Alternatives/Focused US/Mifesterone

[Guest guest]

As I contemplate conventional treatment options I am also trying to

educate myself on alternatives and experimental treatments for

fibroids. I wanted to share my experience with alternative

treatments and some information on new research.

ALTERNATIVES:

I spent six months getting treatment from a Naturopath, Chinese

medical practitioner, and accupuncturist. I will not list the

specific herbs I take because they are specialised for each

individual. I also practiced meditation and yoga. The ND and

Chinese medical doctor were straightforward with me that it would be

unlikely that this approach could shrink my fibroids (largest 7 cm,

total uterus 15 cm). They seem to think that alternative tx works

better on fibroids < 3 cm. I told them that I needed to give it a

try for my own peace of mind before resorting to surgery or UAE. I

think that the Chinese boiled herbs (Note: preparation of these herbs

is time consuming, smells bad and tastes worse) were the most

effective thing I tried. I experienced a decrease in pain from

cramping during my period as well as a reduction in bleeding. After

six months I had an ultrasound and unfortunately my fibroids had

grown. This approach may be helpful to people in the " watch and

wait " phase with their fibroids. Also, this is just my experience,

maybe other people have actually seen their fibroids shrink. Note:

The alternative therapy cost me > $1,500 for six months and required

a huge commitment of time.

EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENTS:

The following are two email responses I received regarding upcomming

research studies for focused ultrasound and mifesterone (check the

archives for descriptions of these experimental treatments). If

anyone else is gathering information on new treatments I'd love to

hear about it. - Kristyn

FOCUSED ULTRASOUND:

" We are using focused ultrasound for a study that you would need to be

pre-menopausal and not desire any more children. You would need to

come for the

treatment and then follow-up visits at 1week, and then 1, 3, and 6

months at

Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. We will start around the end

of March.

Thanks for your interest.

Louise Greenberg "

lgreenberg@...

MIFESTERONE:

" My name is Johanna Heise, and I am Heleen LeRoux's reaearch

assistant. The study that we are now working with,which deals with

the

effects of the drug Mfepristone given in small doses, is drawing to a

close.

We have seen some interesting results: shrinkage of the fibroids by a

minimum of 50%, increased hemoglobin levels, relief of pressure caused

symptoms, and a cessation of menses during the period of using the

drug. We

will be starting a longer double blind study in the early summer. The

candidates for this study will have to have a Total Uterie Volume of

over

300cc by sonogram, and be premenopausal as demonstrated by FSH

levels. If

you would be interested in this, please send us your name and

address, and

telephone number. We will notify all interested women with enough

advance

time to send in the requires test. You asked for a web site where

you might

get information - uterinefibroids offers much

information

and a forum for questions. Please contact us - Johanna Heise "

Heleen_LeRoux@...