new to group from NC.

[Guest guest]

Hi! I am new to your group. I have been reading your messages for a few

weeks. I am 34, never had children but would like to. I live in Raleigh,

NC. I have had symptoms of fibroids for about 1 year......heavy bleeding

with large clots, back pain with periods(never a symptom for me before),

extremely tired and unexplained weight gain with a big pooch in my lower

tummy. I had an HMO last year at this time when I had my yearly pap. I

told my doctor of my heavy bleeding....I had 3 periods that month. I was

told it is probably just stress. I am a teacher.....I had changed jobs

midyear that year. I was not happy with this answer...but waited. My

symptoms became worse with lots of accidents during my period......it became

very embarassing and very difficult to go anywhere during my period. With

the new school year, I changed insurances. Living in Raleigh, you have to

wait 2 months for an appointment sometimes. I finally got to see a ob/gyn

in Jan. 01.

She was very personable......we talked in her office before the exam. She

too suspected I had a fibroid. In her exam, she felt what she thought was

a fibroid and I was severely anemic. I had an utlra sound. My fibroid is

the size of a abnormal large cantalope or a 4 month fetus. My Dr. said it

would eventually have to come out .....especially if I wanted to get

pregnant. She recommeneded a recheck in 3 months. She recomends a

myoectomy when I do have surgery.

I have an appointment this week, because I called back to talk more about

surgery. I and my family and friends, are very concerned about it getting

bigger and possibly causing more problems.

I was put on a low dose BC pill....Levlite. I was already afraid to get on

the pill because since having these symptoms....I have gained 25

pounds......I do not want to gain anymore. I have gone from a size 10 in

June of 2000 to a size 18. This bothers me as much as knowing I have

something growing inside me that shouldn't be there. I have gained 5 more

this month (the second month on the pill)....not sure if it is the pill or

fibroid or me. Has anyone experienced this much weight gain? I have heard

that some tumors can weigh as much as 20 pounds.....not sure if this is

true. My period was lighter this past month but lasted for 7 days. I felt

really good for about 3 weeks (after taking the iron pills for about a

month). But these last few weeks I have had a cold and can barely muster

enough energy to make it to work and then hit the couch when I get home.

What is the average size of a fibroid before is recommended to be removed?

My Dr. says I should wait until closer time to when I want to get pregant

unless it gets any bigger. I'm not sure when and if I will even attempt to

get pregant. I am not married. I hope to have the opportunity to have

children but I'm not sure I want to keep letting this thing grow. It

really bothers me. My stomach has this large hard knot in it. I stay

bloated and gassey. I cannot wait long to go to the bathroom....pee or BM.

I also have trouble sleeping.....I am a stomach/side sleeper and my stomach

feels so uncomfortable. After I eat, I usually have to unbotton my pants

because my stomach swells up. I can't wear jeans anymore! I know that I

have rambled on but if anyone has any advice.....please let me know. Thank

you for all the helpful information. I have learned alot by reading in

emails. If anyone in this group is from the Raleigh area, please let me

know....so we can discuss doctors. I like my DR., but I need to learn more

about her experience before I have surgery. Thanks so much.

Tina