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Uterine Artery Embolization vs hysterectomy

Posted by 100milestomayo @100milestomayo, Jul 9, 2023

I have fibroids and in the last two weeks have been bleeding everyday, which is now a new worry. Endometrial biopsy showed no concern. Met with Obgyn, recommended either UAE or surgery. I am very anxious about both and wanted to know about anyone’s experience with UAE specifically the pain after the procedure. Honestly how bad is it? For those that had hysterectomy (laparoscopic), curious about your recovery. I know everyone is different trying to get some insight from those that have actually gone through it, as I mentioned I am really struggling with this decision.

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emo | @emo | Jul 9, 2023

Just wondering, since you’re considering embolization or hysterectomy, have you already tried medication and it’s not effective? Do you think it might help and would it he possible to get a second opinion if that might help with your concerns?

I’m sorry I don’t have experience with either I can share, but I can commiserate about the uncertainty? I am also considering embolization for another condition that causes pelvic pain (pelvic congestion but haven’t received any responses on posts where I mentioned it). I’m also unsure and would be interested to hear from others who’ve done it.

For what it’s worth, I had a consultation with an interventional radiologist at Mayo, and he said there can be more abdominal and low back pain and cramping that can last for weeks after the procedure for some—it’s an effect of having to get used to the blood flow rerouting itself (?) He said it’s usually addressed with OTC medications. But he’s also concerned that for me, I could be more likely to have that side effect and for it to be more long-lasting—he said he couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen and would go away if it did happen, because I have central sensitivity syndrome (brain becomes sensitive to pain and easily sees new things as threats and in an effort to protect the body sends out excessive pain signals).

Ultimately he recommended for me to complete my full workup with other providers first, and said it might come down to how much I need/want some or any relief that might come from this condition (there’s no way to be sure how much if my pain this causes), vs. how willing I am to take the risk it could make things worse. Otherwise, he said it’s a safe procedure with quick recover time.

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100milestomayo | @100milestomayo | Jul 9, 2023
In reply to @emo "Just wondering, since you’re considering embolization or hysterectomy, have you already tried medication and it’s not..." + (show)
@emo

Just wondering, since you’re considering embolization or hysterectomy, have you already tried medication and it’s not effective? Do you think it might help and would it he possible to get a second opinion if that might help with your concerns?

I’m sorry I don’t have experience with either I can share, but I can commiserate about the uncertainty? I am also considering embolization for another condition that causes pelvic pain (pelvic congestion but haven’t received any responses on posts where I mentioned it). I’m also unsure and would be interested to hear from others who’ve done it.

For what it’s worth, I had a consultation with an interventional radiologist at Mayo, and he said there can be more abdominal and low back pain and cramping that can last for weeks after the procedure for some—it’s an effect of having to get used to the blood flow rerouting itself (?) He said it’s usually addressed with OTC medications. But he’s also concerned that for me, I could be more likely to have that side effect and for it to be more long-lasting—he said he couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen and would go away if it did happen, because I have central sensitivity syndrome (brain becomes sensitive to pain and easily sees new things as threats and in an effort to protect the body sends out excessive pain signals).

Ultimately he recommended for me to complete my full workup with other providers first, and said it might come down to how much I need/want some or any relief that might come from this condition (there’s no way to be sure how much if my pain this causes), vs. how willing I am to take the risk it could make things worse. Otherwise, he said it’s a safe procedure with quick recover time.

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Thanks for the reply. I haven’t heard of pelvic congestion before. These decisions are so tough as they really can predict how we will respond. I also met with IR at Mayo, reg embolization.
Obgyn put me on 40 mg of provera daily, to lessen HMB but now I bleed all the time, although it is lighter. Taken that for alittle over a month
I hope you get some replies, as it is nice to feel we aren’t alone in all of this.

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