Anyone else have uterine fibroids?

wanderlust508

I don't remember seeing it mentioned it anyone's siggy but thought I'd ask anyways if anybody else is also dealing with fibroids.  I'm on IUI #3 with a BFN today (10dpiui).  I realize it's still early but I'm just trying to decide what to do next cycle if this one isn't successful.  If you do have fibroids, I am just curious if your Dr recommended surgery for yours or not (and where are yours located)?  Mine are not within the uterine cavity (they're on the outer wall I think) so my Dr has said surgery isn't recommended for me.  But I'm still concerned and sent the following message to my RE this morning:

"I'm currently on 3rd cycle of IUI and was hoping you could offer some guidance for me moving forward. It's now 10 days after IUI and home testing has given me a negative. I realize it is still early of course and will wait it out until my beta 7/24.

My biggest concern has always been that with such large uterine fibroids, IUI may not be successful regardless of the meds used or our timing. In May I had a repeat saline U/S and based on the results the other RE recommended I continue IUI(& not pursue surgical intervention). When I looked up Clomid in Lexicomp (drug database we use at work),it gave the warning that Clomid can increase size of fibroids. I'm concerned this has been the case for me-toward the end of each IUI cycle I've noticed my abdomen is very bloated/distended which I attribute to increase in size of the uterine fibroids. I have no pain or heavy bleeding with my fibroids though.(Cont'd in next message).  

I am just trying to plan ahead in the event that this cycle is unsuccessful. I'd like to know your opinion on whether it makes more sense to continue with IUI for me or take a break to discuss surgical options(laparoscopic myomectomy vs diagnostic hysteroscopy). From what I understand,fibroids only grow in size during pregnancy. Given that they are already pretty large, wouldn't that put me at high risk for pre-term labor and low birth weight?

I would like to avoid surgery if it's unnecessary but would like your opinion on what to do in this situation. I would rather take care of surgery sooner (if it's necessary) than continue doing IUI cycles that won't be successful. We have a size measurement on the fibroids from 2011 (when I was first diagnosed) but I imagine they've grown quite a bit since then. Please let me know what you think!"

The thought of surgery really scares me.  And I'm worried about the recovery time & how long I'd be benched because of it.  But I'd rather nip it in the bud and get this taken care of if it's contributing to my IF.  It's just so frustrating - this "lost" feeling and not knowing what my next step should be (if this cycle doesn't take).  Just thought I'd reach out to see if anyone else is dealing with fibroids and what your RE has said!  

BunnyBerry

Sorry, no personal experience with that.

Your message sounds great, though. Showed that you did your homework and are an informed patient advocating for yourself. I hope you get an equally thoughtful reply and a plan moving forward that you are totally comfortable with.

ronniesgirl1981

I'm paging @Rumbera28‌ to this post. Pretty sure she's away, but she may have something to add when she returns.

TTCBabyJ

I had 4 fibroids removed from the outside of my uterus, in January. My RE said that I should definitely not have an issue conceiving because the fibroids were on the outside. However, she did recommend the surgery because too many fibroids can compromise the blood flow to the uterus and I also have a unicornuate uterus so I really needed all the blood flow I can get to my little uterus. Good luck!

Sewfie

I think your message is great! It shows that you're informed and are reasonable.
I have a small fibroid on the outside of my uterus. It's pretty small and shouldn't be an issue, so my doctor is leaving it alone for now.

wanderlust508

Thanks ladies for your responses!  It did feel good to send that message and take a step in being proactive for my health.  

@TTCBabyJ - Thanks for sharing your experience!  Can I ask, what was the recovery time like after your surgery?  Were you in a lot of pain after?  How many months did they say you needed to wait after it before they gave you the OK to TTC?

TTCBabyJ

@EastBayBride508‌ because my fibroids were on the outside of the uterus the recovery time was much better from others that have them inside the uterine cavity. I took off work for two weeks, but honestly I could have went back after one week. And because they were on the outside I didn't have to wait to start TTC. I was not able to have sex or sit in submerged water for three weeks. And the pain was really not that bad, the first two days were the worst but after that I just felt like aware that something happened in my uterus. Personally, the worst part of the whole experience was the IV I have really small veins so they had to put it in my thumb...ouch! Please feel free to send me a PM with any other questions. Good luck!

Sha259

Good for you for being your own advocate!! I was having similar problems with my initial RE who I think was just being lazy. I fired him and got my current RE, whom I adore!

@Rumbera28 and I were actually myomectomy twins back in Oct 2013 (haha). We both had pretty sizable fibroids. Mine was over 8cm, partially responsible for my tubal occlusions, and left me with 4 lovely scars after surgery. I am so grateful they are gone though, as my doctor told me that it was likely to cause complications in a pregnancy had I not removed it.

Have any questions, feel free to ask, or PM. Good Luck!!

wanderlust508

@TTCBabyJ - I know everyone's experiences with fibroid removal are different ....but if I end up having to have surgery, I hope my experience is like yours!  Sounds like you were back on your feet fairly quickly and it's pretty awesome that you did't have to break from TTC after.  My RE has said that I would definitely have to wait though (although she didn't say how long).  

@Sha259 and @Rumbera28 - Thanks for sharing your experiences.  @Rumbera28 - My gut definitely tells me that "something is not right".  I can feel the fibroids when I palpate my lower abdomen.  For some reason, towards the end of my cycle my abdomen feels especially more bloated.  This cycle (a medicated IUI cycle) has me especially concerned.  Since about 7dpiui (I'm now 11dpiui), I've had abdominal bloating/swelling that has gotten worse.  I had 4 mature follicles at time of trigger so part of me wonders if I'm having some OHSS.  But my gut feels like the fibroids have gotten bigger after 3 rounds of Clomid (which I read CAN increase the size of fibroids ....in spite of my RE's insisting that it has no effect).  I'm going to go in for a repeat U/S to have my fibroids measured and located.  I'm a little nervous about what the recommendation will be!  My fibroids have not been measured since March 2011 (when I was first diagnosed) - I was told they were "moderately sized" at the time but they have to have grown quite a bit since then.  I wouldn't be surprised if they are grapefruit sized .....I was told I had 2 fibroids at the time but there may be even more now!  :-/