Kept fluctuating between calling this page Guestbook or Feedback. I like the latter because it sounds a little more geeky and a lot more interactive.
Some ideas: (trying not to sound like a writing assignment)
- Is the site helpful? Entertaining? Goofy? Odd? Another adjective?
- What’s your favorite post?
- How did you find (stumble upon) this site?
- Did you find what you were looking for here?
- Anything else you would like to see here?
- (Bonus) What pops into your brain when you hear the word geek?
Also, if you find a link that doesn’t work or something on the site seems awfully confusing, let me know! Share your thoughts.
Need to reach EclecticGeek?
Visit the Contact page.
September 5, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Geek = smart so Geek with Fibroids caught my attention as I thought it would be a site webmastered by a smart women with fibroids …or really really really into the topic of ‘broids…
ok still pealing back and reading though all the layers of this site LOL
I stumbled upon this wed site while googling fibroid forums when I got home from the hostipal. Its helpful, informative and entertaining. It’s actually the first forum I have posted to about ‘broids . Most forums “feel” stuffy – I would read and gather info and that is it. I worried about rambling on and then getting an email from the “lunch lady” stating ” STOP rambling on this site!!” ..I found myself checking my email after posting here…LOL seriously..I love the humor and it is helping me to heal spirtually by allowing me a place to “tell my story/talk about my experience since it was a positive one” without just telling it (something about talking about major life changing events (yes life will change back to normal now) really feels good because I have probably worn out hubby and my sisters talking about it. This forum provides a place where I can help eduate and inform other women as I could not find some of the information I am sharing on other web sites
September 5, 2006 at 10:31 pm
…and then you got here and thought “wrong about that one but I’ll wander around anyway”. LOL (sorry, couldn’t resist)
Thank you for the compliments. When I first started the site, I thought it would be basically one-sided. Just like what you said. I thought people would read, gather info, get a good laugh, think I was odd, and then move on. When women started commenting, I was surprised. When women started telling their stories, I was amazed.
The information exchange is so helpful. You can get stuff here but you can also leave stuff. You can get help but also help others. Most of the time, people leaving comments probably don’t even realize it. They think they are rambling or venting but there are “nuggets of wisdom” in the words. Every women is “smart” or a “geek” when it comes to their experience. Every women with the desire to share should have the opportunity to share. I am glad you feel comfortable and have picked this place to tell your story. Thank you.
September 6, 2006 at 5:33 am
When I was diagnosed with a fibroid the size of a melon I could not find any useful information about what I was about to face and then found you on Google! The whole site from the funny blogs to the useful links (and pictures too!!) has been invaluable to me over the past few weeks and has helped me through all my diagnostic tests over the last month. For that I can’t thank you enough.
Unfortunately, I don’t know whether my time visiting this site is short lived as my diagnosis has now been amended since my MRI from fibroid to tumour/cyst/big thing taking over my ovary!! I think I will miss it – well I actually think I will keep revisiting under false pretences as the general advice and experiences that you and your visitors are having will still apply. I am booked in to have a laporotomy (vertical anywhere between my belly button down which could be up to 11 inches!!) on the 28th September to remove my 17×15x10cm mass and one of my ovaries/attached tubes. Even my consultant commented on how big it was! I’m hoping all will go well and I can avoid having a full hysterectomy so if anyone else out there has any advice that would help that would be great.
Good luck to all of us is what I say!!
September 6, 2006 at 6:00 pm
I’m happy that the site has been so helpful to you. When I saw the comment from another post about your MRI experience, I just had to smile. I now wonder if any musician has taken the actual sounds of an MRI scanner and made a song. Hmmm. Perhaps I’ll add that to my list of things to look up when I have a spare moment.
Whew. I thought you were leaving us. Yes, you must continue to drop by. I’m still adding stuff and have a couple ideas for the future. My visitors (including you) add their expertise. The site is always growing, changing, evolving and this is exciting. Keep checking as I am working on better connecting those with questions with those with answers.
Thank you for sharing your experiences here and best wishes with your upcoming procedure.
September 10, 2006 at 2:19 pm
I “tripped” over your web site while searching for how you get stomach pain from iron pills…..what a kick of a web site and informative to boot!
I was anemic and told to take iron which when tested it was found to solve my low iron problem. What I didn’t know was that it was killing my stomach — I had such pain that I would drink water and get pain. It was diagnosed as the disorder du jour : GERD. So I took all kinds of GERD medicine and it made my throat hurt and didn’t stop my stomach from hurting. After months of doctors, my HUSBAND (a physicist by training, a businessman for career) suggested we look at everything I ate and voila, came up with the iron as the problem.
So I am now pain free…..but reading your web site made me think of how many people are given medicine to stop problems when the problem may be something as simple as a vitamin.
