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Uterine fibroid nightmare.
When I moved to Texas i was 37 yrs old and really had bad menstrual cycles and only kept getting worse as i got older. I want to my doctor and complained about the heavy bleeding and the pain but they always seemed to dismiss my worries, I was even told that it was probably that my body was changing and I was becoming premenopausal..... Hmm what? When I was 40 I noticed that I was craving ice all the time and was literally eating 10 lbs of ice a day . When telling the doctor he said it was because i was a little anemic due to my heavy cycles and to just take iron supplements. By the time I was 44 in 2017 I had been to several doctors with complaints about heavy bleeding and easily bleeding up to 20 or more days a month
🤔 . I was then eating up to 20 or more lbs of ice a day I was swelling up and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest whenever I would lay down in bed. Finally I had found a doctor to listen and said that they didn't know what it might be but referring me to a gynecologist was what I needed. Before I even got to make an appointment with the obgyn, I woke up in a Methodist hospital in the cardiac unit, and was told I'd been brought by my two sons after losing consciousness outside our house. After being admitted I'd had I heart cath, two blood transfusions, cauterazation of uterine fibroids, and now I have irreversible damage done to my heart and would always have heart failure as a result of my uterine fibroids bleeding out for the last year or more leaving my body with absolutely no blood in my body for my heart to pump making my heart stop and losing consciousness.. I was out for 36 hours or more in the hospital for almost two weeks had lost 60 lbs from all the fluid I had built up in my body, and a white stripe in my hair from all the shock my body had just gone through. I was supposed to have a complete hysterectomy but my heart wasn't stable enough to gave the surgery and when I left the hospital my heart rate was 32 beats a minute and I wore a difibulator vest incase my heart stopped beating again. Over time and lots of mess my heart rate has gone up no longer wear the vest I did have to go back and have another transfusion but nothing major since. My health has never been great since though. And now I'm 52 and although it's not real heavy I'm menstruating twice a month up to fifteen days a month, my stomach is swelled legs and back hurt and again I feel like I'm swelling up again even with taking diuretics daily. Maybe it's time to have this surgery. I figured I'd be close to menopause since I have had my period since I was 10 yrs old but flow just keeps coming. I really don't think many doctors think about fibroids when talking to a woman like me. I also believe that more women should be aware of this potentially deadly problem.. I'm not sure if it's hereditary but my daughter had to have a hysterectomy before she was ever able to have children due to fibroids. What else can I do? I'm kinda fearful about a surgery but I don't want to keep doing this.
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@flowneedstogo52
I have had heavy cycles since age 11 which worsened as I got older. I had polyps removed which made bleeding heavier and told an IUD would help reduce the heavy bleeding until I went through menopause. This helped significantly. I am also in my 50s. I have fibroids as well but they haven’t caused too many issues. My sister had a hysterectomy due to large numbers of fibroids and complications in her 40s (never had children).
Wheat I am surprised by is that you weren’t seeing a gynecologist regularly before and after the bleeding occurred and why an IUD or other procedures weren’t offered to help stop the bleeding that were less invasive than hysterectomy. I had D&Cs to remove polyps and extra lining of uterus causing bleeding. Did they ever do ultrasounds of pelvis when you started having bleeding problems? Did you have a regular doctor checking bloodwork to detect the iron deficiency sooner? Are you getting your blood and iron checked regularly now? My mother ate ice and chewed on paper for a long time which is a sign of iron deficiency annd pica and she had heart disease/diabetes (died of a heart attack).
Here is what AI suggests for your case:
“ I'm really sorry to hear about your experience with uterine fibroids and the health challenges you've faced. It sounds incredibly difficult, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and fearful about surgery. Here are some steps and considerations that might help you navigate your situation:
1. Consult a Specialist
Gynecologist: If you haven't already, seek out a gynecologist who specializes in fibroids or women's health issues. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss your options.
Second Opinion: If you're unsure about the recommendations from your current doctor, consider getting a second opinion. Different doctors may have different approaches to treatment.
2. Discuss Treatment Options
Medications: There are medications that can help manage symptoms, such as hormonal treatments that may reduce bleeding and pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Options like uterine artery embolization (UAE) or laparoscopic myomectomy may be available, which can help reduce fibroid size without a full hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy: If your symptoms are severe and other treatments have not worked, a hysterectomy may be necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, especially considering your heart condition.
3. Lifestyle
Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help manage some symptoms. Discuss any dietary changes with your healthcare provider.
4. Monitor Symptoms
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the frequency and duration of your menstrual cycles, any pain, and other related issues. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the best course of action.
5. Addressing Anemia
Since you've experienced anemia due to heavy bleeding, continue to monitor your iron levels and discuss with your doctor about the best ways to manage this, including dietary changes or iron supplements.
6. Mental Health
Dealing with chronic health issues can take a toll on mental health. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if you're feeling anxious or depressed about your situation.
7. Educate Yourself
Learning more about uterine fibroids, their symptoms, and treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
Conclusion
It's important to prioritize your health and well-being. While surgery can be daunting, it may provide relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Make sure to have open and honest discussions with your healthcare providers about your fears and concerns, and don't hesitate to seek out the support you need.”