I ended up with a hysterectomy at age 42. Mine was inside the uterus and the size of a grapefruit! I had heavy bleeding that wouldn't slow down with pills or D&C (bleeding nearly every day of the month for over a year!) My hemoglobin was at 7 so I was very anemic.

It turned out that I also had ovarian cysts which had given me so much pain over the years. My old OB/GYN did abdominal surgery with a vertical incision. If I had to do it over again I think I'd go to Mayo or a specialist first. But I was exhausted, pale and sick and just wanted it all to stop. That was in 2000. I've been on low dose estrogen ever since and I'm doing ok except for the MS and some other age related health issues.

Good luck with whichever procedure you have done!

Wiz sounds like me only I had a hysterectomy at age 34. I had several fibroids on my left ovary along with cervical cysts that ended up being malignant. I'd gone through cryosurgery, 2 D&Cs, colposcopy, and nothing was working. I had also been on two different doses of the pill to try to regulate my periods which were constant - I was happy with 3 days off inbetween! I was so anemic that I was taking iron supplements to build up my levels. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper!! I was in constant pain and living on 2400mg of rx Motrin a day.

I had a hysterectomy and the doc also took my left ovary and my appendix (that way if there was ever any pain on my right side, we would know it was my ovary and not my appendix!).

I didn't have any problems until 11 years later when I developed more fibroids. Out came that ovary. Not even a decision I had to think twice about - the pain was more than I could handle.

I have never once regretted the decision. I was healthier within 6 weeks and have never looked back. I am now taking a low dose HRT and am checked twice a year.

Since I am a DES baby, I am high risk for cancer. I've not had any recurrence and am thankful I had a good doctor watching out for me.

We all have to do what's right for us and this was the right choice for me.

There are now more choices for women and most likely less invasive ones. I trusted my doctor to do what was right for me, he and I were very good friends, outside the office. Like I said, I've never regretted the decision and know that I am here today because of him.

Just thought I'd post an update. Had an ultrasound done today and a consultation with my doctor. She said I now have two fibroids, the original is 10cm (about the size of an orange) and the new one is 4 cm (about the size of a golf ball). When she originally examined me she didn't feel I would be a candidate for the robotic assisted myomectomy, but probably the traditional myomectomy. The huge difference is the first procedure is only an overnight hospital stay, 4-5 small incisions and 2-3 weeks off work. The other involves a 5”-6” bikini cut, 2-3 day hospital stay and 4-6 weeks off work. After the ultrasound she was able to get a better idea of the type of fibroids I have (subserosal) and felt confident in recommending the robotic assisted myomectomy. I also started Fibrovan the beginning of June.

Of course, my insurance considers the MR focused ultrasound treatment that I really wanted “experimental” even though it’s been approved since 2004. Basically, unless you’re a wealthy woman, this procedure is still not available to you.

My husband and I are trying desperately to renovate a house as much as we can afford in order to move in and sell our existing house. Time is of the essence as we are paying double mortgages and everything else and as DH said he can’t pack and move everything by himself and take care of me while I’m recuperating. The doctor suggested I come back in 3 months for a follow-up ultrasound and possibly schedule an MRI/surgery at that time. Hopefully the house situation will be resolved or at the very least we’re moved and I can move forward with surgery.