Thanks for your great writing style….and good luck with you gynecological problems, with your attitude (and brain power) you will most assuredly crack that nut !!
September 10, 2006 at 3:53 pm
Sometimes it’s hard to make those connections between events we see as isolated. For you, it was your stomach pain and the iron pills. For me, it was my fibroids and severe anemia. Fortunately, with the help of your husband, a good hypothesis, and the process of elimination, you were able to solve your problem. That you are now without pain is good news. As you pointed out, we all need to be aware of what we do and how it affects us.
The whole thing revolves around medical information. How do we get it to people who need it at the right time and in the right format? Big issue that needs to be addressed across all health conditions.
I’m glad you “tripped” over and landed here. Someone recently (today) left a comment about getting home after surgery and being put on iron pills. I responded but after reading your GERD adventure, I will go back to that comment and add an iron pill info link. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I appreciate the compliments and well wishes! Take care.
October 11, 2006 at 9:46 am
Hi EclecticGeek, I must thank and congratulate you for creating such a helpful website, it has been a lot of help for me during the process of recovering from the ab myomectomy, I had been looking info in the web for a while and I must say no other site has been as useful. It is great to be able to read the feedback of people that are going through the same process and learn from them. Thank you again and god bless you.
October 22, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Hey Ele!
Thank you for the very kind words. So glad the site helped. I appreciate you continuing to stop by and contributing in the Abdominal Myomectomy thread. Best wishes as you continue with your recovery.
December 9, 2006 at 1:01 am
Thank you for your web site…it has given me a lot to think about. I also want to thank the women who have shared their experiences.
December 11, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Hi Cheryl,
You’re welcome. I hope you were able to find the information you needed. I’ll also take a moment to thank the women here who share. Their experiences are an important part of this blog.
Thanks for your visit! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
January 18, 2007 at 6:28 pm
After doing research and trying a few things even NORETHRINE I think my Dr was trying to KILL me,the side affects were terrible.I am now taking FIBROVAN and Progesterone cream .I find it to work the best..I really feel a difference..I also take fish oils….Dont try to many things you will never know what works..Also keep that colon clean it helps alot. Also get rid of the products with Parabens in them……GOOD LUCK Ladies.ENDO is a monster……….DEBRA
January 18, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Debra,
I have a post on alternative therapy where we are discussing the SCIENCE behind various treatments. You can add your thoughts there:
Is there a natural alternative therapy or treatment for uterine fibroids?
Keep in mind that there are NO clinical studies on Google Scholar or PubMed demonstrating the safety or effectiveness of Fibrovan and it isn’t approved by the FDA for anything. From Fibrovan’s site:
My site is science-based and I’m inquisitive. Do you have tangible evidence of anything you stated? If so, please share that as well as your research. Thanks!
January 18, 2007 at 7:46 pm
FDA you still believe in them people..Do the research read on what women have went through surgery after surgery.hormones and more hormones..there is no cure for ENDO or fibroids they will return if you still have a period..Dont let them cut you up.Try the FIBROVAN and PROGESTERONE cream.What ya got to loose……..Get in tune with your bodies..It takes time but I have been on FIBROVAN for 2 wks and I will stick with it..Sometimes we are so discouraged and just want the pain to go away that we give up to quickly.TRY THE FIBROVAN……Your FRIEND…..If I could afford it I would buy it for every female in my family……There are enough chemicals out there today….GO NATURAL………..RESEARCH LADIES RESEARCH…………….
January 18, 2007 at 8:19 pm
As a matter of fact, I do believe in the Food and Drug Administration. While in graduate school, I was fortunate enough to complete two semester-long courses that analyzed the entire FDA product development/drug approval process. I am the first to admit that the government agency is not perfect but I am much more comfortable using products/procedures that have been approved (or at least being evaluated) by them. Also, when dealing with my health, I will continue to seek guidance from practitioners with the education and training to best benefit me.
I also advocate that women research their treatment options. That is why I created a References page full of credible online medical/research resources.
January 18, 2007 at 8:47 pm
It is your choice.Where has it gotten you…….I believe there are some drugs out there also that are truly needed insulin etc also..But we are talking about a disease-condition related to hormones and as far as I know the FDA isnt hitting on much at this time…Are you aware of the Estrogen dominance today and the problems that arise from it..How old are you..Are you close to menopause……Dont get so caught up in the statistics…The research is out there our bodies havent changed in millions of yrs.only the environment…THINK ABOUT IT……Only thing a Dr can do for you is meds,surgery and support and alot of times it can be a great thing if it works…Heart surgery and fixing a broken leg is great,but try and tune a car you have never driven it is almost impossible….I really hope ya get your answers…Thanks for caring…….
