Why Write This Blog?

Understandably, some of you have questions about the intimate content of this blog.  If you're reading it right now, you may be wondering why I would share something so personal, and frankly, so gross!

Is it to solicit sympathy?  No, not really.

Is it to garner attention from others?  Nah. I get enough of that, whether I want it or not.

Well, what then??



The reason I started this blog, was exactly because it's such an intimate, personal issue for a lot of women, to be diagnosed with fibroids and be facing a hysterectomy - which means permanent loss of fertility.  Even for a woman who already has children, this can be devastating to deal with.

I want my fellow females to know that, I understand your plight - your shame, your fears, everything you're going through, and that - essentially - we're in this together.  I'm just past the beginning stages of this journey (living with symptoms for upward of 2 years & getting diagnosed last month).  You may be much further ahead, possibly having had a hysterectomy in the years past... and maybe you can reach out to me and teach me more about it, and coach me along the way.  That would be much-appreciated. 

Image is from acelebrationofwomen.org and may be subject to copyright

I also want to point out that a hysterectomy is NOT your only option if you've been diagnosed with fibroids.  Depending on the nature of your symptoms, you could also ask your doctor (or your gynecologist, specifically) for another procedure which doesn't take away your fertility.  For example, if your fibroids are NOT causing you heavy menstrual bleeding, you could ask about:

• Ablation: Basically, the lining (endometrium) of your uterus is removed, which can lessen your menstrual bleeding if done correctly. It is typically done with laser, but can also be done by freezing (cryosurgery).  
• Medication: Though intended to be used short-term only, Cyklokapron is one of a family of medications called Tranexamic Acid, which helps the blood to clot naturally. It can cause side effects such as blood clots though, and also nausea which can affect daily activities. 
• Fibroid Removal: The surgeon can insert a camera through the cervix to identify the fibroids, and use tiny robotic arms (through tiny incisions) to remove only the fibroid myomas, while sparing the uterus.  However, there is a high likelihood of them returning within a few years and the procedure may need to be repeated.  There can also be heavy post-surgical bleeding in some rare cases. 
• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): This is a cardiovascular procedure in which a catheter is inserted in an artery in the thigh, and guided to the blood supply for the uterus, where small particles are delivered to "block" the blood supply from getting to the fibroids.  This of course can have adverse side effects. 

Ultimately, it's YOUR body and it's up to you (and only you) as to what procedure you are most comfortable with.  Make a plan with your doctor, and don't be embarrassed to bring a list of important questions, such as pros/cons of each procedure, recovery time, and which one is right for your specific symptoms. 

In my case, the bleeding is heavy enough to cause health problems which could realistically result in premature death, which is why I'm opting for the surgery.  If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and your doctor suggests a hysterectomy, don't poo-poo it just yet.  It just might save your life.  Remember to always keep the dialog open with your medical team. 

And that is why I started this blog of such an intimate nature... not only my story, but the story of what it's like to have fibroids and what can be done about it.  You're not alone.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this blog is not intended to provide or replace medical advice.  Always check with your physician when you discover a health problem.