I just turned 51 last month and have been bothered with 3 fibroids over the past 4 years

I just turned 51 last month and have been bothered with 3 fibroids over the past 4 years. I have tried natural approaches hoping they would reduce, the symptoms go away – but to no avail. I have had extremely heavy bleeding for 3 days straight each month for 10 months in a row and this left me anemic. Now, over the last 3 months there has been a real growth surge in the fibroids and one especially has really grown and is very painful and feels huge. In addition to the already extreme bleeding, for the last 2 months I have had heavy mid-cycle bleeding – – a new huge period all over again! I can’t take this any longer. I saw my doctor yesterday and she wants to do a catscan next week.
I am afraid to keep waiting since I have been feeling the increased rate of growth of these and the size scares me!
I have 2 immediate question:

1. How soon can I get in to see you for this procedure (I live in Texas). I am really feeling an urgency to take care of this this month. I am afraid of waiting any longer and having any more periods like I have been experiencing.

2. Is the catscan sufficient material to bring with me, or do I need a current ultrasound as well? I had an ultrasound done a year ago, if this would be okay. My doctor saw a more urgent need for catscan and ruled out ultrasound.

Thank you,
Ruth

Dear Ruth-
Unfortunately, you should have had these tumors removed quite awhile ago. Many patients try “alternative, natural methods”-they will treat the symptoms for a temporary time, but do not effect the growth of the tumors. Eventually, they need to be surgically removed. You probably only delayed the inevitable.
I do not keep my own schedule, you will need to call my office and check with my staff about an appointment.Your CTScan report will be fine..no need for any other tests.
Hope to meet you soon.

Hello, I’m 42 I have a large fibroid 10.4×9.2×11.5cm off the fundal region of the uterus (subserosal fibroid) there is no fluid in the cul-de-sac. there are no adnexal masses. The endometrial stripe measures 16mm. the right ovary is 3.1×2.6×2.7 left is 1.9×2.1×2.1cm I have had no problem with bleeding ever. And all blood work looks good. Would you treat me with out it being a hysterectomy? Looking for another option ! oh by the way what I just typed I really don’t know what it means. thanks waiting for reply PS I have a ppo insurance but I’m in New Jersey Maybe in Calf for vacation…………. Wishfull

Dear Jan-
We never recommend hysterectomy for fibroid tumors.
The reason you are not having bleeding problems is due to the location of your tumor. Your case should be relatively straight forward. If you would like us to check out your insurance, please contact me office directly.

Dear Dr. DelJuno,
I was diagnosed with multiple fibroids growing in and out of the uterus area 2yrs ago.They told me last year my uterus was the size of a 4 or 5mos prg. They have since grown and am now having symptoms, break through bleeding, bloating and constipation(which I would have never associated with the tumors because I have gone to the doctor for this and they have in turn never associated these symptoms with the tumors)I can feel a large tumor with my hand it feels like the size of an orange. I go in for a new sonogram next week and get the results in 3weeks.I also get occasional soreness in my stomach area. I DO NOT WANT A HYSTERECTOMY!!! I would rather just suffer with this as opposed to that. Three questions: Do you accept Kaiser insurance? Also I am still on a low dose contraceptive, should I get off the pill now? I am 45yrs of age,oterwise good health. I thought birth control pills helped the fibroids not to grow?

Dear Lola-
Many traditional gynecologists will prescribe BCP’s for fibroids, in hopes of slowing down the growth of the tumors. BCP’s will minimize the estrogen changes during your monthly cycle and therefore hopefully prevent rapid growth spurts during the month, however they are still a source of estrogen and will not stop the growth.
You need to have the tumors removed…especially if they are getting that large.
Unfortunately, we cannot take Kaiser..it is an HMO and you are required to stay in the Kaiser network for any medical treatment. Good Luck

Dear Lola,

You remind me of my situation more than four years ago, when I was at the end of my wits trying to find answers where my previous gynecologists failed to come through with a decent solution for my fibroids. I don’t know what state you live in, but regardless of your location, you need to identify an insurance broker who can find a private health insurance package of the PPO type, with in and out-of-network coverages. I work in this industry and I find that several companies offer this possibility. But by all means do not let your Kaiser lapse, because your current condition will be considered pre-existing by design. It will take some research, but that’s what good brokers do.
I am just trying to offer you some suggestions as to how to be creative in dealing with your circumstances. If you do a search on my name on this website Bulletin Board, you will find an entire history, in case you are curious. You are welcome to email me privately if you feel you need to.

If I were you, I wouldn’t give up my dream just yet!