January 18, 2007 at 9:04 pm
I humbly suggest that you take a moment and read the blog. By informing myself using credible medical references and with the help of great doctors, I made sound medical decisions based on my case and I’m much healthier today because I did just that.
Yes, I am aware of estrogen dominance. Please see this post:
What are the risk factors or causes of uterine fibroid tumors?
Read the blog. Everything you’re asking is here.
[Edited to add: Here's a link to the About page for those who want to know more about me. Take care.]
January 19, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Sorry but I dont have time to read this whole BLOG and most of what I do read is alot of women with pain, surgeries, and heavy periods etc. All kinds of test you name it.What about people who dont have any insurance.What about those people?……As far as I can tell your BLOG consist of womens stories.We all have one.Thats not the problem or the cure for it.Get the word out about Estrogen dominace to these young women before it is to late,it seems to be the root of the problem and then again maybe some womens bodies are just genetically inclined to have Fibroids. Got any research on that one?…..If you were allergic to grass would ya roll in it…….I would surely try Fibrovan before someone cuts on me, that is if the fibroids havent gotten to big by now..If they had only known of Estrogen dominance sooner maybe things would be different………….
January 19, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Yeah, I guess you didn’t read this post:
What are the risk factors or causes of uterine fibroid tumors?
It’s a review of this paper:
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyomas: A Review
The article talks about estrogen. Oh, but wait… it’s SCIENCE and you have no time for that. If you would actually check Google Scholar or PubMed, you would see that there are many papers on the issues you raise. For example, there are microarray studies looking at genetic patterns.
As I stated on the Forum page, I look for science and you present none. I hope you are able to find a blog that focuses on endometriosis. I think your experience would be most helpful there. This blog is for those dealing with fibroid issues.
Thanks for your visit and best wishes!
January 25, 2007 at 7:24 pm
I am severly anemic hemoglobin 8 from a years worth of flooding during my period which went from 5 days of heavy to 8 days of extra heavy. I have a submucosal fibroid which was recently
diagnosed that I want out of me ASAP. The problem is they won’t operate until my
iron levels are way up….seeing a hemotologist tomorrow to see what she suggests.
The Drs. do not want to put me on Lupron etc. because of a past history of
non invasive breast cancer this includes all hormonal therapies, even the “natural ”
progesterone creams. The symptoms of anemia are getting really frightening…
heart palpitations, brain fog etc. Does anyone know how long it will take for me to
rebuild my blood? I appreciate your insight as I can see there will be light on the other
side of this tunnel but right now I am fighting just to stay out of the hospital.
Does anyone know about Chromgen Forte? A midwife suggested it as the best supplement.
Thank you. I appreciate the dialogue and shared experiences.
January 29, 2007 at 11:29 am
Hi angela,
I had a similar experience. Had to get my blood level up for the Hysteroscopic Myomectomy before my UFE. You can read more about my experience on the About page. I used Chromagen Forte + Lupron for 3 months and worked on incorporating more iron into my diet. My hemoglobin increased from 6.7 to 11.2. I started to feel better after about a month. My bleeding slowed down but didn’t stop completely while I was on Lupron (spotted often). This makes me believe that the Chromagen Forte was really doing its job. I’ll include a few posts that I hope you find helpful:
Uterine fibroid tumors and anemia?
Big fat purple iron pills to treat my anemia
The first post talks about symptoms and ways to add iron to the diet. Interesting molasses discussion included. The second post is about Chromagen Forte specifically.
I know how scary anemia can be but help is on the way. Focus on getting as healthy as you can and preparing yourself for surgery. This is what kept me sane (or close to it) for those 3 months. Please post again if you have additional concerns. Take care.
February 1, 2007 at 9:22 am
I wish I had know about the Chromagen last year. I had a hemoglobin count of 6.0 last March which prohibited me from getting surgery then. I am a bad pill taker so (argh taking iron).
I think what really pulled my numbers down was a 3 month jag where I had my period EVERY DAY.
(I spent so much money on tampons and maxi pads during that time I could have bought a great pair of shoes on sale or regular price with the money I spent.)
The rate of nonstop pour was horrific. I could not sit still of over 40 minutes with out changing.
I did not realize I was anemic until I got bronchitus could not get better and had a blood test taken. (I am not sure why no one commented on the fact that my eating 8 pounds of ice a week was kinda strange. ) during this time I used to tell my mom and my boy friend that I felt like someone drained all of the blood out of my body.. how ironic(no pun intended)
What is comforting to know is that I am not ditzy dumb or losing my mind. I was so anemic for so long that … I just thought was supossed to rest after showering(lol) Or it was normal to get confused doing basic things..or forgetting things like my keys in the door all the time in my haste to lay down.
