Experiences with Uterine Artery Embolization to treat fibroids

[Anonymous]

Just wondering of anyone has had this procedure done and if it was successful or not. I will be consulting with a doctor at Georgetown to see if I am a candidate for the procedure. I am curious about other women's experiences with UAE and if there is anything I should take into consideration. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It seems to depend on where your fibroid is or what type it is. If it is submucosal, my understanding is that UAE will not work.

Do you know what kind you have?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I don't know that yet but will know after I have an MRI.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I actually have a consult on Thursday to see if I'm candidate for it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us.

[Anonymous]

I considered this procedure for a large fibroid. I joined the group - I think it was called hyster-sisters. Very helpful.
I ended up going with a surgical hysterectomy - though it was laparoscopic. I decided that I just wanted to be rid of the thing - and was not willing to go through the embolization only to wait and see. I am THRILLED with my decision - the thing was gone - and recovery was not a problem at all.
Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I don't know that yet but will know after I have an MRI.

Did your dr. recommend an MRI? I think that is unusual for fibroids. Usually a transvag. ultrasound is what you do to diagnose fibroids definitively. Is there some other issue going on? An ultrasound would involve no radiation.

Is the fibroid causing problems for you? I only ask b/c you don't have to remove it if it is not. If it is causing problems, like heavy bleeding, hysterectomy is the 100% solution. I was very hesitant to pursue it, but I became more comfortable with it being a absolute cure for heavy bleeding and the more I investigated the SINGLE incision Laparoscopic hysterectomy, the less worried I was. I was still substantially worried/afraid, but I did it and it wasn't nearly the "major" surgery that it used to be. It's not fun, but it's WAY easier to recover from than the old abdominal version. So definitely do not settle for an abdominal hyster. if you end up going that direction. Unless you have adhesions from previous surgery or some other reason why your body is not a good candidate for single incision laparoscopic surgery, that is the only kind you should get. Less cutting, better healing, less pain, faster recovery. You can be back to work in a week (no lifting). Really.

Good luck.