TOPIC:

Hi, I am 25 years old and after my annual pap, I was told that I have fibroid tumors and an enlarged uterus:( . My doc is suggesting a hysterectomy but I want the option of more kids! I'm not sure what to do and I'm afraid that the prednisone is what caused the fibroids to get so large:huh: Has any one else had this problem???? I would really appreciate some advice!!
Thanks in advance!

Hi, sorry to here you have this problem at such a young age. I have had the same problem but I am nearly fifty, I am not sure if prednisone can cause fibroids to get worse but I found while I was on pred it was worse(could be a coincidence). Mine were really large and I was bleeding for nearly 8 months. I am also not sure if the bleeding and ITP was related.
I seen an excellent gyno and he advised on uterine embolization but as you are wanting more children this may not be for you as it can bring on menopause, I am thankful that it did for me.
I also know that from seeing him that there other treatments available for fibroids other than hysterectomy, I will find the info he gave to me and let you know.
Are the fibroids causing you any problems?

Endometrial Ablation
In some circumstances, hysteroscopic myomectomy is combined with another technique called endometrial ablation. During this procedure, the uterine lining (the endometrium) is destroyed, permanently stopping menstrual bleeding and preventing future pregnancy. This procedure is used when there is heavy bleeding and multiple fibroids. It is a more permanent solution for women who have completed childbearing. One study reported that after six years, only eight percent of women required followup treatment.
Endometrial ablation can be done using one of a variety of energy sources, including laser, microwave, electric current, heated fluid or freezing.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are sometimes used for a few months before the procedure, to thin the endometrium and reduce the size of the fibroids. The side effects of this medication include symptoms similar to menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, insomnia and weight gain. GnRH-a therapy can also weaken your bones.

This what I was thinking of, I have also taken the GnRH agonist that the speak of, made me feel a bit miserable but did help.

Please do not subject yourself to a hysterectomy at 25 without much research. There are natural treatments out there for fibroids. I know of one person using homeopathy for them right now. Just research, research, research. I am 41 and had a surgery when I was 21 that while it didn't interfere with my ability to have children, did interfere with my ability to nurse and to this day I regret not waiting to have it done. Even if you decide to never have children again, it's a decision best made while you have the ability instead of regretting later. I am shocked that a doctor would even recommend this for someone so young. Feel free to PM if you'd like to chat offline.

patti

I kind of had a feeling that something wasn't right, I am constantly bloated and noticed that no matter what i tried i wasn't able to lose the little "muffin top". My periods have been like clock work until last month and other then that, they only last about 3 to 4 days. I have experienced a lot of clotting but I don't consider myself as having extreme symptoms. I really don't want to do anything that will stop me from having children!

@ Patti, what homeopathic methods is your friend using??

Hi I totally agree with Patti if there is anything you can try before having a hysterectomy at 25 give it a shot. The fact that you are not having a lot of symptoms tells me you have time to try different things. Mine where really bad, constant pain, pressure and really bad bleeding to the extent of having blood transfusions this is why the surgery was needed.
Good luck with whatever you try and I would be interested in knowing how things go if you do try homeopathy.

At 30, I had a myonectomy to remove 4 large fibroids ranging in size from lime to grapefruit. Unfortunately I let myself get severely amemic and ended up with a trasfusion before we did something and the recovery took longer.

At 38, I started having heavy periods again and opted for the hyst, when they did the biosy there were several dozen fibroids invading the lining of the uterus. Of course, my decision was influenced by knowing my family history with Mom and Grandmother having fibroids and hysterectomy because of them. The first sign of ITP was that my platelets were 79 when they did the blood work for the surgery, but it was another 18 months before the diagnosis.

Now at 54, I don't regret for a single moment that I made that decision, given that the 11 day periods, clotting and bleeding was so significantly impacting the quality of my life. All three of my younger sisters have made the same discision in the intervening years.

It's definitely a very personal decision and you should explore all options and their impact on your lifestyle and planning. If you do eventually go the hyst route, let me give you the advise that the nurse for the older country doc gave my mom 40 years ago. You can let it upset you and weep and have spells, or you can decide that you are no less a woman and get on with a good and full life. How you deal with it is all in getting your head straight.

baiza85 wrote:

Hi, I am 25 years old and after my annual pap, I was told that I have fibroid tumors and an enlarged uterus:( . My doc is suggesting a hysterectomy but I want the option of more kids! I'm not sure what to do and I'm afraid that the prednisone is what caused the fibroids to get so large:huh: Has any one else had this problem???? I would really appreciate some advice!!
Thanks in advance!

The other thing you may want to look into is bio-identical progesterone. Fibroids are known to happen when progesterone is low. Most naturopathic doctors can order blood work for checking your progesterone. MD's and ND's work off of two different sets of numbers for what is considered "normal." So while an MD might say your are fine (especially if your low end of normal), and ND would likely say low end of MD normal is too low (especially since you're having issues with fibroids). Definitely worth checking into since it's a cheap and quick test to run.

@ Bunnie, Thank you for the advice, almost every woman in my family has had to have a hyst do to fibroids. They all tease my mom because so far she is the only one left besides myself. My reason for not wanting a hyst right now is more children. I have a 5 yr old and would love more kids. My periods arent awful besides clotting and usually only last 3 or 4 days. I've been doing research and think if i have to the myomectomy would be best for me.

@ Patti, I will def look into that, after i had my daughter, the doctor put me on birth control pills and I began having horrible periods that would last 8 to 10 days with very painful cramping. I stayed on them 4 months before I couldnt take it any more and things haven't been right since!