With all that said.. I am now at 13 as of last week. My periods are not what they were so that i am sure is saving me.. One dietary point I might offer is to eat lot of green food. In addition to taking your iron. The foods that are green have more natural iron and other vitamins that we need. Plus the fiber you get from eating alot of leafy green foods will help the chronic constipation.
February 3, 2007 at 4:21 pm
I stumbled across this site after looking for info on my mother-in-laws leiomyoma,
after looking through several of the pages i ask for your help and guidance.
please feel free to move this post to wherever it should be.
I m a full time carer to my mother-in-law who was diagnosed with her fibroid way way back in 1991 when it was the size of a melon, surgical attempts to remove it failed as the bleeding was so excessive they could’nt continue.
this scared my MIL so much she decided to suffer with the pain rather than chance dying on the surgeons table, however….. since then her fibroid has grown to an estimated weight of 8-9 stones,,, or if you use pounds= 112-126lbs or kgs =51-57kgs
now by any way you look at weight, this thing is a monster, and has left my MIL unable to move around her own home, unable to look after herself as regards her personal hygeine etc etc etc………….. her life consists basically of being lay on a giant beanbag on the floor of the lounge in front of the TV.
Why wont the doctors help i hear you ask … well, the hospital have tried on several occasions to get her in and give her another scan to look at surgical possibilities,,, but she couldnt attend 3 of the 4 appointments given due to flawed transport arrangments from the hospital, and the 4th attempt she couldnt attend as no dye was sent for her to take.
the Hospital now refuse to treat her as they say she’s “wasted enough of their time”
so she’s left to suffer..
I know this is probably the wrong place to post this, but i am really looking for helpful comments as regards forcing the UK NHS service to get off its backside and help her have a chance of a normal life.
any comments, suggestions wil be greatly appreciated.
February 4, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Hi gobbymunchkin,
I’m so sorry your mother-in-law is dealing with such a severe case. I cannot even imagine the magnitude of difficulty she is experiencing. Thank you for caring for her and being a source of support. I created a separate post for those with loved ones dealing with fibroids. Feel free to leave comments there as well.
I don’t know much about the UK health care system so you may end up having to walk me through the process a bit. How do you arrange to see a doctor? How do you skip all that in case of emergency?
Maybe we can figure out a way to bypass the red tape and have something done directly. Also, I do get UK visitors that will hopefully have suggestions.
Keep posting and let’s see what we can do. Take care.
February 6, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Hi Earnise,
Thanks for keeping your sense of humor. I can definitely relate to your experience. I also was severely anemic. Resting after showering. That was me, too! Dang. Forgetful? I couldn’t even complete sentences. I would lose the thought right in the middle. LOL
Those were the days. So glad you are better now. I have a post about fibroids and anemia. Feel free to leave your thoughts (especially your ice craving) there as well:
Uterine fibroid tumors and anemia?
Thanks for your comment!
February 8, 2007 at 9:06 am
I’ve only had a first whizz around the site but couldn’t help drop in a couple of posts. It is a friendly site & well organised. The different sub-topics you have broken it down into work really well. It seems to work a bit better than traditional group or forum-based sites in terms of finding info. I hope to be able to check it out frequently. Do you have a place for links other than your references? If so you could put this UK link in as there seem to be a couple of UK folks http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fibroid/
Geeks – I think of Napolean Dynamite I guess! I am a scientist too. The three consultants I have seen have commented that I was “well-informed”. I might have been, due to sites like this (thanks to you & contributors!!), but it still doesn’t help any.
February 10, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Hi nic,
Just when I think my visitors aren’t finding the information I post, I get a comment like yours. I really appreciate the feedback. I’m still working on ways to make things more accessible but it’s good to hear that you can find your way around.
I have general links on the References page. Decided not to list any fibroid-specific sites on that page. I mention fibroid sites in individual posts. Visitors also leave links in their comments. This seems to work since much of my traffic comes from search engines. Specific pages are returned in search results. Links posted by visitors are seen.
You are right about the UK. When I first started my blog, most of my traffic came from the UK, Canada, and Australia. I found that fascinating since I’m sitting right here in the US. Now (depending on the day), anywhere from 25-40% of my visitors are from outside of the US. Mostly from the UK, Canada, and Australia but from many other countries as well. I am thankful that I get the opportunity to speak with women from all over the world. Ah yes, the power of the Internet.
Scientist, huh? Yay, another geek!
Being informed helps me. I love knowing the science behind stuff. When I reach a point of mental preparedness not being enough, my spirit kicks in. I like the balance.
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to your visits.
