Hello - after my ultrasound this week where I was told I had multiple fibroids and told I need further assessment by a gynaecologist I have been fairly anxious. Both about the potential treatment needed, perhaps worsening of what are mild symptoms right now but also the referral system that seems to have made me fixate on thinking things are serious etc Perhaps because I have only been referred once and that was for a simple cervical polyp.
My GP just phoned to say the report from the ultrasound was in and if OK with me he is going to refer me and I should hear in the next few weeks but the appointment could be a way a way. He asked me what my symptoms were and that was it really. I asked if this was urgent - no. He said it was routine and they would decide on treatment and MAY want to look further at the fibroids but they may not. I asked if watch and wait was an option and he said maybe. I said I had looked at the NHS website for fibroids but haven't got many symptoms but there is a list of treatments and is that what my options are, he didn't really reply and just said the referral would discuss things but when I mentioned that menopause can shrink them, he said yes they can. I asked what size and he said 4 medium and smaller ones. I guess he is referring and his opinion isn't relevant really.
I think I am reading into things and assuming that the fibroids are so big that surgery is the only option and that is why they have refered me - I realised this is the assumption I am making after putting down the phone. He didn't say that and I didn't ask. Do we have a choice in these matters? Can you say no to surgery if it isn't urgent?
I rambled away to the Dr saying, I think I have an understanding of what I want to know; which is where they are and are they near anything that will be compromised if they grow and to discuss the fact that at menopause they might shrink, but that obviously I want to be aware of the situation and all possibilities. Putting down the phone I started getting anxious that perhaps I have no choice and that no one is telling me surgery is the only treatment. I didn't however mention surgery at all!
I have investigated private consultants and could see one next week. Does anyone know how this works, if I see a consultant for an opinion of what they would suggest, do I then have to stick with them and do I then lose my NHS 'place' as it were? I read on the internet that many women refuse surgery for fibroids as long as they can cope with symptoms but I think in my case, the symptoms are not an issue but perhaps the size/position and potential for growth is and a professional might advise removing now to avoid problems.
I need some help managing the process of getting to a treatment plan - I am used to having medical issues that are given one solution and that's it. In this case, I have presumed it is surgery and quite frankly I am upset about that possibility. Do you think this is a process of deciding a course of action and not just one course - is that the role of a consultant as opposed to a GP who makes more clear cut decisions? I wonder if they would tell me straight that surgery is likely?
Oh golly, I know no one but the consultant will be able to answer me really, but it's useful to write it down. I feel a bit overwhelmed and black and white thinking has taken over. I really hope this process is collaborative and I have options. I think that would feel ok, right now I feel there is only one option which in reality hasn't been said.
I am hating my mid 40's right now