Shaun’s Story:
I recently underwent my fourth surgery for fibroid relief. I’ve had three laparoscopies and one myomectomy. I was first diagnosed with fibroids at the age of 27, though I suspect from my painful periods that I had fibroids long before the age of 27. I am now 38. The last surgery was a laparoscopy to remove a fibroid the size of a grapefruit. The fibroid had been there for over 2 years, and I took Lupron at times, and birth control pills at times to try and combat the pain. Finally the fibroid got too big, and the Lupron was doing nothing to help the pain and feeling of fullness. I was also getting tired of the endless night sweats and hot flashed the Lupron caused. My reproductive endocrinologist (RE) wanted to perform surgery 2 years ago, but didn’t think he was able to remove the fibroid via laparoscopy. I did not want another myomectomy because the pain was severe and the recovery was long (6 weeks) when I previously had that procedure. We have a two year old, and I don’t have the pleasure of having 6 weeks to recover quietly, like before. My RE spoke with me and informed me that he thought he could remove it with a laparoscopy, which would require only a few days recovery. I had the surgery on May 18. It took six hours because he had to cut the grapefruit sized fibroid into several pieces to remove it through the little incision in my belly button and abdomen. I’m now five weeks post-op and I feel great. I haven’t felt this good in a few years.
As mentioned earlier we are blessed with a two year old son. Being diagnosed with fibroids and endometriosis also caused my husband and I to deal with the “infertility monster”. We went through two failed IUIs and one failed IVF before adopting our son. He has been the greatest blessing in our lives. Also, dealing with endometriosis, fibroids, and infertility for 12 years inspired me to write the book, “Circle of Empty Arms.” It’s a great fiction book about three women dealing with infertility caused by fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS. You can learn more about me or to get this book, please visit my website.
