Fibroids GP Referral

[Monadami]

Hi,

I have had Fibroids for a number of years and since having my DS, I feel they have been pushed forwards and my stomach area around my Navel looks almost pointed. I also can't do Stomach Crunches anymore because it feels like one is trying to push it's way through my stomach wall, which produces a painful spasm. I also get very heavy Periods. I take medication for a couple of days during my Period which causes clotting and reduces the flow. I am not too keen on this.

Anyway, through my own research I've heard of less invasive Methods of removing Fibroids and asked my G.P is she could refer me to a particular Consultant at my local Hospital, as I would like to discuss my options and find out if there was any suitable treatment. Well I was shocked by her reaction, she just stared at me and made me feel very stupid. She said I should have a Mirena Coil fitted, which could help lighten my periods. I said the heavy periods were not the only issue as they were also causing me pain. She just shrugged her shoulders and stared at me for longer. It was very awkward and embarrassing and I feel quite put out by her attitude.

I would still like to see this Surgeon, but does anyone know if it's possible to see a particular Dr on the NHS without a GP referral? I'd go through my own Private Healthcare Insurance, but it would not cover treatment of my Fibroids.

Thanks

I'd go and see a different GP and ask again.

Yes would agree about seeing someone else. I had a hysteroscopy recently which wasn't too invasive. Mine was actually to remove a "lost" mirena coil but they can remove polyps and fibroids this way too I understand.

I did have fibroids but they shrank a few years after pregnancy (dd now 5).

Would think GP could at least give you a scan to see how bad they are. Sometimes GPs don't really like self diagnosis - if you'd gone in and said I've got pain in my abdomen and heavy periods you might have had more luck.

Don't be persuaded to have a mirena coil without reading up on it. Lots of people seem to have problems with them.

Well she knows I have Fibroids, but she strongly felt I should try the Mirena Coil. I said I didn't want to as it may affect my hormone levels and from past experiences of being on the Pill, I always became deeply depressed. She said she would send me back to the Gynae drop in clinic, so passing the buck really. It's very strange as she was so enthusiastic to help when she first joined the practice a year ago.

Hi

Sounds like your GP is less than friendly!

I have had a Fibroid Embolisation- due to the same symptoms as you- have you heard of this option yet? They basically zap the veins connecting the fibroid to its blood supply, meaning it shrinks over a few months and eventually dies. No cutting involved, just a tiny incision where they put in the tube. Not painless afterwards but has reduced heavy periods considerably and the hugely bloated tummy has gone. I'm due to have an MRI next month to see how much it has reduced.

There's a few websites on it -it is new (ish) but GP's tend to not know about it.

All the best.

I would see the practice manager and complain about he. Then see another GP and ask for all the option.

Have you tried to shrink them yourself by reducing the amount of oestrogen you're producing?

If you are overweight or eating fatty/dairy foods, then these can increase oestrogen production in the body, thus causing fibroids.

When I dieted, mine shrank. It does sound though as though yours are very large if you can see thme through the stomach wall and they hurt on moving.

If you on the combined pill, that may also increase them.

She was wrong to imply that a Mirena Coil was your only option- I'd defo go back and ask to see another GP and make them take you seriously.

I've not heard of that vintage

I have heavy periods and a bloated stomach for most of the month. I know I have fibroids, the largest one is 2cm but they were last measured a couple of years ago. My GP has also only offered the coil. I should take my advice and go back

I will find some research for you but it's commonly known that fat causes an increase in the production of oestrogen....off to look.

And oestrogen feeds fibroids - hence why they disappear/shrink after menopause

naturalfertilitybreakthrough.com/articles/is-oestrogen-making-you-fat-and-negatively-impacting-your-fertility/

I have the same thing but mine are 9cms each. Im interested to know what kind of diet would work. I do sympathise!

If oestrogen levels in the body rise, weight control becomes increasingly difficult. Fat cells also actually produce oestrogen. Therefore, the more fat cells present in the body, the more oestrogen is produced. In addition to encouraging more fat cells to grow, this increase in oestrogen also encourages the retention of water, causing a bloated feeling. The production of oestrogen by fat cells is also thought to be the reason behind weight increase when oestrogen levels drop, usually during menopause. The body compensates for decreased levels of oestrogen by increasing the fat cells essential to its manufacture. Taken from above link article

read this

If you drink a lot of non-organic milk and eat chicken that isn't organic, you could partially reduce some excess oestrogen by either decreasing the amount of milk and chicken you consume or changing to organic versions.

It is a well outlined that chicken meat and milk has higher levels of oestrogens due to hormones the cows and birds are given to produce high yields.

Almost all of my diet is organic.

It's only one of the ways to decrease them. And as you say they were no bigger than 2cm a couple of years ago, I'm sure they won't have grown that much. It's probably just where abouts they are that's causing the pain.feeling through stomach etc.

I should go back. I hate feeling bloated.