February 10, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Hi,
Thanks for this awesome site. I have a large fibroid that hasn’t caused me trouble in over a year but just this weekend began a flooding/clotting episode that has lasted three days so far, I’m afraid to go out of the house but have to get back to work. It’s so reassuring to hear your experience and everyone elses here, we’re not alone. I became involved with the Fibroid Foundation, founded by a group of women including Dr. Elizabeth Stewart who is now leading the Fibroid center at Mayo Clinic. I wanted to pass along the link in case others are interested. It’s still in its infancy but worth supporting to advocate for better treatment for fibroids, here’s the url: http://www.fibroidfoundation.org.
Thanks again.
Betsy
February 12, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I wish I would have found this discussion group before I had my surgery. I’m four weeks post op and just started back to work today. Fibroid free, your story sounds like a carbon copy of mine, execpt for the fact when I got opened up on the OR table, my ob/gyn found four large fibroids (non maligant) and a nearly two pound tumor attached to my left ovary. It was maliginant, but thank God, I didn’t need chemo or radiation and I can (hopefully) have more children if I wish.
I had never heard of fibroids until I got diagnosed with them (eight years ago, before I became pregnant), and when I decided to have surgery (4 months ago) and started disussing it with my family, I found out that between my blood realtives and in-laws, 6 women had suffered from them and had them surgically removed.
Having them removed was the best decision I ever made. I could have gone on for months with a cancer growing inside me that could have possibly taken my life. When my daughter begins to go through puberty, I’ll make sure that she knows about her predisposition to these growths and to not ignore them.
Thanks,
Joyce
February 13, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Hi there, boy am I glad I found you all.
Actually I was trying to find out when I could start swimming again, I am 13 days post op and feeling like I want to get rid of my interesting but not fascinating, new muffin top belly. (Not really compolaining as I got rid of that big alien lump that used to stick up even when the rest of me was lying down. How much does a 15cm fibroid weigh anyway? That was question one.
I am feeling pretty good and felt pretty good right away after surgery except for the obvious pains and attachments and oh yeah the wind on about the 3rd day, woah that was pretty full on. the wind was probably worse than the pain after the operation, which thanks to self administered morphine drip thing was manageable, didn’t need it too much except when I wanted to fart and couldn’t ha. But I must say getting as fit as I could before the op was a good idea, even just swimming 1 km (with a snorkel so no potential drowning incidents) a day helped and probably stopped my lungs from collapsing, (they were pretty amazed in hospital considering I am a bit of a smoker, not heavy though)
Ok what is the muffintop belly thing from? Will it go away or is this my new shape? When can I swim again without doing damage to internal stitches?
I am glad I found this blog/sight/thing whatever it is we are on, pretty hard to find answers to a lot of questions. But after reading everyone elses commentaries I found I didn’t have as many questions as before. THANK YOU GOILS XXX
February 22, 2007 at 10:07 am
Thank you so much for making this site!!!!! I was feeling so lost and hopeless thinking about this fibroid growing inside me. I had no idea until I went to the ER with horrible pains in my left side. They did a CAT scan and found this blob. I went to the gyno who said I have a 10 inch fibroid in my uterus. I then had an ultasound and saw the fibroid. My uterus is the size of a 20 week pregnancy. I am 36 and thought that it was just me getting a big middle like the other women in my family. My doctor wants to cut me vertically down my stomach and more than likely take out the uterus. I am attached to my uterus and would like to have a child. I got one shot of Lupron and he wants to operate in 6 weeks. He said he won’t know what’s going on in there until he gets in there. I feel very uncomfortable about this, crying every day and thinking what if… I am going to get a second opinion in 2 weeks. I would love to hear about others who have had a big honking fibroid and what they did. Thank you!!
February 25, 2007 at 9:29 am
Hi Ashley,
I understand your situation perfectly. I too had a 10 cm fibroid that, after much blood, sweat and tears (literally!), I decided to remove via an abdominal myomectomy. This procedure preserves the uterus and other reproductive organs and removes only the fibroids. A horizontal incision is made at or just below the bikini line. Recovery time varies – I was able to get back to my desk job for 1/2 days after 2-1/2 weeks; others take 4 to 6 weeks off. Visit the ["How are you feeling after your Abdominal Myomectomy"] threads and get a better feel for this particular procedure. There is also a great [thread on Lupron] with comments from ladies who are also taking that route. I am sure they can answer any questions you may have. Good luck to you!
[Edited by EclecticGeek to add links. Thanks!]
March 4, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Betsy:
I’m sorry you are experiencing the flooding/clotting episodes. I can relate to that. I also would be afraid to leave my house.
Good to hear you are getting involved. This issue needs all the attention it can get!
Take care.
Joyce:
You bring up a very good point. It is important for women in families to talk about their experiences. I am blessed to have my grandmother who is still very open about the fibroid symptoms and surgery she had. It helps to this day. I hope more women with fibroids will talk to family members and get good discussions going.
