Fibroids

[PurpleParis]

Hi guys.....not been on here of late...have a problem and thought.....who can I ask.....doh!! I have suffered with menhorragia most of my life....so it was not a major surprise to be told that I have at least (and probably more) three fibroids....apparently one of which at the top of my womb is quite large. I was getting myself all 'gearedup' to be told I was going to have a hysterectomy (as this is what my GP thought would be said)....but the gynaecologist is more interested in getting me to try some new drug....Esmya.....now the problem is that I have Chronic Pyelonephritis, high blood pressure (under control) and type 2 diabetes.....I can't even take Nurofen....so when I asked if it was safe for me to take it, she said sure.....its very new and its only for three months.
I guess what really put her off was the fact that I am 49 and the GP thinks I am on the change already and am one of the unfortunate women who bleed more as they finish instead of starting to bleed less! There is also the small matter of not being able to have general anaesthetic (I don't wake up very well from it). Now I know you can now have a vaginal hysterectomy and was considering this if necessary........I guesss I just want some advice, one of the suggestions from the gynae was a mirena coil but I have heard such horror stories.......any ideas??? Has anyone else taken Esmya???? Cheers

[Maydup]

What problems do the fibroids cause you pp?

I'm a couple of years older than you and I was lucky enough to manage until the change occured at 50. Is that an option for you?

[shaneystar2]

I had fibroids as big as grapefruits years ago .Couldn't stand the constant bleeding and opted for a vaginal hysterectomy .
Of course things have progressed somewhat since then .
Quite frankly though I woudn't want to trial some new drug and would seek a second opinion .

[Sammy48]

Unless this new drug can shrink the fibroids, I cannot see the point in taking it.

[Sqad]

Esmya has performed well in reputable trials particularly in the USA.

You have heavy bleeds and coming to the menopause.

The options are many, but boil down to two.1)Hysterectomy 2) no surgical methods. I also presume that at the age of 49 you do not want anymore children.

Hysterectomy is a major operation and not to be taken lightly plus the fact that you have chronic kidney disease hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.
Not a good anaesthetic risk in my opinion.

Esmya has been well received by the medical fraternity and if you were my wife, I would urge you to take the medical route (Esmya) rather than the surgical route.

[boxtops]

Paris, you have my sympathy, I suffered very badly with fibroids until my GP referred me to have a TAH - and I never looked back after that - so under normal circumstances I'd say push for the operation, it changed my life. However, reading sqad's comments, if you have other issues, then at least I'd give the drug route a try.

Incidentally my friend has a Mirena coil and thinks it's wonderful, so it's not all horror stories.