Fibroids

I wound up in the ER last night after an episode of severe stomach pain. I honestly thought I had a bleeding ulcer and I have never been in that much pain in my life! So I get to the ER, get registered and then go to the bathroom. What do I find? My period started(which was alarming since it just went off on Wednesday). I told the doctor this and since my pain was only on my left side they did a pelvic exam and ultrasound(fun times).  Turns out I have a fribroid on the left side of my uterus-a big one according to the doctor. I was also told that fibroids usually don't cause pain-which I still have today but no where near as severe. I'm concerned since I dont have kids yet and I still have pain(since I also had diarrhea I can't eat solid food until the pain is gone) and I'm not looking forward to another surgery! Has anyone else had/have fibroids? My mom and sister had them--my mom's shrunk after menopause and my sister had hers surgically shrunk(and she put the fear of God in me last nite!). Any responses are appreciated!

I did also have fibroids (all through my uterus which enlarged it to about a 6 week pregnancy) ...and also went to the ER with extreme pain; however, mine was due to problems with my fallopian tub and a benign mass on my ovary.  I ended up having to have all of it removed...but thankfully I have three beautiful daughters already.  I know that this isn't offering a "light of hope" for your situation, but I posted it to have you have a doctor look in other areas. 

Thanks-every bit of information helps. I like to know the good, bad, and ugly!

I had fibroids.  I feel for you!  My periods were so heavy and painful I couldnt leave the house for days.  I had to have them removed and was fortunate that the surgery went well. However, becasue of the location of the fibroid the surgeon could not do it laproscopicly -it was an open surgery.

Fibbroids can be extremely painful......I'm glad you are feeling better! Good luck to you.

My periods became heavy and painful as well a few years ago-I got an ultrasound then but no fibroids.  After RNY they again became heavy and painful-I chalked it up to the surgery. I will have to find out the location of my fibroid-I've been doing research all morning and found that they can grow in a few different spots. I'm glad your removal went well!

fibroids suck.  I'm sorry you are suffering so.

I had to have a hysterectomy at age 32 (no kids) because of multiple fibroids.  They were causing pain and were causing heavy bleeding that, because I was on blood thinners, was extra problematic.  Hopefully now (my surgery was in 1995) they have better ways to deal with them.

Lora

There are procedures that can preserve fertility depending on the severity of the fibroids.  Right now I only have one so I'm thinking if I deal with it now it will be better for me in the long run.

My first fibroid surgery was in 1974 when they removed a grapefruit sized tumor from a pedestil on top of my uterous.  My second baby was a C-sec because of fibroids which were part of the uterene wall.  I had a hysterectomy in my late 40's due to heavy periods which kept coming closer and closer together.  I had pain from the first one but no pain from the others, other than my period being hard and long.
Good luck.  All of my experience was years ago and I'm sure treatments have changed.

Thank you to all who have posted and shared. The different perspectives and outcomes have been most helpful!