Good Luck,

Mica

Dear Dr. Del Juno,
I just registered for your seminar on 2/21/02. I found information on your website that really helps me understand what to expect.
I have had two Ultrasounds, 9/01 14.4 cm, 2/02 16.9. My insurance is also, Kaiser. My Doctor is recommending Myomectomy or Hysterectomy. I’m 38, not married and have no children. Do I want children? I’ve always thought I would one day marry and have them, yes.
After seeing the photo’s regarding the myomectomy for the removal of the fiborids, it scares me. I really just want to hear that I have a good chance with a myomectomy. Right now I’m thinking hysterectomy.
I’m going to go for another Ultrasound in 3 months and see what happens, I’m sure nothing will change and I’m still going to need surgery. As a single woman I just don’t know how to make this decision. I find myself needing more and more information, I just can’t get enough. I’m hoping that you will cover, when there is no choice but myomectomy or hysterectomy in your seminar, so that those of us who have no other option understand what we face.

See you on Thursday,
Linda

Dear Linda-
I am sorry I did not get to this email before the seminar….we had a busy week leading up to the presentation. I think you probably know the answer to your questions since you did attend on Thursday night…we never recommend hysterectomy for fibroids-Kaiser will probably offer you nothing more than that option. Hopefully you can find a way to get FAS…if your insurance changes give my office a call.
Good luck to you and thank you for attending….The more women we can educate the more the word will spread.

Dear Dr. del Junco,
I think the work you are doing is truly commendable. I wish others in the medical profession shared your views on treating tumors and such in women. Will you facilitate any seminars on the East coast in the future?

I, too, am having significant “female problems” and have been since 1985. I am 40 years old, married (2 1/2 years) and have no children. I would like to conceive, but have not been blessed yet.

I had both fallopian tubes unblocked in 1985. In 1990 I had surgery to correct my left ovary from being adhered to the back of my uterus and I had a tumor removed from the right ovary. 1994 I had a cyst removed from the right ovary. 1997 I had a tumor(from the right ovary) removed along with the right ovary. Now I’m experiencing severe abdominal pain and bleeding for a month now. I’m not bleeding heavy, just spotting. All my blood tests came back o.k. (liver, kidney, thyroid). The doctor recommended that I take birth control pills, but I had adverse reactions to them in the past.

Unfortunately, I am enrolled in an HMO and was forced to fight for a ultrasound, which is scheduled for next week. I am currently getting paperwork in order to enroll with Cigna Insurance plan. Do you accept this insurance? I reside in Georgia, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary in order to get the best treatment.

I do not have a diagnosis of what my problem could be. I can only speculate (maybe adhesions from a previous surgery, a cyst, fibroid…)
I will apprise you as soon as I have the ultrasound.
Thank you so much for your time and keep up the good work!
Your prayers are appreciated!

Dear Michelle-
Thanks for the compliments….we have just started a seminar series beginning in Los Angeles….locations and schedules are being determined..we plan to eventually post them on the site. The East coast is being considered. Please look for this in the next six months.
As for your condition…some of your pain maybe associated with adhesions from previous surgery…however bleeding problems would not be effected by that. Please let us know…what they find.
We do accept any private insurance plan….but patients are responsible for any unpaid balance not covered. Cigna has been very favorable with our surgery.

Dear Dr. del Junco,
I suffer from endometriosis, fibroids and also
have an ovarian cyst. (I already had an ovarian
cyst removed back in 1991). I was so relieved and
excited to discover that there are options to
having a hysterectomy or other surgeries that do
not appeal to me.

Unfortunately, I have been having a hard time
obtaining health insurance as I have these
pre-existing conditions. I’m presently seeking
employment that offers health benefits as my
present job does not.

In the meantime, my questions are these:
Do you know of a health insurance plan that does
accept people with pre-exisiting conditions?
If I am unfortunate enough to remain uninsured,
are all costs to be paid up front or do you have a
payment plan available?

I also want to say thanks for giving women hope
regarding alternative treatment for fibroids and
endometriosis.

Thanks

Dear Aurora-
There are many other women in your same shoes…insurance is getting harder and harder to work with and get decent coverage..even with a pre-exisiting condition. I am unable to advise you regarding the name or type of insurance available..your best bet is to seek employment where coverage is offered. They cannot deny you once you become employed.
All our cash paying patients must bring the entire amount when the surgical procedure is performed..we no longer have payment plans available.
Good luck to you.

Dear Aurora,

As a former fibroid/ovarian cyst/polyp/endo patient, and as a current insurance broker I can tell you your best bet is to get into a group for health coverage. The most the pre-existing condition can be excluded is 12 months, unless you had some previous coverage in which case the respective amount of time will be deducted from the 12 months. Not knowing which state you reside in leaves a lot of specific questions unanswered, but generically speaking a PPO-type with out-of- network coverage or a traditional package of 80/20 will get you the coverage, even delayed due to the pre-existing condition (a more detailed discussion on “how to” document it is appropriate only when more info is available from you).
Individual health packages can be purchased, but usually the pre-existing condition is more scrutinized during the underwriting process, as compared to a typical group policy.
And finally, there are a few foreign companies specializing in worldwide medical coverage, temporary or permanent, which are more costly, but allow you maximum flexibility. By this I mean even coverage for high-risk sports/racing/diving/high-limit disability which by design is being rejected by domestic carriers.

Hope this gives you a mini view of the large picture. Good luck with your search!

Mica