Fibroid removal? Success stories? Worried about power morcellation

Hpearl · May 2014

Hi ladies,

So,   long story short after a year of wondering, I am going for my consult finally on Monday for fibroid removal.

A few weeks back, you might have noticed the FDA put out a huge warning about the power morcellation procedure for removal of fibroids as it seems to be causing the spread of unsuspected cancer.   If anyone is interested I will post it here.

I want to go into my appointment with as much info to pull from as I can, and I have to tell you this is the thing that has been my largest stressor in my IF process.   I do not worry about IUI, or IVF that much... its the darned fibroids that are worrying me!   That may sound silly.... but what can you do.   I have had a TON of conflicting dr advice over the last year regarding the removal.   A recent water sonno confirmed that it really needs to go!

I have three smallish fibroids, one of which is submucosal and literally blocks the entrance from my cervix into the uterus (and has doubled in size over the last year).   I am not so secretly hoping that this is my IF issue at the root, and from here we should make forward progress in a jiffy!

I have a male dr.    I literally shake thinking about it, but he is the best of the best in my area, so I will have faith in the process.     I can handle having a man in a regular exam, but for a (minor) surgery where I am groggy and not in control..... ugh I don't even want to think about it!

My hope is to hear form someone who had something other then the power morcellation procedure for removal of fibroids (I think this is the same as the robotic procedure).

Thanks in advance!

Bigboneded · May 2014

I read story about a Dr who is fighting cancer because of the morcellation. Maceration? Her husband is also a Dr and they felt they were well educated and we'll info r med before her procedure. But one of her fibroid was cancerous, even though it didn't look it. She had a hysterectomy this way and lookedto be losing her fight. I would ppersonally rather have lumps and bums cleanly cut out..... Is that an option for you? Just the chance of a few cells breaking off, landing elsewhere and growing is concerning to me. I certainly wish you luck in finding your anseers/ solution that is right for you!

Hpearl · May 2014

I am hoping a clean cut is an option for me!

I won't know until tomorrow, but hopefully this will finally be a the beginning of a plan.

I truly feel that this fibroid is what is keeping me from being able to get pregnant and stay pregnant.

Fingers crossed for myself, LOL! Thanks for the feedback!

BeckyP005 · May 2014

GL on getting some answers!

Barbilis88 · May 2014

Had huge fibroid removed the old fashion way. Had two babies since. Have a huge scare but if not for my surgery I would not have my beautiful girls!! Good luck.

CaraH · May 2014

Oh, good luck. On the male doctor issue, I had laprascopic surgery last summer to clean a variety of things up in my uterus and around my ovaries. My doctor videos the surgery and his running commentary. It was clear to me that we were never alone in that room. Between his nurses, the anesthesiologist and the nurse anesthesiologist it was a full OR! And my husband was with me until they rolled me out of prep (apparently we had conversations post meds that I couldn't remember afterwards) and almost immediately in recovery. I know it feels vulnerable, since you aren't in control thanks to the meds. But, I think there are a lot of eyes around. There certainly were in my case anyway.

massiahl · May 2014

I had a myomectomy in January 2012 after having a miscarriage a few months before. The myomectomy is basically a caesarian with the doctor surgically removing the fibroids. It requires 2 overnight stays in the hospital and 6-8 weeks recovery. I had asked my doctor about the laprascopic surgery as an alternative to the myomectomy and she was very definitive about my not having the laprascopic surgery if I wanted to maintain my fertility. According to her, the procedure blocks the flow of blood to the fibroid and the uterine area to which the fibroid is attached. Anything that removes blood from the uterus or a section of the uterus can create a problem for fertility. Also, the myomectomy allowed her to see and feel fibroids that may not necessarily show up on sonos or during laprascopy. She would only recommend a laprascopy if I were symptomatic (fibroids causing pain, heavy periods, etc...) and not planning on having any children. I'm glad I followed my doctor's advice. I am now pregnant with a healthy baby girl. That said, I have to have a c-section because the myomectomy and cannot deliver vaginally for fear of rupture but that's a choice that's made between your physician and you depending on your circumstance. As far as I'm concerned, anyway that's the safest way for this little one to come into the world works for me.

As for the male doctor thing, I know that it can be a bit disconcerting but remember that this is what he does for a living and he is, according to you, one of the best. My fertility doctor is a man and is one of the best in the business. I would not have traded in his expertise for anything in this world. When I had my procedure, the room was filled with nurses and other doctors so you're not by yourself with the doctor. If your doctor is as good as you believe he is, discuss your fears and concerns with him. He should be able to provide you with a sense of comfort and assurance as to how he sees his role in your preserving your fertility and helping you become pregnant with a healthy baby.

The hardest part about all of this is feeling like you have no control. Get some semblance of control: ask questions, share your expectations, get yourself in the best possible shape for this journey, and make the decision that you will get through this. I hope this helps.

Hpearl · May 2014

Thanks ladies!   Surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday.    Your posts help tremendously!

I have made peace with the decision to have the fibroid removed.   My gut hasn't steered me wrong yet in life....why not listen now?

I met the Dr and he immediately tried to put me at ease.    My husband went with me to the appointment, and he feels comfortable too.

It is good to hear that my husband will be able to be with me for the majority of the time.

I have watched the procedure on you tube... so I feel more in control.    Its go time, now I can finally get one step closer to getting pregnant!

Thanks for being so understanding and supportive ladies!

H-townbride · May 2014

Good Luck Hpearl. I was having the same fears. Mine is scheduled for next Wed, and I just found out about the FDA stories, etc...It was a hard day and I had many doubts...it was reassuring reading your posts. Thank you!!

Hpearl · May 2014

Hello there H-townbride!

I had my procedure yesterday. What a relief it is to have it behind me! If you have any questions at all, please let me know as I would be happy to share my experience with you in more detail if it would help!

I am sure you will do great

I am still a little flighty from the anesthesia, but otherwise I feel pretty good! Just a bit tender and sore. I am sure by tomorrow I should be able to be up and reasonably active.

My Dr. was great, very reassuring. I have pictures from before and after, and the dr flushed out my tubes again while he was there (before the resection). I have a healthy uterus, with the fibroid removed I should be in good shape to proceed to our next steps.

Now I just need to let my body and my bank account heal a bit before moving on to IUI or IVF (jury is still out).

For what its worth, I have absolutely no regrets, except for getting it done sooner.

Hpearl · May 2014

I am now day 4 post op and still having some cramping. Nothing awful, but if I am up and about for more than about 30 mins I have to lay down to take the pressure off.

From what I am reading here that can be very normal, so I am trying to be patient with myself. But with a huge paper due tomorrow for college, and a 10+ hour work day scheduled, I am struggling.

I am sure my boss will loose it if I am off again tomorrow, but I am not sure how I could possibly get through an entire work day without laying down.

Vent over. time to find my big girl pants!

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Fibroid removal? Success stories? Worried about power morcellation

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