We got 'roids

[Lane_Meyer]

Hi all, and welcome to beanhopes and bbaby. It's really nice to have so many join- thank you Lauren for getting us together.

Bbaby, I too have had losses (two) but both were early. I had one at 7 weeks in the summer and it was then that they identified a large (8cm) pedunculated fibroid (this means it's on a stalk) growing out of the back of my uterus, plus two small ones. 3 specialists said it was unlikely the fibroid caused the loss. I had a lot of cramping from conception until the m/c, but again people can experience this and carry to term. Anyway my second loss was at 4 weeks (period came on time) so I think that was probably a chemical pregnancy (no implantation.)

I considered surgery very carefully but 2 of the specialists said they strongly advised against, due to the possibility of damage to the uterus and even hysterectomy due to the removal of the fibroids. I am now 20 weeks pregnant and I am feeling good about my chances, as is my obgyn. The 8cm fibroid and one small one have stayed the same, while a small one near my cervix has grown to 10cm. This will probably mean a c-section - this sounds like what you have beanhopes? My obgyn is not worried about possible m/c / preterm birth (and that fibroid is big!!!) and I have to trust that all will be well, since there is nothing I can do either way.

I guess what dh and I decided was that we will try once more and see what happens before looking at our options. good luck to you no matter what you decide

 

[Eoz]

Hi all, and welcome to beanhopes and bbaby. It's really nice to have so many join- thank you Lauren for getting us together.

Bbaby, I too have had losses (two) but both were early. I had one at 7 weeks in the summer and it was then that they identified a large (8cm) pedunculated fibroid (this means it's on a stalk) growing out of the back of my uterus, plus two small ones. 3 specialists said it was unlikely the fibroid caused the loss. I had a lot of cramping from conception until the m/c, but again people can experience this and carry to term. Anyway my second loss was at 4 weeks (period came on time) so I think that was probably a chemical pregnancy (no implantation.)

I considered surgery very carefully but 2 of the specialists said they strongly advised against, due to the possibility of damage to the uterus and even hysterectomy due to the removal of the fibroids. I am now 20 weeks pregnant and I am feeling good about my chances, as is my obgyn. The 8cm fibroid and one small one have stayed the same, while a small one near my cervix has grown to 10cm. This will probably mean a c-section - this sounds like what you have beanhopes? My obgyn is not worried about possible m/c / preterm birth (and that fibroid is big!!!) and I have to trust that all will be well, since there is nothing I can do either way.

I guess what dh and I decided was that we will try once more and see what happens before looking at our options. good luck to you no matter what you decide

Do you suffer in pain?

Mine is almost 8cm and I get some really bad pains.I kknow how to adapt myself so it doesnt hurt.Ie dont bend over to much,no heavy lifting etc.

I also have suffered losses 10 in all now x

 

[RHR]

Welcome to beanhopes and bbaby. Congrats on your pregnancies.

As I've mentioned before I haven't experienced any pain yet, Fingers crossed I don't.

From reading through my notes that were made at my 20 week scan they've noted the following " The fibroid is situated in the lower segment of the uterus, anterior to the cervix".

This is my first baby so not sure what to expect. I am going to find out if I have to have a c-sec, would they be able to remove the fibroid at the same time if possible, or would it be best to leave alone especially as me and my partner would like to have a second baby if possible.

 

[lauren10]

I'm sorry you had so many losses Eoz, that's heartbreaking.

I saw my OB again yesterday and asked about the fibroid (of course!) and he said it's not even a slight concern to him...but he'll have me go for another u/s at 32 weeks just to check on the baby and make sure the fibroid isn't winning the battle for bloodflow. We'll see how things are looking at my u/s on Monday. I haven't had pain yet either but lately I'm having a little bit of discomfort where the fib. is. Hopefully that doesn't get worse. I guess as long as it's getting a blood supply it's happy. Anyway, the doctors seem so confident about what they're saying, they must see them a lot!

 

[Lane_Meyer]

Hi Eoz,my heart goes out to you. I did experience pain at about 18 weeks, I couldn't sleep for about two nights, but it has since calmed down. I know what you mean about adapting- I try not to aggravate things and I take it easy.

