The Complications of a Myomectomy-a Patient’s Story
By admin | March 9, 2010
This is a sad but very honest posting. We recently had a prospective patient that decided not come for our surgery because we would not guarantee fertility after fibroid tumor surgery. No surgeon can give that guarantee. We told her our philosophy was to remove her tumors without leaving any intentionally, offer a video viewing of her surgery to ensure we did everything possible, with no blood transfusions and no hysterectomy….she elected to go to a local gyn who promised all the same things AND fertility. Sadly, we heard the day after surgery that the bleeding was to intense they had to stop the surgery and left several large tumors….although transfusion was suggested and warranted, the gyn elected not to. The patient had to stay three extra days due to dangerously low blood pressures and dizziness…had multiple fainting spells once discharged home and was unable to have visitors for 2 weeks due to weakness. They have recommended IVF treatments to attempt fertility in a few months. This is just bad medicine….this patient was promised something that could not be delivered…and suffered in the process. Fertility is once again in question and she will no doubt require more fibroid tumor surgery. Make sure you know what your surgeon is capable of..the procedure you are having and the potential complications.
Topics: fibroids | No Comments »
Herbal Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms
By admin | February 8, 2010
Many women are trying to avoid traditional drug therapy when treating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, depression, sleeplessness, and dry vagina. Hormone replacement therapy with either synthetic or bio-identical hormones can significantly reduce these symptoms however are not without side effects. IF you have female diseases that are reliant upon estrogen like Fibroid tumors, Endometriosis and Adenomyosis these replacement therapies can and will fuel your disease process. There are a few herbs on the market that can be effective at mitigating the above symptoms…..pine bark (pycnogenol), black cohosh, and St. Johns wart have shown some effectiveness. Herbs are not without side effects so check with your doctor prior to taking them…..but they may be an effective alternative to traditional hormone treatments.
Topics: Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, fibroids | Comments Off
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women
By admin | January 27, 2010
We recently had a patient in the office who was diagnosed and treated 10 years ago for fibroid tumors and endometriosis. She had experienced early menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. At that time her naturopath recommended a bio-identical estrogen supplement. She was told that hormone therapy would NOT have an effect on any possible remaining fibroids. Sadly, this is not true. She now has a 7cm fibroid producing serious low back pain. IF you have any female disorder that requires estrogen to proliferate: fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis, you run the risk of recurrent disease once you begin hormone supplementation.
Topics: Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, fibroids | Comments Off
Treating Fibroid Tumors with MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy
By admin | January 13, 2010
MRgFUS is a relatively new technique in treating fibroid tumors. The MRI technology is used to locate the tumor and ultrasound beams are passed through the skin to ablate or destroy the fibroid. This is a minimally invasive procedure, however long term effectiveness is still being determined. The concern is whether the entire tumor can be destroyed and then what becomes of the decaying and necrotic tissue? Medical studies have shown fibroid tumors can turn malignant when they decay and begin to die. I still believe removing the tumors surgically (female alternative surgery) is the best treatment for positive long term outcomes. Do your research before consenting to any surgery.
Topics: fibroids | Comments Off
Hysterectomy Side Effects
By admin | December 28, 2009
As we approach the end of this decade, I am sad to report we are still performing almost 700,000 hysterectomies annually; 500,000 are for non-cancerous diseases like Fibroid Tumors, Endometriosis, and Adenomyosis. Many side effects associated with hysterectomy are irreversible and/or negative like: bladder incontinence, constipation, hormone imbalance and sexual dysfunction-no desire or feeling, as well as emotional and psychological damage. If you are interested in a holistic medical approach and want to keep your organs, please do your research. Our practice as been offering women a laser surgical holistic alternative to hysterectomy for over 15 years. Do not agree to a surgery unless you know it is right for you…..
Topics: Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, fibroids, hysterectomy | Comments Off
Endometriomas and their Symptoms
By admin | December 7, 2009
Endometriomas are pelvic masses or cysts that arise from the ovary. They are often blood filled and have a thick dark chocolate consistency, hence their name “chocolate cyst.” They are made up of abberent endometrial cells that bleed during the monthly cycle, as a result of hormone changes. These cysts are often seen in conjunction with surrounding endometriosis. If left untreated they can become quite large and engulf or overtake the ovary. Symptoms include pelvic pain, and painful periods. Surgery for removal is the treatment of choice.
Topics: Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts | Comments Off
Alternative Therapies for Womens Health
By admin | November 10, 2009
This past week in the LA Times there was an article in the Health Section regarding the increased reliance upon alternative therapies ie accupuncture, herbs, supplements, massage therapies etc. These therapies can be excellent for treating many ancillary symptoms but often do not get to the core problem behind the diagnosis. Always keep in mind, treating the root of the problem is the best way to go. Many women call our office with symptoms of heavy bleeding, painful periods, back pain who have been offered medications and/or therapies that do not address the reason for the symptoms….(ie fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. ) Remember, seek out the solution that has the best outcome for your diagnosis, not just the symptoms….and dont delay treatment.
Topics: Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, fibroids | Comments Off
Dietary effects on Fibroid Tumors
By admin | November 3, 2009
We have many women come to office asking if there is an association between what they eat and the symptoms related to their fibroids. The answer is absolutely!! Sadly, many of our foods are processed with the use of hormones to enhance growth. These hormones are directly absorbed into the body and become an additive to the already cycling hormones in your system. Any female disorder, Fibroids, Adenomyosis, Endometriosis and Ovarian cysts will respond to added estrogen. In order to reduce the side effects, limit your diet to all organically grown foods, and avoid caffeine, chocolate and soy products.
Topics: Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, Ovarian Cysts, fibroids | Comments Off
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE or UFE)
By admin | October 20, 2009
Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure often used to treat fibroid tumors. Small polyvinyl particles are injected into the uterine artery while the patient is under xray examination. The goal is to block the blood supply to the tumors so they eventually die off. The technique has been successful for small, single tumors and may be an option for some women. Unlike our Female Alternative Surgery, UAE is not recommended for patients hoping to maintain fertility. Many physicians are attempting to embolize larger and multiple tumors, creating the potential for damage to surrounding uterine muscle and eventual uterine abcess. This can necessitate hysterectomy. We do not recommend UAE for women with multiple or larger fibroids or those hoping to maintain fertility.
Topics: fibroids, hysterectomy | Comments Off
INFERTILITY and ADENOMYOSIS
By admin | October 8, 2009
As previously posted, Adenomyosis is endometriosis in the uterine muscle or wall. This is a benign or non-cancerous disease that spreads monthly with hormones. As adeno spreads is damages the uterus effecting the contractility of the cells…..as a result, many women experience miscarriage during the late first into second trimester. This damage to the organ is permanent…infertility is very common with adenomyosis, especially in advanced stages. Although treatment can retard the spread of the disease, fertility cannot be returned.
Topics: Adenomyosis | Comments Off
« Previous Entries