Sharon's Story: UFE Was the Best Choice

Sharon

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 often unsure. There were periods of time when my cycle would start, and 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. I didn’t want to go anywhere. I was concerned about the clothing I wore because I needed to mask the bloating. It was really not a fun life. The symptoms were horrible. The clotting, uncertainty, and continual bleeding were overwhelming.

There were treatments offered to me. The OB-GYN physician that I saw suggested Lupron, a myomectomy, and several other things, including birth control pills to try to stop the bleeding.

The pills worked for a little while, a very little while, and I knew that a myomectomy wasn’t for me. I had a family member who had one, and the fibroids only grew. So I thought, okay, that’s not the right treatment.

The care that I received prior to my UFE was fabulous. I just felt right at home. They showed me slides on a laptop, explained things to me that I’d already seen, and reviewed things that my OB-GYN had shared with me. After my initial interview, I knew this procedure was the right thing for me.

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

The difference in my life now after the UFE procedure as opposed to prior is like night and day. I feel confident now. I wear pretty much anything 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.

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

My husband then saw UFE on television on a program giving options for different gynecological problems and suggested I discuss it with my gynecologist again. A year after our initial discussion, my gynecologist had learned more and was now on board with giving the treatment a try. As a matter of fact, he told me exactly who to contact. I think by seeing my suffering and realizing that a hysterectomy was not the answer for every woman, I made a believer out of him.

I’m a business owner, so it was important that I get back on my feet as soon as possible. I had my procedure on a Thursday, and I was sending out emails on Monday of the next week.

In seeking the best treatment for me, it was clear to me that neither a hysterectomy or a myomectomy were the choices for me.

Following UFE treatment, I’ve not had to have anything done. I’ve had a follow up, X-rays, 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 holds things in place….so, why not leave here with what you came with? Give ‘em your tonsils, don’t give ‘em your uterus!