Large fibroids

Hi
I was just told about your surgery and web site by a friend who is considering having the procedure done.
I got to talking to her and mentioned that just last year I was told to have a hysterectomy done. My uterus is large, according to one dr. it is something like 16 x 10 x 10 cm? (does that sound possible)? And that it is 1250 cc’s (not sure what that means). He said that there are too many fibroids to count, that the endometrial stripe is not visiable on the sonogram.
I have had heavy periods for over 3 yrs, am VERY crampy all the time (esp. after eating even small amounts).
My friend said her uterus is the size of a 5 month pregnancy, can you explain what/how that is? What would mine be equal too? Does that matter with your procedure?
I have friends in the area that you are located and understand that the insurance may not cover it, which is ok, and that you say I need to stay approx. 2 weeks.
If I am not in a rush, is there a medical rush to have this done? How large can you get before it becomes like an emergency or something? I do not want children, so that is not an issue.
Thank you for your wonderful site. It is very informative.

Randa Oliver

Dear Randa-
Thank you for your positive remarks…..
The dimensions of your uterus are very likely with multiple fibroid tumors….your size is probably close to a cantelope. This is significantly enlarged.
The size of your uterus has no bearing on our FAS procedure. We have removed tumors the size of watermelons..without problems or complications.
Fibroids are are 99% benign and rarely necessitate emergency surgery. The only situation the renders an emergency is uncontrolled hemorrhaging. The tumors will grow and spread with every menstrual cycle..the sooner they are removed..the better for the body.

Hi,

I am 47 years old and have suffered the past 3 years with what I assumed to be fibroids. It’s unclear whether there is one large mass or many fibroids from the ultra-sound that was done. They have been growing steadily since I first knew of one (3 or so years ago). I seem to have waited too long to seek medical help for this and after visiting an OBGYN on Mon. I am now facing an abdominal hysterectomy with a horizontal cut from lower pelvic to chest bone. The ultra-sound measured uterus length at 30+ cm I think which she said was the size of an 8 month pregnancy. I did not want surgery at all which is why I waited so long, for sure didn’t want a hysterectomy but now on top of everything can’t see myself going ahead with this option with such a huge cut. I can’t see my quality of life improving in light of the side affects of the hysterectomy and then having such a long abdominal cut. Is there any possibility that someone with greater skill would not have to make such a cut to get the uterus out? I would appreciate any information to help me decide. Thanks.

Dear Lannie-
If you are accurate with your uterus size-30cm, I dont know of any doctor who could remove your disease with a much smaller incision.
Our FAS program could save your uterus, but we would also probably have to use a vertical incision because of the size of your tumors.We have only had to perform 3 or 4 procedures with this type of incision….all others have been bikini, horizontal cuts.
The length of the incision depends on how big and how high your tumors are.
Good Luck

My Dr. wants me to undergo a cryoblation procedure. I have fibroid tumors; have very heavy periods, cramping and bloating. My stomach feels very heavy and though I work out all the time, I can’t get rid of it. I am in an entirely different size clothing for twe weeks a month or more, depending on when I get a period. I am 48 years old and have had my tubes tied. What are your thoughts?

Dear Nance-
We dont recommend those type of “bandaid” procedures; they usually dont effectively treat the disease. It may reduce your symptoms temporarily, but unless the tumors are removed, the disease will continue to spread.
There is also the possibility, based on your email, that your symptoms may be associated with adenomyosis…this would be uneffected by a cryo procedure.