Fibroids Upon The Endometrial Stripe

Good Morning Dr and Staff,
First, thank you for a wonderfully helpful and insightful web site. I hope to contact your office later this week regarding coming in for a consulation. I am in Florida and as you have mentioned, you are the only location to date who does what you do.
Last week, I consulted a new to me Doctor regarding my fibroids. I have many, rather large and I seem to have grown quite a bit in the last several weeks. I had an MRI done the other day, and in addition to the usual fibriods I have had the report read:

“Multiple fibroids impress upon the endometrial stripe. An anterior fundal uterine fibriod measuring approx. 1.8 x 2.3 cm is seen impressing upon the endometrial stripeas as is a 3.4 x 4.9 cm posteriorly situated fubroid involving uterine body and fundas. Additional fibroids also impress upon the endometrial stripe.”

My questions, if you don’t mind. I have never had them mention the endometrial stripe before, is there a possibility that I have had new, additional pain because of these? I am experiencing back cramps (similiar to labor pains), I am having to urinate more frequently and am feeling more bloated.

The new Doctor has basically given me the brush off, telling me that at my age (46) I should sit back and wait for “the change” or have a hysterectomy. I do not plan on children, so that is not an issue, I just don’t like the idea of such radical surgery.

Is it possible I also have endometrios? Would it show up on an MRI? What can be taken for cramps (BAD ONES) also I am feeling my legs get numb when I sit too long.

thank you again for your time, your education and your encouragement. It is refreshing.

thank you
Millie Lakerson-Palmer

Dear Millie-
As fibroid tumor disease spreads, the symptoms become worse…if fibroids impact the endometrial lining and cavity, bleeding becomes more severe.
All your symptoms are very common and are associated with the size and positioning of your tumors….back pain and leg pain are common, as is severe cramping.The larger the tumors become, the frequently you will have to urinate.
You may have endometriosis, but this disease does not show up on diagnostic testing….it must be visualized through surgery.
I know our FAS procedure can help you, and allow you to keep your uterus. Please let us know if we can help you further.

Dear Doctor:

On a recent ultrasound my uterus measured 9.1 x 4.7 x 5.9 cm. How big is this measurement in layman’s terms?

Dear Tracy-
Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit.