SHARON’S STORY

My name is Sharon, and I was 46 when I had my UFE procedure. My lifestyle prior to the fibroid treatment was very complicated. I was in pain a lot. I was unsure, often. There were periods of time when my cycle would start, I didn’t know if it was my cycle or if the fibroids themselves were having their own cycle. I never wanted to go and do certain activities. No pool, no jacuzzi. Didn’t want to go any place. I was concerned about the clothing I wore because I needed to mask the bloating. It was really just not a fun life. The symptoms were horrible, but the clotting was the worse for me, and the uncertainty, the continual bleeding. It was just overwhelming.

There were other treatments offered to me. Once, I got almost to the point of a procedure, the OB-GYN physician that I saw suggested Lupron, they suggested a myomectomy, they suggested several things. The one thing they did give me was birth control pills to try to stop the bleeding.

When it came time to do something, when I saw that the pills were not working…they did work for a little while, very little…and I know that the Lupron would be the reason for the myomectomy. I knew that a myomectomy wasn’t for me. I had a family member, who had one, and the fibroids they didn’t remove, grew. So, I thought, okay, that’s not the right treatment.

The treatment that I received prior to my UFE was fabulous. I just felt right at home. They showed me slides on a laptop, they explained things to me that I’d already seen, and some things that my OB-GYN had shared with me. My initial interview, knowing that I was going to have the procedure and that it was the right thing for me.

The follow up care that I received was fabulous. About three days after the procedure, the bleeding stopped. My body got into position and I’ve not had one problem since then. Not one.

The difference in my life now, after the UFE procedure as opposed to prior the UFE procedure is like night and day. I feel confident now. I wear pretty much anything now that I think my body type can tolerate. I’m willing to go places and do things. I’m not uncomfortable when we have guests. I’m happy. I feel healthy. It’s just a night and day difference and my husband’s very happy.

I think I made a believer out of my gynecologist because when I learned about the procedure, which was prior to him and I asked him about it and he didn’t have good things to say, he called it experimental, and he said quite a few things that were discouraging.

My husband then saw it on television on a program that was giving options for different gynecological problems and he mentioned it. When I went back to my gynecologist, at that point, it had been at least a year and he was totally in favor of it. As a matter of fact, gave me the information and told me exactly who to contact. I think seeing my suffering and realizing that a hysterectomy was not the answer for every woman, I think I made a believer out of him.

In seeking the best treatment for me, the hysterectomy procedure as well as the myomectomy procedure were explained to me as well as offered to me. It was clear to me that neither the hysterectomy or the myomectomy were the choices for me.

I’ve not had to have anything done. I’ve had a follow up, xrays, MRIs, things that would actually show any trace of fibroid that would be left. I’ve not had to have any care, any treatment. I go in like any normal woman, I get my pap smears and I leave with my receipt in my hand.

I was really surprised at my body and how it responded. I really was expecting more intensity, but there was none. I didn’t really have pain. I had a little bit of cramping like you would if you were having a normal monthly period, but not as severe as a normal period cramping would be.

I can’t imagine why anyone would choose a hysterectomy unless it’s medically unsound for you to have a UFE procedure. People tell me, “Well, if you have a hysterectomy, you won’t have a menstrual cycle anymore.” That is a very, very high price to pay just to get rid of a menstrual cycle. It involves so many other things. You came here with your uterus. It has a function in your body other than mensus and carrying a fetus. It does hold things in place….so, why not leave here with what you came with? Give ‘em your tonsils, don’t give ‘em your uterus!