FAS surgeons in Atlanta

I am 34 years old and have been trying to get pregnant for the last 11 years. I have been pregnant 6 times and have miscarried 5 times and had on ectopic pregnancy. My doctors at the Emory Clinic in Atlanta have diagnosed me with Adenomyosis and have given me three options: 1) Birth control pills 2) Lupron 3.75 and 3) Hysterectomy. I chose the Lupron protacal, however I am very interested in your procedure. Is there anywhere in the Atlanta area or the southeast that are able to perform this procedure. I don’t know that I would be able to make it out to LA for this.

Dear LeAndra-
This is the only location in the US performing this type of surgery. Most of our patients come from out of the state of California.
Adenomyosis is the worst diagnosis to have for fertiity hopes. If left untreated it can render the uterus infertile. I do not advocate BCPs or Lupron as they only treat the symptoms not the disease. Hysterectomies also have their own subset of post operative complications (see website). We advise a laser excision of the diseased uterus, however this procedure, although effective for symptom relief, usually produces infertility. The sooner you can receive treatment the better the chances of a positive outcome. Good Luck

I have read about your wonderful surgery alternative for woman like me who have suffered with fibroids for years. Is it not possible that this surgery be taught to other physicians so that even more woman all over the country can benefit? According to your partient map 40% are near/in the east and mid-west area. What about opening a clinic say in New York? I know you would get clients right away–like me.

Dear Antoinette-
Thank you for your interest in the program. Eventually it is our goal to have alternative sites available for patients. Currently, there is no interest from other physicians to learn this technique-it is still considered “alternative.” Unfortunate, as this might be. It takes a long time to train this type of procedure and physicians must also acquire a laser skill, which is not standard in medicine. Hopefully some day your vision will be a reality.

Are there any medico’s/surgeons, etc that perform FAS in Australia? I had a myomectomy 13 yrs ago and have had 8 fibroids develop in the last 4 years. Three of these have now grown to about 5cm each. My gyn recommended the wait and see approach!!! I have had continuous bleeding for the past 3 months and am absolutely exhausted. My gyn has recommended that I take Danazol to reduce bleeding. He has suggested ablation – I am not keen on either recommendations. I have sought the opinion of a second gyn who is also suggesting a microwave ablation. I am 41 yo and have not had children and do not want to limit my options any further, notwithstanding my age.

Dear Amalia-
FAS is only performed here in Los Angeles, California.
The options you have been given will only treat your symptoms, not your disease. You need to have ALL your fibroids removed. Most likely, the deeper tumors were not removed during your first myomectomy, and they are now the tumors producing your extensive bleeding problems. Ablation will reduce the bleeding but the tumors will continue to grow eventually producing problems associated with large tumors: urinary frequency, constipation, indigestion, back pain etc.
Good Luck