I’m so glad things turned out so well for you!
fifimay:
You found these posts ages ago but I’ll stick them here for those reading along:
How are you feeling after your Abdominal Myomectomy? (part 3)
Muffin top? What’s a muffin top and how do I just make it go away?
Thanks for being such an active contributor!
ashley:
I hope you were able to find the pages that Tina mentioned. There are also some other topics listed on the Forum page. I know this seems overwhelming but you aren’t alone. Please keep us updated.
Tina:
Thanks for your help as always!
March 5, 2007 at 2:44 pm
hello i posted when i first found out about my tumor i was so scared and i couldnt realy find info your site helped i am currently watchful waiting and have heard of U O Clear an herbal medication that is supposed to be guaranteed to work??? anyone heard of this also when i first posted i gave my whole name when my mom googled me she saw my question how could i go about taking my full name off this post? my mom has heart trouble and dont want to worry her .
thanks reba
March 12, 2007 at 11:39 am
i am preparing to take medical action with my fibroid that has grown to 12cm, yikes. my very recent and long awaited mri showed a necrosis center because it is getting too big for it’s britches. can it simply die off from here without embolization?
March 12, 2007 at 8:57 pm
reba:
I’m glad the site helped. I do have a watchful waiting page if you would like to leave comments there:
Are you following the “Watchful Waiting” fibroid treatment option?
I also have a page on alternative therapy:
Is there a natural alternative therapy or treatment for uterine fibroids?
I can’t find any information on the product you mentioned other than what is on their web site. I tried both Google Scholar and PubMed but can’t find any research on it. The advice I give to those interested in alternative medicine is to seek help from properly trained and licensed practitioners.
I removed your full name off of the post last week. If you like, I can change your name completely just in case you’re still concerned. Let me know.
just jillian:
Remember, fibroids are living tissue: What are uterine fibroid tumors?
Here’s a link that talks a little about degenerating fibroids and a quote:
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
You would still need to talk to a health care provider about your options since your fibroid is degenerating.
Please keep us updated on your condition.
March 13, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Ecclectic geek
Have I thanked you yet for creating this great site??? It has kept me sane and answered so many questions. I do wish I had found it before my ab myo. More so for other women as I am a natural sceptic and always discuss every diagnosis and treatment for any ailment with my GP. She is very supportive of my attitude and my cross use of western and chinese medicine, and other natural methods of self healing. Basically what works for me. But there are those who don’t know it is ok to question and discuss alternative and traditional methods of treatment with their practitioner, and if not given info about other options ie. abdominal myoectomy versus hysterectomy, just go ahead and do what they are told without question, without realising that sometimes you can keep your plumbing.
I am also naturally inquisitive and don’t take everything doctors say for granted. I question things and was a typical “why” child. I am worried for women who don’t question other possibilities because they don’t know they exist. Particularly immigrants who may not speak the language or come from a 3rd world country where they may be less informed.
I found out about abdominal myomectomy after I was told my fibrids were pendunculated (on stalks), so I thought surely there must be a way to remove them without removing my uterus which otherwise was healthy (my opinion). Considering I had periods like clockwork, I had the feeling a hysterectomy would be a convenience for the doctor but not for me.
In my case, lucky I am intuitive with my body and inquisitive, and some would even say a pain in the arse. Which by the way has served me well.
Thank you EG and all who have posted.
March 29, 2007 at 4:17 pm
hey EccleticGeek
Thanks for having the new robotics topic. I don’t see it listed in the forums section (maybe my eyes are bugging out), maybe you can add it in.
El
March 29, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Hey there!
Geek has a very positive, intelligent connotation for me — my husband is an engineer and has taught me the difference between a “nerd” and a “geek” (geek being a complimentary term).
My husband is actually the one who found this website while I was busy weeping uselessly on the couch after I found out I’d have to have an AM. It’s been fantastic.
As for suggestions, I think that when someone shares information about something like healing from hysterectomy or perhaps the muffin top issue, that a mention of her age and whether or not she’s had kids would be helpful. I don’t mean that to sound awful — I’m so glad that we’re all here to help each other and valud all the contributions I’ve read. It’s just that, as a young woman, I’ve found it difficult to sift through the comments in these areas and figure out which womens’ experiences will most closely match my own, especially because I’ve been using that as a datapoint to try to choose between a hysterectomy and an AM. The body heals differently at 33 than at 53 or even 43.
