Myomectomy for Fibroids, no Hysterectomy Needed

I had the unusual experience of continued growth of fibroids into menopause. One was almost as large as a small basketball. I worked with naturopathic, allopathic and homeopathic physicians to try to shrink or prevent further growth. After three years I bit the bullet and went in for surgery because the stress on my bladder and excretory system was getting worse.

I had done my homework, got second opinions and could find no physician in the Greater Seattle area who had anything else but total hysterectomy on his mind. I had no other problems with my reproductive system; no bleeding, no cramps. My ovaries were healthy.

I contacted HERS Foundation first online and then by phone. They recommended a surgeon in Spokane. He said he could do a myomectomy because the fibroid was subserosal and on the outer wall of the uterus the size did not intimidate him. He went in and carved it out. He found one other small one and did the same to it. It's two years later and there has been no regrowth. As he predicted.

I later found out that the first surgeon that my ob-gyn had referred me to was new in the community and had soon earned the nickname "Butcher" from the operating room nurses because he did hysterectomies by the dozens, and wasn't a very good surgeon. He left our rural community within a couple years and is now in Alaska. I feel so lucky to have connected with HERS and with the talented surgeon they recommended.

Lucille
age: 54

For more information about hysterectomy:

• HERS Foundation (Hysterectomy Educational Resources & Services) is an independent, nonprofit women's health education organization providing accurate information about hysterectomy, its adverse effects and alternative treatments.
• Hysterectomy Awareness, a website dedicated to raising awareness about hysterectomy as well as providing support and resources about the subject.
• Sans Uteri, a forum for the discussion of the physical and emotional challenges that can be caused by hysterectomy.
• Hystersisters, a woman to woman support website for hysterectomy recovery. This group offers resources and kindness so that visitors can discover options and make decisions for themselves.

Updated 06/01/2007