Uterine artery / fibroid embolisation

[emmathedilemma]

Been to see gynae for results of MRI scan today and he's suggesting Uterine artery / fibroid embolisation as a preference over myomectomy but basically the options are mine.
Now he made UAE sound like a walk in the park - said an overnight stay in hospital and I'd be able to drive home the next day (will have to go about 50miles away as the hospital I see him at doesn't do it), and "back to normal in 2 weeks!......however, my web research is suggesting otherwise!!
A couple of websites say no driving for 48hours afterwards and people report being in serious pain for days. I'm also not keen on the advice to use pads not tampons for at least 6 months (I go to the gym and run a lot so lycra + nappies is not a good look!).
My other concern is it not working and me still having to go down the surgical route after several more months of living hell.
Has anyone had this done and can advise, particularly on recovery?

anyone??

I had it done a few years back. The first 24 hours were not great - I felt nauseous and was cramping badly (think really bad period cramps type of pain!). I wouldn't have been able to drive myself home the next day.

However, back to normal in two weeks sounds about right to me - I was back at work by then and probably could have gone back in a week (but I took two weeks off). I think it took me maybe three or so days before my appetite returned and for the pain to fade away, I slept a lot during this period!

UAE shrank my fibroids but they're still there (and grew back slightly post-shrinkage). I'm glad I had it done but I wish it had been more effective, I think it's a mixed bag as to results.

Hopefully this helps some, happy to try and answer any other questions you have!

thanks, that confirms my suspicions! Waiting on appointment with the UAE consultant so will see what he says. Interesting to hear your results - do you still get symptons from them being there but smaller or do they not bother you now?

I can still feel them but less of an issue, if that makes sense. Mostly in the week or so before my period, that's when I do feel a bit bloated, as opposed to pre-UAE, which was all the time.

Hope your consultation goes well!

(I also googled the procedure before having it, and was nervous when I read all the stories about UAE going wrong. However, my friend pointed out people tend to post their experience when it goes wrong and not when it goes well, so internet posts will be weighted towards the former!)

I know your original post is quite old now but I came across it as I am looking for more info on UAE. I have been having decapeptyl injections for a large fibroid over the last six months. I saw the consultant today and the fibroid has shrunk down from 11cm to 9cm. He suggested either a hysterectomy (open surgery , not keyhole because of how large the fibroid is) or UAE. I don't know which to go for. I will not be having anymore children so that isn't an issue. But he never really tells me very much about anything, so I have to always go back home and do more research. I would be very interested to hear if you have now had the procedure and how things have been.