April 4, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I’m struggling with alarming bleeding and clots, 2 months after having a fibroid removed via a D&C. I can’t get answers from my doctor, this is the first place I’ve found with some information about why this might be happening to me. I keep calling the doctor as the bleeding gets more alarming – the doctor keeps just telling me to continue taking my medicine. I do, things get worse. So, I haven’t known what to think, thought maybe I was over-reacting… I’m glad to stumble across this site and find out there are others out there whom this happens to, and some reasons why. And, you’re still alive! The bleeding I’ve had has been so sudden and so severe, I haven’t known if I should go to the emergency room or what.
I’m rambling, but I’m just so relieved to find this site I could cry.
April 6, 2007 at 2:15 am
Hi J,
yes we’ve been there, and we’ve survived. But I do notice that some women become anemic because they bleed a lot over a long period of time, and then others like me have bled a lot over a really short period of time. That was the scariest for me…to be afraid to go to sleep for fear of bleeding to death.
You say you have alarming clots… but all of that is relative… try to figure out a way to quantify your blood loss…what I used to think was alarming, was in retrospect no big deal since I’ve had many clots the size of my whole hand, and I have a large hand! So if you haven’t had a blood count, get one, maybe your doctor will take you more seriously then. Or figure out a way to somehow document what you’ve lost (gross, but I put my clots in a measuring cup one night, and estimate that that amount plus what I lost earlier in the night was about a quart!) I really should have gone to the emergency room when I started to feel faint…. don’t let it get that bad.
Maybe you should ask your doctor how bad it has to get… I mentioned in another post that I found out taking ibuprofen really works to help cut down on bleeding…so you may want to try that.
good luck!
Amy
April 6, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I love this site, except my 2cents was never published. Makes me wonder what else is not allowed in the discussion
April 7, 2007 at 10:48 am
Hello,
I am a clinical herbalist and studying to be a naturopath. I own a health food store in Georgetown, SC and I have had had many consults in regards to this and I had some of these experiences myself. I found that Rasberry tea…(Rasberry leaf) 3 cups a day for a month absolutely stopped the clotting and heavy flow…It is awesome and it is a wonderful uterine toner! It has worked for me and for many of my customers! You can get it normally at any good health food store and it is a wonderful thing for any woman to do for herself!
Peace!
May 31, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Thank you for this blog. So much of the information I have read on UAE was written by hospital publicists “most women return to normal activities in four days”. This is one of the few places where I’ve been able to get real information that goes beyond a statistic in a medical journal. I’m in recovery now. It’s been 8 days since my UAE. Now I am looking for information about when I can expect to feel better.
Keep up the good work!
June 30, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Hi EG,
I just pop in from time to time and take a look see. The site looks great! Well done! The best of health to you!
Tina
August 1, 2007 at 1:23 am
Cool…
August 1, 2007 at 11:18 am
Nice…
August 1, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Hi, I just had my surgery on the 24th of july 07, I think it is the worst pain that you can wake up to. I discovered that i had a fibroid from normal check after i complained to my Dr. from a bloating that i felt always and the top of my stomack was always hard. so she checks my doing an ultrasound through the vigina, she found 2 in side the utiris, and she decided to give me some treatment before we do the surgery. I had 5 CSECTONS in 10 years already and i was scared to go for a nother surgery, so she puts me on birth control bills to minimise the growth of the fibroids it worked.
August 1, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Hi,
I just had my surgery on the 24th of July 07; I think it is the worst pain that you can wake up to after the surgery. I discovered that I had a fibroid from normal check after I complained to my Dr. from a bloating that I felt always and the top of my stomach was always hard. So she checks me by ultrasound through the vigina, she found 2 inside the uterus, and she decides to give me some treatment before we do the surgery. I had 5 CSECTONS in 10 years already and I was scared to go for another surgery, so she puts me on birth control bills to minimize the growth of the fibroids it worked. I was ok with it even though in a couple of months I started feeling the pain in my back if I only stand for 5 minutes, and the pain in the back of my legs. What made the decision to do the surgery was a bout a month ago I was bleeding so heavy with huge clots that I ended by going to the ER. By the time I got there my blood pressure was 60/40… So I did the surgery I am recovering now the fibroids are out and only the uterus was removed so I am not sure what to expect now. I am still in bed rest with the pain medicine, today I went and the staples was removed, Dr. said all looks ok and normal, I guess I would have to wait and see if this was the write treatment or not, I am hoping it is because it is a lot of pain, I think it is more painful than my 5 sections pain put together.
August 7, 2007 at 5:37 am
Nice!
September 15, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hello
Very interesting information! Thanks!
G’night
December 14, 2007 at 2:18 pm
My Geeky Gal,
Two words: Thank you. No, five words…Thank you so very much. My dr. just diagnosed me with fibroids a week ago after 2 years of very odd and painful symptoms 2 other gynos could never explain. I have my ultrasound/consultation on the 20th. At my last dr. appt, she gave me a novel worth of info about Lupron. I am scared to death of that stuff-but if it is what is best for me then i am all for it!