RHR as far as I am aware they will never remove fibroids during a c-section, because during pregnancy blood flow to the uterus is increased so the chance of severe bleeding due to removal is to high. It's also possible that your fibroid will shrink after pregnancy / breastfeeding on its own.

Lauren I am really happy to hear that things are going well and your ob is not worried. I am looking forward to that pic of your crazy fibroid! I know mine is huge but it's hiding round the back.

 

[Luckygirl]

I have also got a fibroid on the outside of my uterus but it is right next to were the baby has implanted after reading about fibroids on the internet I discover that its position could take the blood supply from my baby or intrude on the babys space and cause a miscarriage.
I am so worried, we have been TTC for 9 years and the specialist knew I had a fibroid but didnt go into detail of what it was! Im really angry that it wasnt explained properly because surely in the last 9 years I could have had an operation to take it out?
Also I am 9 weeks and was counting down to 12 weeks when I thought I would be 'safe' but then I read between 12 and 22 weeks the blood supply to the fibroid can be cut off causing it to die which causes contractions and then miscarriage as well.
I am so sad, as if I dont have enough risks from having diabetes and PCOS now I find out this is a big risk factor too!
I dont know what to do with myself, I dont think I could cope if I lost this baby after trying for so long. I have been trying to stay positive but I am finding it really hard right now.

 

[lauren10]

Hi there Lucky...it sounds like you read a few 'worst case' situations on the internet...and the more you talk to people the more you'll find out that SO many women have fibroids without complications, so please don't give up hope!

My OB said yesterday that in all the cases he's experienced, the uterus wins the blood flow battle with the fibroid.

What you read is the worst of what could happen, but it's certainly not the most probable...keep thinking positive, as hard as it is sometimes.

Oh, and take a look at this article...this seems like a very reasonable and balanced assessment to me...notice how many women have fibroids, and that they say fibroids during pregnancy only increase your risk of miscarriage or preterm labor slightly. My fibroid is probably at least as big as a baseball now, and none of my doctors have put me in a higher risk category because of it. I hope this helps! The websites just report everything that could happen, even if they very rarely happen, so we have to take those things with a grain of salt.

https://www.pregnancy-info.net/fibroids.html

 

[BBaby23]

Hi girls,
Thanks for all your thoughts and answers.
Lucky, please do not make yourself crazy worrying! Enjoy your pregnancy put the energy of worry into loving your baby and your growing bump! If any thing PLEASE take all this as a learning experience! Take time for yourself, be happy, relax, hydrate, Do Not over exert yourself and at the drop of a dime call your Dr if you feel something is not right! I was supposed to have my 16 wk appt 3 days after my loss (I knew "lost" didn't seem right LOL) and I thought the discomfort I was having for 3 weeks could have waited until then (I will never make that mistake again!!!) I am praying for you and everyone else!

 

[Beanhopes]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome

I am feeling really down today as last night and this morning I had pale brown discharge and I can feel some slight cramping deep inside. So scared

I have my first midwife appointment on Wednesday so unless anything happens I'll talk to her about everything then. I had this experience between 4-5weeks but the closer I get to 12wks the more anxious I get and just keep thinking that pesky Fibroid will be messing things up.

My other symptoms are in full force so I'm keeping everything crossed and have a plan to spend the entire weekend either in bed or on the sofa resting and relaxing.

Sorry for whittering on, all your stories are so incredible and I need to stay strong and positive as I have nothing to complain about when I look at what you have all been through. xx

 

[lauren10]

Aw Bean, that's pretty scary...I'm sure it's just your fibroid acting up and the baby is fine in there. That article I linked said the fibroid can cause a little bleeding, but that doesn't mean anything is necessarily wrong with the baby. Did you have brown discharge at the time of your last scan, or is it new? did you ask your mw about it? Rest up and we'll be thinking of you!

I took a picture of the roid this morning, but it wasn't a good one because it was centered on my belly so just looked like the baby. I need to get a good one when it's shifted off to the left so you guys can be like...holy crap! haha.

I wonder why it moves..(or appears to be moving) any ideas? I thought maybe it's actually the baby moving side to side, and causing it to shift over a bit. I don't think it's floating on a stalk or anything. hummmph. ?

 

[lauren10]

Hey, also, do you guys want me to put something on the first page with our names, fibroid condition...maybe age and location? It might be helpful in keeping everyone's situations straight since our group is growing!

