QuestionHello. I hope you can help me. Last June, I had an abdominal myomectomy. For the most part, recovery went well, just a few problems here and there (unexplained vaginal bleeding and intense cramping for a few days, bleeding from a part of my incision, soreness.) I went to all of my post op appointments and was told everything was good. However, I thought that at some point after the surgery, my doctor was supposed to perform a vaginal exam, which he never did. All he ever checked was my incision. When I questioned him about this, he said a vaginal exam wasn't necessary. Around November, I noticed that my abdomen had started swelling suddenly. Even right after the surgery, I had very little, if any swelling. Now, I can't even fasten most of my pants. Is it possible that a new fibroid tumor has formed and that's causing the unexplained swelling? Could it be ovarian cancer? Should I make an appointment and get it checked out (obviously not with my previous gynecologist!)? If it is another fibroid, is there a way to shrink it so that I don't have to have another surgery? Thank you in advance for any answers that you can provide.
AnswerHello Jade from the U.S. (Virginia),
I'm afraid I can't make a diagnosis via this venue, but you definitely need to undergo an evaluation. I would be surprised if a new fibroid grew that fast to where you are feeling bloated. It is probably something else or new. That is why you need the evaluation. There are many other possibilities. I would recommend that you go see a Gynecologist.
There are other options for the treatment of fibroids including uterine artery embolization, MRI guided Ultrasound ablation, laparoscopic myomectomy and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation. The difficult part is finding a Gynecologist that offers these options. I present them to you just for your information, but don't thing that a fibroid is the problem.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
