Susan's story:

I had been coping with heavy periods for a number of years before we discovered the cause was fibroid tumors. I had three, one of which was rather large. The doctors suggested a hysterectomy, however I wasn't comfortable with that idea. Had the biopsy shown cancer, of course it would have been the correct procedure.

Thanks to the Internet, I found that fibroids could be removed without hysterectomy. My first operation was a myomectomy with a partial endometrial ablation. The ultrasound three months later showed additional fibroid growth and the doctor didn't want to perform another myomectomy. Needless to say, I was becoming frustrated and depressed and my female gynecologist didn't offer much in the way of alternatives except to try progesterone.

I again searched the internet and discovered uterine artery embolization (UAE) at the UCLA web site. This appeared to be the answer to my problem. I talked to my doctor and told her what I learned. She called a few days later with the news that the interventional radiologists in our network had recently attended a seminar on this very subject. I talked to the interventional radiologists and they agreed I was a good candidate. I was so relieved to have this option available...no hysterectomy and an excellent chance to relieve my heavy periods.

Although my operation took longer than expected, the results were immediate. It just so happened I was having my period and the bleeding significantly decreased by the end of the day. I stayed overnight and had intravenous pain medication the entire time. I was sent home around noon with a prescription for Darvocet, which I took for two days. After that, there was no pain. Three months later my ultrasound showed no fibroids...none It's my understanding this is unusual and I'll be having another ultrasound next month just to be sure.

For years I had long, extremely heavy periods and now they're very light and only last five days. I can leave the house and take vacations without having to worry about accidents or bringing mass quantities of tampons and pads. That took some getting used to!

I would recommend this surgery for anyone who has problems with fibroids. I have my life back!