Dealing with ongoing medical conditions

[Laydee_G 78]

Apart from fantastic good looks (ha ha), I have also inherited inter-uterine fibroids from my mother's side of the family. Every female in my immediate family suffers with this and it is likely I have passed it on to my daughter who is in her early 20s and who suffers excruciating pain during her period. Apart from three of us the other sufferers have had hysterectomies.

At last check almost a year ago, I had three fibroids: one the size of an apple sitting on top of my cervix and the other two the size of plums in the back wall of my womb. I call it my uterine fruit bowl!

Although they are benign, these fibroids cause a lot of trouble: chronic anaemia, Fluid retention, reduced bladder control, pre-menstrual bloating, chronic back and pelvic pain, embarrassingly heavy periods which go on forever and, worst of all WEIGHT GAIN!!!!!!!!

It's a guarantee that halfway through my cycle I will feel my lower belly swelling up and the distention is clearly visible. The physical discomfort can affect my mood as can the tiredness from the anaemia (fibroids grow by being fed blood through the surrounding capillaries). Fibroids also thrive on high oestrogen levels, which according to my gynaecologist, is more likely to happen if you're overweight.

Ironically the treatments available in the UK are not considered effective for overweight women unless through hysterectomy. One treatment I underwent last year was being fitted with an Inter-uterine Device (IUD) which caused me to bleed every day for 6 months. In fact it became dislodged and was removed five days before I was sleeved.

My treatment of choice would be laser ablation because this does not involve surgery. I need to lose another 56 pounds before I'll be considered for that, but thankfully, since being sleeved this is a totally achievable goal.

That being said, the monthly weight gains are sometimes really hard to deal with. I'm doing the July 4th challenge and had lost 7 pounds in two weeks. When I weighed yesterday I had gained 5 pounds! I was depressed all day ...even though I know when my period arrives I will lose 8-10 pounds straight away.

However, staying upbeat and positive is the challenge with this condition and there are worse things I could be battling with, so onwards and upwards for Laydee G: I'm sticking with the challenge and am determined to reach my goal of 10 pounds lost by the last weigh-in on 6th July.

[Babbs 14,681]

Why not just get a hysterectomy? I had fibroids, too, so I had a full hysterectomy 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did! The surgery is pretty easy, too. No more periods! YAY

[moveandgroove 67]

I had similar issues - but I opted for a hysterectomy - this option is not for everyone. I just couldn't function for most weeks out of the month! Quality of life improved greatly. I am now almost 2 years post op from my sleeve - I wish you well and hopefully you will get the weight off so you can have your treatment done. Good luck - keep on your path and you will get there.

Edited June 24, 2015 by moveandgroove

[Laydee_G 78]

I have always been a believer in alternative health and can't tell you how long it took for me to decide to be sleeved!!

If I can do this without surgical intervention then I'll try just a bit longer.

[1SlimmerMe 122]

Have too had those problems and wanted to keep my uterus. About 7 years ago, I had an ablation and the cells grew back within 2 years. I had a second "Hydro-Derm" ablation almost 5 years ago and it has been WONDERFUL! You really have to figure out what works best for you. Talk to your doctor and get a list of options. Good luck!

[TammyDTM 391]

Girl, get that uterus out of you and get on with your life! Who wants to suffer all of that pain and frustration!?!

[Babbs 14,681]

I have always been a believer in alternative health and can't tell you how long it took for me to decide to be sleeved!!

If I can do this without surgical intervention then I'll try just a bit longer.

And I respect that

But I'm telling you, best thing I ever did, lol. Well, besides the sleeve

[LadyK44 263]

This for me is an issue too! Not sure why but I've been spending the last two years trying to keep my uterus. I'm hoping the last procedure worked.

[Laydee_G 78]

Have too had those problems and wanted to keep my uterus. About 7 years ago, I had an ablation and the cells grew back within 2 years. I had a second "Hydro-Derm" ablation almost 5 years ago and it has been WONDERFUL! You really have to figure out what works best for you. Talk to your doctor and get a list of options. Good luck!

Thank you so much for that affirmation. I do feel it's right to try non-surgical first and then hysterectomy as a last resort (rather like being sleeved!)

[Laydee_G 78]

Girl, get that uterus out of you and get on with your life! Who wants to suffer all of that pain and frustration!?!

True, Tammy but I will try non- surgery first. I hear you though!

[TammyDTM 391]

@@Laydee_G OK girl, you know what's right for you, I guess.

I had fibroids and I just couldn't take the pain any longer and I was missing so much work so I just got rid of the darn thing! I was done having kids so there just wasn't a need for it any more.

[NotMyCircus 19]

Due sisnsiejeisnsjxn

Edited August 17, 2015 by beerinmexico

[bdcsail 72]

I had the uterine ablation 5 years ago and haven't had a period yet. I had it at my top weight of 250 lbs what weight goal do you have to reach. Having 2 c-sections she said there was some risk but back up plan was a hysterectomy. I hope you are able to get it, it changed my life as much as the sleeve did. Can't even tell when I am ovulating now.