Re: UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

[Guest guest]

You should join the embo group at yahoo groups. It is

more specifically for women interested in or who have

had UAE.

--- Clayton Overmire wrote:

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who

> would NOT be a good candidate for UAE? Also, after

> the embospheres or PVA particles are introduced into

> the uterine artery, when do you know when the

> procedure has been successful? (ie that the

> particles are in the uterine arteries & not

> elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more

> familiar with UAE than my ob/gyn! She is not

> informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

> I will have. I just have to pray to God that

> nothing goes wrong. I don't expect it to; just need

> to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

> Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I

> should be alright. Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

You should join the embo group at yahoo groups. It is

more specifically for women interested in or who have

had UAE.

--- Clayton Overmire wrote:

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who

> would NOT be a good candidate for UAE? Also, after

> the embospheres or PVA particles are introduced into

> the uterine artery, when do you know when the

> procedure has been successful? (ie that the

> particles are in the uterine arteries & not

> elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more

> familiar with UAE than my ob/gyn! She is not

> informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

> I will have. I just have to pray to God that

> nothing goes wrong. I don't expect it to; just need

> to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

> Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I

> should be alright. Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

You should join the embo group at yahoo groups. It is

more specifically for women interested in or who have

had UAE.

--- Clayton Overmire wrote:

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who

> would NOT be a good candidate for UAE? Also, after

> the embospheres or PVA particles are introduced into

> the uterine artery, when do you know when the

> procedure has been successful? (ie that the

> particles are in the uterine arteries & not

> elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more

> familiar with UAE than my ob/gyn! She is not

> informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

> I will have. I just have to pray to God that

> nothing goes wrong. I don't expect it to; just need

> to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

> Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I

> should be alright. Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Ginny, Thanks for responding to my message. I was just on the phone with my

ir's nurse. I will have an MRI (apparently it will show the arteries in the

uterus, living him detailed info) on 2/6 and consult w/the ir on 2/13 to see if

I am a good candidate. I do PRAY he will say yes! I don't want to have a

hysterectomy! I will ask my ir if he can refer me to a ob/gyn for followup

support. I want to have ultrasounds afterwards to measure the progress as the

fibroids " die " . The nurse didn't seem too concerned about pain, she said they

provide the self administered pain pump for the overnite stay in hospital, then

send you home with oral pain control meds. She said he has done about 25-30 of

the UAE procedure. I know he is board certified. So far everything is falling

into place. I have been having a lot of discomfort from bladder and bowel

pressure. I'll sure be relieved when this is all over! Thanks for the words of

encouragement. Will let you know how things turn out for me. -Elise, In MN.

Ginny Ray wrote: Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Ginny, Thanks for responding to my message. I was just on the phone with my

ir's nurse. I will have an MRI (apparently it will show the arteries in the

uterus, living him detailed info) on 2/6 and consult w/the ir on 2/13 to see if

I am a good candidate. I do PRAY he will say yes! I don't want to have a

hysterectomy! I will ask my ir if he can refer me to a ob/gyn for followup

support. I want to have ultrasounds afterwards to measure the progress as the

fibroids " die " . The nurse didn't seem too concerned about pain, she said they

provide the self administered pain pump for the overnite stay in hospital, then

send you home with oral pain control meds. She said he has done about 25-30 of

the UAE procedure. I know he is board certified. So far everything is falling

into place. I have been having a lot of discomfort from bladder and bowel

pressure. I'll sure be relieved when this is all over! Thanks for the words of

encouragement. Will let you know how things turn out for me. -Elise, In MN.

Ginny Ray wrote: Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Ginny, Thanks for responding to my message. I was just on the phone with my

ir's nurse. I will have an MRI (apparently it will show the arteries in the

uterus, living him detailed info) on 2/6 and consult w/the ir on 2/13 to see if

I am a good candidate. I do PRAY he will say yes! I don't want to have a

hysterectomy! I will ask my ir if he can refer me to a ob/gyn for followup

support. I want to have ultrasounds afterwards to measure the progress as the

fibroids " die " . The nurse didn't seem too concerned about pain, she said they

provide the self administered pain pump for the overnite stay in hospital, then

send you home with oral pain control meds. She said he has done about 25-30 of

the UAE procedure. I know he is board certified. So far everything is falling

into place. I have been having a lot of discomfort from bladder and bowel

pressure. I'll sure be relieved when this is all over! Thanks for the words of

encouragement. Will let you know how things turn out for me. -Elise, In MN.

