Fibroids - is it worth paying for private ultrasound

[traytablestowed]

Hi all,

I strongly suspect I have uterine fibroids. I posted here a few months ago because I started having really heavy periods and went to the GP off of the advice of some lovely posters. I was prescribed tranexamic acid, which has helped with the heavy bleeding (but also made my periods last twice as long 😭). The GP didn't seem particularly concerned about the bleeding and didn't think it needed further investigation, which I was fine with.
Since then I've noticed that I have period-like pains in my back throughout the month, it seems to be getting worse. I've read up a lot and feel convinced that fibroids are causing the pains and the previous heavy bleeding, and I want to know for sure. I know if I go back to the GP and ask for an ultrasound she will most likely refer me, but I understand the wait times are quite long. I can book a private appointment for about £150 and be seen within a week. Is there any benefit to doing this though, ie. knowing one way or the other now vs waiting a few months? And just generally, does anyone have any advice about any of this? I'm feeling quite down about it all.

Thanks

If you pay for the ultrasound, and it does show fibroids, then at least you could then be referred asap to Gynae to discuss options.
In our area it was several months wait for a scan, and then 9 months wait for a gynae appointment, around 17 months just to be seen! At least if you get the scan you are getting to put yourself ahead.

I had a private scan before my fibroid surgery, I had my surgery privately but just wanted an up to date view. I had it with ultrasound direct, I booked in with someone that does 4D during the scanning to get a good view of the locations. I would want further investigations if I were in your position so I personally would just have the scan privately as they should be looking at all the gynae anatomy and not just looking for fibroids. With ultrasound direct they send the report and all the images to you straight away. Out of interest how old are you and are you looking at having children, as this will also impact on fibroid treatment.

Thanks for the replies both. @Gardenlady543 with a private ultrasound, would they likely pick up other issues as well / instead then, eg. cysts? I wasn't sure if you refer saying "suspected fibroids" then they might just look at the uterus... or if it would be more comprehensive as standard. If that makes sense. I had a cyst on one ovary when I was pregnant, they weren't concerned at the time because it wasn't very big but I'm not sure if it's still there? Could also possibly be causing the pain, but probably not the bleeding.
I've had a baby but don't plan on having any more. I'm mid-30s.

@traytablestowed I would book this one if I were you if you have a ultrasound direct near you, they are throughout the uk, www.ultrasound-direct.com/services/health/well-woman-pelvic-scan
They look at the whole gynae system so they won't just look for a fibroid and then end the scan.

Thanks, that's so helpful. I do have one local to me and it's actually cheaper than the one I was looking at, so will definitively give them a call.

Yes book it. I have several fibroids and it's no fun waiting to be seen. The quicker you can get something done about them the better

@traytablestowed you can see the local
availability and book online, that's what I like about the place. I had multiple scans with them when doing IVF, then with the fibroids and then weekly during pregnancy.

Thanks both, really appreciate you taking time to respond ❤️

Hey! Just wondering if you've any updates as I'm in the Same position and tempted to book a private scan x