I have a soccerball size fibroid. It is causing me so much misery. I'm constantly idepressed. And I suffer panic attacks all day. I just need someone to talk to who can relate...
I went through what you are feeling earlier in the year. This site is brilliant for reassurance and help. Fibroids I learnt are very common and a lot of people don't know they have them. However, it can be a shock when you find you have one. My largest is about size of 4 month pregnancy and could be responsible for constant nerve pain. Have you been given any tablets to shrink fibroid? Is it causing discomfort? Keep posting and asking questions - it definitely helps.
Thank you so much for replying. I have not been given any meds. Besides pain killers and my medical aid will not pay for any procedures. I'm always tired. Always sore. I'm filled with hopelessness....
Would your medical aid pay for a drug called to istral to shrink the fibroid? I'm not familiar with the health system where u are. Are u in USA?
Sorry fibistral/esmya
South africa... my gynea won't prescribe it. I'm using cannabis oil in hopes that it at least shrinks it.
Hi Melanie
Sorry to hear you are going through this really tough phase. It is really difficult when you first find out. The tablets mentioned below are esmya ( the doctors will know it as ulipristal acetate 5mg daily) it has been used before as the morning after pill in a different dose. That may be one option you could discuss. Let us all know how you get on.
Are there side effects to ulipristal acetate?
Hi Melanie, Sorry you're in such pain and discomfort, not to mention the stress. I have had multiple fibroids for about 9 years now and was waiiting for menopause to kick in but it never has. The fibroids just grow, and I bleed.
However taking Esmya (ulipristal acetate) has really helped ease the symptoms and shrink the fibroids somewhat. The problem is it is not suitable for long term use, usually for 3 months before surgery. Yes it has side effects, maybe headaches, dizziness to start, possible weight gain, and menopause like symptoms such as hot flushes. When you stop taking it the fibroids grow back again quite quickly.
I started taking it then opted out of surgery ( was only offered total hysterectomy, vertical cut as my womb is so large, and maybe complications due to blood loss).
I am now in my 3rd course but don't know where to go from here, possibly investigate UFE, which is being discussed a lot here.
I have tried shrinking it naturally. However cutting out meat, sugar and dairy isn't that easy. I feel terrible emotionally and physically. I have wanted kids for so long and now this monster is destroying me and I don't know what to do. They say money can't buy happiness. But if I had money I would get UFE and my life would change for the better. I just feel like crying all the time.
Hi Christine, are you in the UK? Because here the licence for esmya has been extended now. It is no longer just for pre-operative. They can be used for longer term intermittent use. This is only since 2015 so may not have filtered through everywhere. My gynae approved my second course of treatment on it and I can take again I believe after a 2 month gap or maybe even after a longer gap. I am going to see if I get any results after the second set of treatment before deciding. I may even try some complimentary therapy next myself. Best wishes
I have serious winds. I'm constantly belching...is this the fibroid?
Hi, no I'm in Spain. I have been able to obtain Esmya here on my original prescription ( the private ones are not dated here, you just use the same one over and over, I do it for blood pressure tabs too), and am on my 3rd course, but I have to pay for them and they are really expensive (£150 pm), so it doesn't seem a good long term option! My gynae only wants me to go for surgery now as she believes it's the best option, so I haven't been back to see her for months.
Hi Melanie, there can be side effects but these are generally very mild. Of course everyone is different. They are generally headaches and a bit of dizziness when first start. Also some tiredness. I can not vouch for everyone of course. For me I would say the side effects are worth it if there is going to be some reduction in the size of the fibroids and hence a reduction in symptoms. I take the tablet late at night as it sort of makes you tired and then you can go to bed and just wake up OK in the morning and carry on with your day. I am a few weeks into my second course of treatment with it. I took for 3 months and had a gap of two months and now thought would give it another go. I dont know if mine have reduced in size as have many smaller ones (plus one of 5.5cm subserosal). It stops your periods whilst on them so that is a good thing if you suffer heavy ones and are prone to anaemia as a result. I am looking for a reduction in pelvic pain. Not yet achieved for me. It may be because when fibroids are breaking down that can cause discomfort as well so I just have to be patient and give it time and hope. Hope is a good thing we all must have that.
Thank you shell69386.
yes I know what you mean, I thought about the dieting option but it's so severe and the people who say they have managed to shrink them through diet also rely heavily on supplements which I can't easily get.
is Esmya an option for you though on your medical aid? I have medical insurance but it excludes pre- existing conditions, so fibroid treatment and even the hysterectomy I'd have to pay for myself.
Fibroids can have gastric effects depending on where they are. Or sometimes it could be what you are eating. I find when eating brocolli or cabbage that happens and get bloated, but they are good veggies to eat of course so continue to eat them. There is lots of advice on the internet about natural methods I dont think they all say cut out dairy and meat. I i eat mostly poultry and fish and try to get organic now where I can. There are good things you can add like green tea but I know you are not supposed to suggest things on this site. Some people believe in herbal and complimentary. I know it costs money though. Its a case of finding what works for you and managing the symptoms. I hope you can get some esmya at least that might help.
I have tried the hollistic route, however it's short lived. I battle to stick to it. I feel like I'm going to explode most days. My legs and feet hurt. My back hurts. My rib cage hurts. I'm very depressed and always anxious.
I don't think my fibroids affect my digestive system much, they do make me feel tender though, and I can't wear tight clothes.
i tried a really healthy low fat, no alcohol, no coffee, low carb diet with loads of exercise for two months, I lost weight but my fibroids didn't go anywhere!
Hi Melanie and Christine, I agree, and the last thing you want to is deprive yourself of all your pleasures when you are already suffering with the fibroids. I have coffee in the morning, just cut back on having one in the afternoon and changed it to a herbal ( makes no difference I know). i just moderate things and try to eat as healthy as possible with the odd treat just for general health anyway. I eat cheese ocassionally. When i read the diet advice everywhere it leaves me thinking, but what can I eat then ???