Ginny Ray wrote: Elise,

Before I had this procedure, the IR had a sonogram done to make sure I was a

good candidate for the procedure. If the fibroids are on stalks rather than

embedded in the uterus, I believe that is a contraindication. I don't know

if there are other reasons you wouldn't be a good candidate.

My IR was very good about going over everything with me prior to the

procedure. I knew what to expect and he provided very good followup care.

My UAE was three weeks ago. After about two weeks, I began to notice a

definite improvement in the pain and far less bleeding during my next

period. My tummy is going down, but that is happening very slowly. Also,

my energy returned pretty quickly, too. I could get through the day at work

before my UAE, but I would come home and every little activity just wore me

out.

My gyne hasn't been supportive either. But I'm happy with my decision.

Good luck

Ginny

UAE-NEED HELP! QUESTIONS!

> Group: I NEED HELP AND ADVICE! Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? Also, after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. I just have to pray to God that nothing goes wrong. I don't

expect it to; just need to know if/when to know if something is wrong.

Hopefully I will be in the hospital over night so I should be alright.

Please let me know. -Elise.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Clayton Overmire asked < " Is there anyone who would NOT be a good

candidate for UAE? "

Yes.

The following is my understanding of the issue:

a.. If your fibroids are small and asymptomatic, it is considered better

not to risk any invasive treatment, even UAE

b.. If your problems are due to a small submucosal fibroid,

hysteroscopic resection (a type of vaginal myomectomy) is generally

considered preferable to UAE

c.. If retaining fertility is very important to you, you should consider

UAE with caution. Many doctors prefer myomectomy to UAE in this circumstance

because the effects of myomectomy on childbearing are better understood. But

the final decision will depend partly on the size and position of your

fibroids. I think in some cases UAE is more likely to give good results than

myomectomy.

d.. If the overall size of your uterus is very large or any one of your

individual fibroids is very big, you are a poor candidate for UAE.

Sometimes the best option in this circumstance is UAE plus surgical removal

of one or more fibroids. There would be some debate over whether you should

do that or just have myomectomy of all the fibroids with a very skilled

surgeon. If your fibroid uterus is larger than 22-24 weeks pregnancy

equivalent, it will still be quite large after UAE and you may not be

satisfied with the results. Anecdotally, women with a large mass of fibroids

suffer more with post-embolisation syndrome (low grade fever, and/or aches

and pains lasting beyond the usual recovery period), discharges and

infections. I was refused a referal for UAE by a gynaecologist who believes

that embolising any fibroid larger than 10 cm is dangerous due to the amount

of necrotic material left in the body. He's quite conservative on the issue.

Some women with large fibroids have had good UAE experiences, so you have to

balance the pros and cons and alternatives for yourself.

e.. Pedunculated fibroids with narrow bases should not be embolised.

Often they are not too difficult to remove surgically and the rest of a

woman's fibroids can be dealt with by embolisation if desired

Dr Lipman who sometimes corresponds on the Yahoo embo group has mentioned

that patient selection is important in considering the success of UAE. If

you join that group you could send a message asking him to outline his

criteria for UAE suitability.

Clayton Overmire also asked " after the embospheres or PVA particles are

introduced into the uterine artery, when do you know when the procedure has

been successful? (ie that the particles are in the uterine arteries & not

elsewhere) I am scared because my regular md is more familiar with UAE than

my ob/gyn! She is not informed, and I don't know if or what follow up care

I will have. "

The radiologist can see what is happening during the procedure as a picture

is projected on to a screen. The procedure is stopped when the uterine

arteries are full of embolising agent. I understand that UAE is not

particularly difficult compared to other procedures an IR might do and

misembolisation is rare. You should of course be treated by an experienced

radiologist.

I did eventually have UAE despite not being an ideal candidate. I found an

agreeable ob/gyn; she didn't have any previous patients who had had UAE, but

she read up on the procedure and she spoke to my radiologist on the phone.

There can be complications such as sloughing of fibroid pieces months after

UAE - not inheritently dangerous but needs care to avoid or counteract

infection. So do try to improve your provision for aftercare.