and conversion to hysterectomy. FAS would definitely allow you to keep your uterus and have your tumors removed safely. I would not delay any further with your surgery.

I am 41 years old. I had a Myomectomy in 1992. I then had a laparoscopy in 1996 to remove fibroids. On 9/21/01, I find that these horrible fibroid tumors are back again. I had been experiencing pain in my abdomen and severe cramps for the last 2 months. Thus, I made a special appointment with my doctor. After my first surgery, I tried the holistic i.e. eating mostly vegetables. When I ate Chicken or Fish it was from a special Market where their meat supposedly was not injected with hormones. I applied this approach for several years only to have these “dreadful invaders” to reappear. Is there anything I can do to prevent the recurrence of these fibroid tumors?

Dear Auretha-
You are the classic patient whose tumors were not completely addressed during your first surgery. Most patients with fibroid tumor disease have the same course. Traditional myomectomy surgery usually does not deal with tumors that are deep in the uterus. Those surgeries will remove superficial tumors but leave the deeper, larger tumors untouched. Within a few years, patient begin to experience symptoms again, and think the tumors have reoccured. This is usually not the case.
Low fat diets,and herbal therapies can help with some of the symptoms but will not directly treat the disease. You are a perfect patient for FAS. Our surgery is extremely thorough-we remove all detectable tumors regardless of size or location in the uterus. Our recurrence rates are insignificant in comparison to traditional myomectomy surgery. Our laser technique also helps to prevent recurrence of tumors.
Please consider our program..I know we can help you.

I am a 57 year old woman past memopause. I have some pain in the lower left side. My doctor did an ultrasound and said it indicated that might uterus was growing. He said I needed to have a hysterectomy. He mentioned having it done by laser, but he is not experienced in that area. I’m not sure what to do at this point.

Dear Anne-
Pain in your lower left side is not specific enough to warrant surgery. Your doctor should be looking for the reason as to why your uterus might be “growing.” Are you on hormone replacement therapy etc….I would ask for more answers and definitely get a second opinion.
Good luck.

Dr. del Junco,

I was experiencing consistent bleeding from the end of January through the beginning of March. During this time, my cramps were getting worse, and I was seeing a lot of clotting. I’m not sure when I was actually getting my period, because I was continuously bleeding. When I went to my OB/GYN, he ordered tests on the tissue in my uterus, and cervix, and also ordered an ultra sound. The results of the internal tests showed nothing unusual, except for the presence of fluid behind the uterus, which the Dr. attributed to a ruptured cyst in my ovary. I was told that pain would go away. The utlra sound showed a fibroid cyst the size of a golf ball, which the Dr. seemed to dsmiss, stating that it wasn’t the primary cause of my symptoms. He also advised me that my body was “out of sync”; my uterus was at one point of my cycle, my ovaries at another, etc. His treatment consisted of increasing the hormonal dosage in my BCP with no sugar pills, so I would go three months without my period. So, it’s been nearly a month now, I’m still bleeding with clots, and having lower abdominal pain with frequent sharp cramps. I’ve called his office and was told I need to wait the three months for the treatment to kick in, and there is no option for pain relief, which has kept me up night after night. Any suggestions?

Dear Katharine-
Your clinical picture is consist with uterine endometriosis or Adenomyosis. This condition should be treated surgically as soon as possible. Birth control pills only aggravate the disease as Adeno is estrogen dependent for its growth.
The further the disease spreads into the uterus the more pain, clots and bleeding your will have.
I would seek another opinion.
Our program can also help you.
Good luck

I AM 29 I HAVE NO CHILDREN NOR MARRIED. I WAS TOLD OVER 6MONTHS AGO THAT I HAVE THREE FIBROIDS I WAS TOLD THEY ARE THE SIZE OF ORANGES.I URINATE ALOT MORE LESS THE FEEL OF PRESSURE. MY PERIOD CRAMPS ARE SO PAINFUL I IMAGINE LABOR COULDNT BE ANY WORSE.I HAVE TO MEDICATE MY SELF TO THE POINT THAT I AM PUT TO SLEEP.DURING MY PERIOD I PASS CLOTS AND IN THESE LAST FEW MONTHS THE CLOTS HAVE INCREASED.I AM BORDER LINE ANEMIC.I ALSO EXPERIENCE PAINFUL THROBBING IN MY VAGINA,AS WELL AS SHARP PAINS IN MY ABDOMEN EVER SO OFTEN.I AM 5’4 AND WEIGH 190LBS AND I DO KNOW I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT BUT MY STOMACH IS SO DISTENDED AND HARD.MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBED DETROL FOR THE URINATION,BUT HAS NOT TOLD ME WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THE FIBROIDS.I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST PROCEDURE FOR ME? AND WHY?.WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS.I DO PLAN TO HAVE KIDS IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SCAR TISSUE AND WILL I EVENTUALLY HAVE TO HAVE A HYSTERECTOMY? COULD THESE FIBROIDS CAUSE ME TO BE LESS SEXUAL AND CAUSE ME NOT TO HAVE AN ORGASM? THANK YOU FOR BEING A BLESSING TO ALL THAT NEED YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM.

Dear Dennin-
Many women are able to conceive and carry a full term pregnancy with fibroids…this depends on the size, number and location of the tumors. Fibroids create many side effects, one of them is lack of sexual desire and response.
However, pain is not a normal symptom associated with fibroids. Your symptoms of severe pain, clots and bloating are classic for Adenomyosis, which is uterine endometriosis. Please read our website section on this disease. Adeno spreads with every menstrual cycle and will eventually produce infertility. You should not postpone efforts to get pregnant, just in case you have this condition…the longer the disease is allowed to spread the more damage to the uterus.
Current treatment for adeno is palliative or hysterectomy. Our laser FAS procedure can treat the adeno, and your fibroids, and allow you to keep your uterus but MAY also render you infertile post surgery. You definitely need to have your fibroids removed asap …however we would recommend weight loss prior to any major surgery.

After our FAS procedure, the uterus is allowed to return to normal functioning free of disease. Sexual activity and response returns to normal, as well as natural hormone regulation. We advise removing the disease(s) and saving your uterus.
Good luck.