WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 2000: Re: Delaying myomectomy

Re: Delaying myomectomy

From: R. Daniel Braun, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 15 May 2000 16:35:14 -0500 (CDT)

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At Mon, 15 May 2000, Heather wrote: >
>Last week I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. I have 2 fibroids each
>larger than a grapefruit and a third slightly smaller. I've been having
>a lot of leg and ankle swelling as well as pains in my legs due to the
>pressure one of the fibroids is putting on my circulatory system.
>
>My doctor has explained to me that I will need a myomectomy -- in this
>case, major surgery that will include an incision directly above my
>pubic area that will allow them to extract the fibroids. In turn I will
>have to stay in the hospital for 3 - 5 days, stay in bed at home for the
>following 2 weeks and have minimal activity the 2 weeks subsequent.
>Totalling almost 5 weeks off of work. Due to previous commitments I'm
>trying to delay the surgery until late June or early July. My doctor
>tells me that it's up to me... if I can endure the discomfort and if
>water pills or surgical hose relieve the leg swelling then I can
>postpone the surgery.
>
>Is there anything else that I should be considering as I attempt to
>delay the surgery for almost 6 weeks? I'm fearful that the fibroids
>could grow to an even larger size causing greater damage and reduce my
>chances for a successful surgery... and the possibility of having
>children.

If the fibroids are big enough to be causing leg swelling they could also possibly lead to Thrombophlebitis (Blood clots in the veins in the legs) This is very dangerous if it develops because they can break loose and go to the lungs. (Pulmonary Embolus) The other possibility is that these are not fibroids. They could be ovarian or something else. One never knows what a pelvic mass is until one removes it. IOW, it doesn't seem to me that postponing it is a good idea.

RDB

--
R. Daniel Braun, MD FACOG  FOG

This is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be replacement or substitute for consultation and examination by an appropriate medical professional.  Due to time constraints, private e-mails cannot be answered.

Next message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: Question about Endo and inflammatory problems"
Previous message: R. Daniel Braun, MD: "Re: 10 wk.s post myomectomy, swelling is increasing"
In reply to: Heather: "Delaying myomectomy"
Next in thread: Heather: "To Dr. Braun -- Re: Delaying myomectomy"
Reply: Heather: "To Dr. Braun -- Re: Delaying myomectomy"

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