WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for February, 1999: Re: Fibriods, enlarged uterus, thickened endrometrisis (sorry about spelling)

Re: Fibriods, enlarged uterus, thickened endrometrisis (sorry about spelling)

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 28 Feb 1999 10:39:05 -0600 (CST)

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At Sat, 27 Feb 1999, Barbara wrote: >
>I have had this horrid pain on my right side for at least two years.
>While living in Virginia I had both my GYN and GP basically tell me it
>was in my head. I'm an athlete and have a very high pain threshold, so
>this was really alot of PAIN.
>
>Thanks to a new GYN in Arizona who ordered an ultra-sound I have been
>told that my uterus is enlarged, I have a very large Fibroid in the
>center area of my uterus and the endrometrisis layer is very thick. I
>have an appointment with the GYN this next week, but am trying to learn
>more about all of this.
>
>My symptons are this: extreme pain throughout the lower right pelvic
>area, radiating down my leg and into my lower back. I ALWAYS have to go
>to the bathroom (this explains why finally), bloated feeling after
>eating/drinking small portions...somewhat extended stomach...it also
>seems that I have constipation on occassion and considerable gas. This
>has been going on at this level for two years. I'd be interested to
>know what I need to be asking my GYN, thoughts on steps to take and the
>like. I'm very much into alternative medicine simply because I'm
>allergic to many drugs that are prescribed.
>
>Thank you for any and all assistance.
>
>--
>Barbara
>

What your options are depend largely on what you want to accomplish. Without question, the treatment modality that is going to provide you with the greatest resolution of symptoms for the longest period of time would be a hysterectomy. Well, that's great if you are 40, with 6 kids and you never want to have to think about this again, but not so great if you are 25, no children, and opposed to surgery under any circumstances.

If keeping your uterus is a priority, then OCPs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories will help some, though I would be willing to bet that you are already doing that. If you want to be pregnant, and have been unable to conceive, then surgical removal of the fibroid (myomectomy) might help that situation, though I will warn you that this is a more serious operation that a hysterectomy in terms of complications and blood loss. A hysteroscopy might help delineate the endometrial cavity, and if the fibroid is submucosal (within the endometrial cavity), it could possibly be removed in that manner.

Have a long serious talk with your doctor about what options you have, and what you want to accomplish. Tailor a plan that suits your plans and risk tolerance.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

Next message: Valerie: "the vaginal area"
Previous message: kooleii: "2 ectopics==looking for answers from docs and others experiences"
In reply to: Barbara: "Fibriods, enlarged uterus, thickened endrometrisis (sorry about spelling)"

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