Little history for ya: I am 24 years old-getting married in August and planning for the future (can ya hear that pitter patter, cause I do!). My mom had a hysterectomy last year due to her larger than life fibroids and ovarian cysts (being tride and true Southern gals-we describe it as the size of 2 sweet potatoes in a sack). I’m getting my info from a variety of sources, but thanks to you-I feel much more at ease. I forwarded your blog to my wonderful fiance who is being so supportive-he has a laundry list of questions for the doctor after reading some of your blogs!
Again, thank you and I appreciate any advice you have for a fibroid newbie.
-Cass
February 4, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Hi everyone,
I’m in my second week of post-UFE recovery. I’m not having much pain, just a lot of constipation and fatigue. I was severely anemic before the surgery (bleeding/hemorhaging daily for 2 months up til the actual moment of surgery). I’m extremely tired now, but back at work now on day 11 after my surgery. I am butt tired and wondering if anyone has experienced extreme fatigue associated with severe anemia. Any idea how long the fatigue last and/or is it anemia dependent? Thanks, in advance.
Sonia
April 29, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Hi everyone….what a great site! After 3 years of seeing several different doctors who said that I was fine, I found out that I had a fibroid the size of a baseball.
So, I got a Lupron shot and had surgery. Then I was told that I have a Endo and a cyst the size of a golf ball on my ovary…..I told my husband that I’m a sports store!
Right now I’m looking for alternatives. I would prefer not to have surgery again. Has anyone heard of Fivrovan? My husband and I would really love to have a child but I feel my clock is running out of time. Any suggestions?
Good luck to everyone, this sort of thing is a bummer but it is good to know that there are proactive and optimistic people out there dealing with the same sort of things. Blessings to all
Prudence
December 18, 2008 at 7:11 pm
HEllo all. Im 24yrs old and recently found out that i have the fiborids.in which in the last two months it has grown 15cm. Im anmeic.and ver scared. Can anyone offered any advice
December 19, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Hi Leah,
I think almost everyone is scared when they find out that they have fibroids. The first thing to know is that there are many treatments available. Every woman is different and we all have different financial resources — so you will have to make your decisions based upon what you want and what you can afford. The first question is whether you want to have children — and by that I mean “give birth to children” as opposed to adopting them. Hysterectomy is the only fool-proof cure for fibroids — although even some of us who don’t want to have children have opted to keep our uteruses. You should also be aware that there are various types of hysterectomies — some take out everything, others leave in the fallopian tubes, and they can remove uterus in various ways — with larger or smaller incisions — so if you opt for it, you should ask your doctor questions about what type you are getting.
Other options include myomectomy (which only removes the tumor), focussed ultrasound (which uses intense ultrasound to heat up and kill the tumor), and embolization (which cuts the blood supply to the tumor and kills it that way). Your fibroid is large enough that your doctors may want to put you on lupron – an estrogen blocker that will help to shrink the tumor – before your procedure. As you can see, there are many decisions to make and you should read up on the different procedures and talk to a few different doctors if you can to get a full sense of the options. Here is another website that has helpful information: http://www.obgyn.net/fibroid-resource-center
Another thing you will want to do is start supplementing your iron to fight the anemia. (I know from experience how hard it is to make decisions and be optimistic when one’s red blood count is too low.) Again, consult with your doctor — and be sure to eat lots of fiber with the iron because iron can cause constipation.
Good luck! And try not to be too scared — there are a lot of us!
December 23, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I am very thankful to have come accross this site. Thank you EG for setting this site up for yourself, other who have posted their stories, and for those who check back to see if anyone else has posted lately.
It was back in Aug or Sept 08 that I hit the internet looking for information on uterine fibroids. I did not know I had a choice of how to deal with UFs. The other choices mentioned here I researched further which made my choice of a hystorectomy at age 50 easier to handle.
Humor, understanding, insight, acceptance, sharing, support, and the desire not to stand quietly by, keep brining me back here.
My time with UF has been relatively short compared to others. My stressing over it has made it seem longer.
Each posting is valuable. What are UF? How do deal with UF. Getting information on pre- and post- op procedures. Essential to take to the hopital. All very helpful, humorous and available when I needed them.
Thank you.
April 3, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Good morning. No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.
I am from United and too bad know English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: “Airline tickets cheap airfare air fares plane discount hotel flights including fare finder, hotel and car rental information, reservation boston hotel.”
Thanks
. Minda.
May 23, 2009 at 10:21 am
I really love your blog!!
Can anybody tell me what´s the best Hotel in Paris for my honey moon? I going to married next month..
Thank you