Unsuccessful UFE (uterine fibroid embolisation)

[Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius]

I found out I’d a fibroid 12 yrs ago when pregnant with my first - made sense due to heavy and painful periods but didn’t think more about it. About 2 yrs ago I went for an ultrasound as i could feel a mass in my lower stomach area -turned out the fibroid had grown to 10cm round and was putting pressure on my bladder. Eventually decided on UFE as I’m suffering from anaemia and problems with bladder control ( I know menopause will fix it but hoped to ease things for the next few years til then (44) )
i finally had UFE yesterday but was told it wasn’t successful 😭. The fibroid had grown to 10.7 and the artery going in was too wide so they could only narrow it, but not cut off blood supply. Don’t know if I’ll have any improvement in symptoms at all. They said I can come back for another one (like it’s no big deal getting time off work/organising kids/paying for consultant fees) but don’t think I want to. Did this happen to anyone else?

They said some of it should shrink/die so just have to hope…. So upset rn

I’ve just read your post and really hope you’ve seen some improvement in the last six months.

@Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius did it help even though it didn't cut off the blood supply?

@MissUnicorn sorry just seeing this now. So in the end it didn’t fully cut off blood supply but it did reduce it enough to kill it off a bit; it’s def made periods lighter and it has shrunk (I can’t feel it anymore and was reduced at last mri)
So even tho not a total success it worked enough - very happy in retrospect

@Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquariusthat’s great news. I’m so glad you’re feeling some benefit. Hopefully one day you’ll be rid of the whole darn thing 🤞🏻

@Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius that's great news! I'm so pleased that it has offered you some relief.

Thanks both appreciate it!

They don't necessarily disappear at meno I have to tell you - mine is kicking off worse.

I’m sorry I missed your thread at the time, @Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius - but pleased you have seen some improvement since your surgery.

I always encourage people to try embolisation if they’re suitable for it. And I would probably have suggested you go back for a second attempt if your consultant thought that would work.

It’s incredible (but sadly not) that you were walking around with fibroids for 12 years. I do know that for such a common condition it can take a ridiculously long time to be diagnosed. I’ve known people almost die of anaemia while medics refused to take their symptoms seriously.

Anyway - good luck with your continuing recovery!