So if you want to, answer these questions (and add any other info you'd like) and I'll put them in the first post:

Screen name/name: Lauren10 - Lauren
Due date: July 31st
Age: 34
Where you from? NB Canada (originally Boston)
Location/size of fibroids: baseball on front and outside uterus

 

[Eoz]

Screen name/name: Eoz aka Zoë
Due date: August 9th but may have section at 37 weeks
Age: 30
Where you from? Oxford England
Location/size of fibroids:8cm Fibroid on Anterior wall (A uncommon one apparently)And a 6cm Ovarian cyst

Lauren.Thats weird it moves.Bet that feels odd x

Bean hopes.We all are here to share and support.I to sometimes get brown discharge but of late thick creamy discharge.

Yesterday was a very bad.I was dosed up all day and had to lay flat.I couldn't sit up and i could feel baby trying to kick itself comfy and it kept kicking my roid.My bump feels like lead so the dr is sending off for me to get some tubi grip to try and hold it up a bit.I have a lot of weight in there lol

I had a 13 cm ovarian cyst removed last year and i instantly lost 7lb!!!

 

[lauren10]

wow!!! that's a huge cyst! I have cysts in both ovaries too...as of the last scan anyway. I didnt' really think about the extra weight but that totally makes sense. Sometimes my uterus feels really heavy too...especially after I pee, I feel like a bolwing ball is coming down onto my bladder. What does tubi grip do?!

 

[Eoz]

It is definitely heavy.My bladder never feels empty.The cyst didn't weigh all that but some was fluid.My tummy always looked lopsided to.The tubi grip is just to give me support like a bump band.There is a lot of weight in there and my bump does fell very heavy and my back is very sore.I am at my best lying on my right side.Walking is a nightmare lately and it hurts to sit up for to long and I struggle to eat a big meal as it all adds to the compactness!

 

[Lane_Meyer]

Hi everyone

Screen name/name: Lane_Meyer, Monika
Due date: July 28th, prob c-section on July 17
Age: 31
Where you from? Los Angeles (just moved back after 10 years in the UK)
Location/size of fibroids: 8cm pedunculated posterior, 10cm cervical, 2 cm subserosal

My thoughts are with you beanhopes - hope you have a restful weekend!

And Luckygirl, I agree with Lauren that when it comes to fibroids, google is not our friend. It's actually pretty depressing, although not surprising, that something that affects so many women has such little attention paid to it and good reliable information is so scarce. I read that they want to study fibroids now- because they are amazed that these tumors grow so readily but are benign, and could provide an insight into treating cancer. So uh thanks, I guess!

 

[RHR]

Screen name/name: RHR - Rachel
Due date: 07 July
Age: 26
Where you from? York, UK
Location/size of fibroids: situated in the lower segment of the uterus, anterior to the cervix and measures 13.8 x 7.7 x 8.5cm.

Luckygirl, please don't worry to much. I know it's really hard not to. Google definitely isn't our friend. I've managed to resist googling and am waiting until I have my 3rd scan at 34 weeks and see what they find/say then. From there me and my partner will be asking questions.

My partner did admit to me the other night that he is very worried about my fibroid, even though he knows he shouldn't be at this stage. I think as it's our first baby he's just worried about bump. He's also said that he want's to wait until I've had my other scan and and then go and buy the cot, travel system etc that we need. Personally I think that's leaving it a little late though, but I can see where he is coming from.

 

[Dinks]

They only found my fibroid at the 12 week scan. If I had it before it wasn't causing me any problems and it's presently the size of an orange 7x9x8cm. It has stayed the same size throughout my pregnancy.
So far it hasn't caused any problems, the odd twinge now and again, but that's about it.
My latest 36 week scan shows that I am good to go for a vaginal delivery despite the fibroid being so low down. There were concerns that it would block the cervical opening and I would have to have a C-section but it has moved out of the way.

 

[lauren10]

That's great news Dinks! You're almost there now

 

[RHR]

That is great news Dinks. That's the news I'm hoping for when I have my scan. I really don't want a c-sec if it can be helped.

 

[Lane_Meyer]

Yay Dinks, good luck! You have given me hope that mine might move too.