Hysterectomy aged 60 for fibroid

[schnauzerfest]

I have a very big fibroid .. 15 cm. Despite my age it has grown 1cm per year. I was on the progesterone only pill for years to manage bleeding. It’s never caused me pain but my abdomen is fairly large. A hysterectomy has been mentioned over the years but I’m pretty terrified of surgery so never went for it as it wasn’t that much of a problem. Last scan showed it has grown. I have spoken to two gynaecologists who can’t seem to agree about having a hysterectomy.. one suggesting I should and one saying it’s up to me! I’m concerned about the risks .. and would like to hear others experiences

I’d go for it, can they do it vaginally?
I always think that if you’ve not got it, you cant get cancer from it.

I had a total hysterectomy last year, in my mid 50’s. As previous poster says, that’s one less place I need to worry about cancer.

Funnily enough I just had coffee with a friend of mine today who had this exact thing (similar size to yours). She has this done just before Christmas and is doing great now. Sorry I can't tell you more than this, but suggest you do more research on the matter.

I had a very large fibroid and I really suffered from heavy periods and as it grew it pressed on other internal organs. In the end I had a procedure (This depends on what type of fibroid you have, mine was large with one artery feeding it), where the surgeon under sedation basically injected plastic beads through my groin and into the artery to block the blood flow. The fibroid then shrank, that bit was very painful, but only lasted about 24 hours! Much less invasive than a hysterectomy and quick recovery time.
My only regret was not getting it done sooner.

Uterine fibroid embolisation - google this.

Thanks everyone.. I think due to its position a hysterectomy is the only way. Glad to hear of positive outcomes from those who had surgery

I had a hysterectomy in February last year, when I was 61, due to big fibroids. I’d been having really heavy periods/bleeding until I was 60! My surgery was a robot-assisted keyhole hysterectomy and it was absolutely the best thing! I was in and out of hospital the same day, recovery was quick (I took two weeks off work, but realistically could have gone back after a week). I could drive a week after surgery. I had my ovaries removed as well, and at my post-op check up, I mentioned I was (still) having some menopausal symptoms, so I started on oestrogen only HRT patches - OMG, what a revelation! I hadn’t realised I was feeling so rubbish until, suddenly, I wasn’t.
I know everyone is different, but for me, it was the best thing I could have done.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

That’s so great to hear you had such a speedy procedure. I’m self employed so having lots of time off is a bit tricky. Was that type of surgery offered on the NHS?

I had a hysterectomy when I was 40. Best day's sleep I ever had!

I have a 9cm fibroid and am also 60 - I was told the only option was a full open hysterectomy as any other procedure would involve breaking it up - they don't do this over the age of 50 because of the very unlikely possibility that there are cancer cells within it that could be spread. Apparently, embolectomy also doesn't work post menopause. I've decided to leave it personally a it doesn't really cause that much problem for me.

Agree with @Mischancehad a much wanted full hysterectomy at 42 almost 10 years ago. Best thing I ever did. Was off work around 5-6 weeks I think.

I had one done a few years ago for the same reason and I’m 20 years younger than you. I had really heavy periods because of the fibroid and was flooding so much blood when I was on my period that I became severely anaemic. My operation was done laparoscopically and I chose to keep my ovaries and cervix. It went well. I had an awkward scar on my belly button that took along time to heal (they used skin glue on all 3 incisions) and I had to take it easy for a few weeks, but it went well and I’m glad I had it done.

The fibroid must be uncomfortable and could develop nasties.

The uterus is of no further use to you.

You need neither the uterus nor the fibroid.

Same issue as you when I was 57. Tried my best to suggest solutions to avoid surgery as I had been traumatised by ELCS many years before.
Was told it was up to me if I had the blighters removed. The &@£* fibroids had arrived with their mates, joined up to form a large mass about the same size as yours by my navel.
Only surgery was the solution To say I was terrified was putting it mildly.
Fiiiiinally I plucked up the courage for the op. Just outside theatre I asked (much to the agreement of the surgeon) to lose my ovaries, tubes and cervix as well
I came to, felt fine, had had the incision where I’d asked, had a button to administer my own morphine. No rolling me over to have morphine jabs this time. The next night I got myself out of bed and walked down the long corridor to the nursing station whilst being cheered on by the nurses. I had been washed but wished I’d asked for my teeth to be cleaned. The next day I was home.
Have two pillows in the car for the journey home (one to sit on and the other between your stomach and the seat belt).
No more smears, no chance of uterine or ovarian cancer. Yes!
Best of luck.

they're vanishingly unlikely to suggest dragging a 15cm fibroid out vaginally.

That’s exactly the response I got @Greybeardy

Yes - NHS.