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Thanks sjt23. I really appreciate your feedback. And congratulations on being pregnant! I trust since your myo you are having a much better experience this time around. I did see one specialist and I am seeing another who is the one of the best in Toronto on Feb. 10 and then later that day I have my ultrasounds. From last month it seems as though the 3 are in the lining toward the outside of the uterus. Then I see my new OBGYN on the 15th. So I will have some direction one way or another. I'm open to the surgery if that is what I absolutely need to do. I will do whatever it takes to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. That is also why I made some drastic lifestyle changes which I hope are making a difference as well. Can I ask you how big your fibroids were and how long you had to wait after your surgery to ttc? I have read all through the the threads (part 1 also) but I can't quite remember.

I can't say that this pregnancy is peaches because there is always the possible incompetent cervix thing. I have had a cerclage. I have had a couple of weird U/s as of late so I am not out of the water yet. At least I don't have the fibroids to worry about. I had 10 fibroids. When they did u/s prior to the surgery they could only see 5. Three of my fibroids were orange to tennis ball size. They were on the outside and in the lining/muscle of my uterus. I did notice better periods after the surgery.

You know, the doctor who first treated me at the hospital when I was in labour said afterward that she suspected incompetent cervix as well. I thought that may have made sense because I felt a lot of pressure starting about two weeks before as if when I stood up the baby would fall out. I asked my doctor and was told pressure was normal as I got bigger. Anyway, when my attending physician came in later that night he said he didn't think it was IC. So even within the same hospital they are contradicting each other. I have found the whole experience so frustrating in this aspect because first they can't confirm why this happened and then they differ on why they think it happened. My new doctor said if I become pregnant again he will put me on bedrest no matter what at about 16 weeks which is fine by me. In my previous pregnancy I think I could have relaxed more and slowed down. My job is high profile and stressful, I was still doing my regular excercise routine, doing my regular chores including lifting laundry and helping with small renovations around the house. I was always very fit and felt fine doing these things but should have slowed down and listened to my body more. This is where I sometimes blame myself I guess. This is where I've had lots of guilt that I've had to work through..... As for you, I'm sorry your pregnancy isn't peaches. I wish it was. This is supposed the be such a happy time. Are they telling you what's going on in the u/s? I hope its nothing serious. At least you are pregnant and fibroid free! When you did have fibroids in your previous pregnancy was it just a matter of them being there and close to the endometrium lining or did they grow? One of mine grew and outgrew it's blood supply (they suspect) which caused some agitation in my uterus (they suspect). I don't know about anyone else but I never would have suspected I had fibroids-no heavy bleeding or crazy cramps and very regular which is why I was able to time my ovulation and get pregnant the first month we tried. I've had physicals every year and no mention of a fibroid in sight before this. This may sound weird but I am a big believer in nature's cures and I strayed away from that when I got pregnant which may have contributed to what happened..... I'm having a pelvic U/S and a sonohysterogram which should really see everything so I'm hoping to have some definitive results so I can make the best decision possible. Hi to all the other pregnant women on the site. I hope you are doing well also.

I knew I had fibroids when I got pregnant. They were all 2cm or smaller. They definitely grew. I only had one u/s (20 week) and by that point it was too late. I have done lots of research and within some of my reading I have found that fibroids can in certain situations actually cause IC. The thing is you aren't supposed to have pain with IC. So who knows?? I don't. I took precautions with both because I did have a LEEP done 14 years ago. It is rare that it can cause IC but it does. At this point in the game I know that the rare can happen to me. Good luck with your u/s. If its any consolation if your fibroids are all subserosal there hasn't been any proof that a myomectomy will help in future pregnancies.

Its true. There are no definitive answers so all we can do is what we can and work with what we know to prevent a recurrance. I'm not sure the type of fibroids I have. I'm sure I will find out in a few weeks. It's been mentioned they are on the outside but I don't know if that means subserosal on the ones on the stock. I didn't think to ask at the time. My head was in a fog. When you had the cerclage, did they advise bedrest as well? I'm looking frward t my u/s because I just want to know what we are doing. I hate all the waiting.... it gives me too much time to think about everything that has happened. I know a new pregnancy won't replace my beautiful Mia but it will keep me focused on something else.

Hi guys, just wanted to chime in... my fibroids were subserosal. There were 5 of them all lined up on top of my uterus. Not on stalks or anything just growing out of the top of my uterus. If you make a fist that's kind of what they looked like except they were very large (the size of grapefruits I was told). My uterus started contracting at 21 weeks causing me to lose my son Antoine. I had the myo to remove those and was able to carry to term with my current son. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in based on my personal experience with subserosal fibroids. I actually still have a small fibroid left within the lining of my uterus that did not cause any problems. If the outer fibroids grow back I personally will not ttc again until they are removed. My dr suggested the same thing... (cerclage) for my last pregnancy but turns out I did not need it. I carried to term... I did have a few visits to the ER with contractions and had to be given shots to stop them from week 27 I had a couple of those scary visits and 2 or 3 shots over the course of those visits to stop the contractions but all turned out well and now I have a happy, healthy 5 month old baby boy. Good luck guys! I'm praying for all of you. KB

Hi KB, Thanks for your two cents! And congratulations on your new little son. It must be so wonderful. I can't wait to be in your shoes in the near future. Did your doctor's tell you why you had contractions with your recent pregnancy even though you had your fibroids removed? I guess my concern is having the surgery but then having to deal with similar symptoms anyway. And then sometimes they can't even get take them all out, or new ones grow. I know there are no guarantees with anything in lfe but to have this surgery freaks me out. What if it damages something or there are problems afterward. But then if I did nothing and got pregnant again I would be so paranoid. At least there are shots that can stop contractions if need be. I mean, with today's so called "modern medicine", they should have been able to help us to begin with before we all had losses. Love and prayers!

It just goes to show you that even though there are millions of women with fibroids the drs just don't understand them. KB is a perfect example with the subserosal fibroids. I should amend what I said earlier and say that if the fibroids are large it is good to get those suckers removed. I looked at all the natural cures and I just didn't want to wait. Plus I was too scared to take the risk. I am still scared. I get to go to the perinatologist FINALLY in two days. I can't wait to get some answers. Good luck on the u/s.

I honestly think they don't take the time to understand fibroids. Even in medical books and journals its very cookie cutter. And they all say the same thing "let's just watch it and see what happens". They should be able to just inject it with something to stop them from growing or causing issues :) I guess no one is funding that type of research. I think if I get pregnant again I would also want a midwife. I know I will be high risk or need special medical watch but I want someone who will do in between house calls and work with my doctor and just feel a more one on one experience. I'm not even pregnant yet and I already have a plan in my head! Yes, if my fibroids were big I wouldn't hesitate but because they are small I have some trepidation, even despite the loss. But at the same time I don't want to put myself at risk unnecessarily. Gosh, this is like the hardest decision of my life. Of course I am jumping the gun...I don't even have my u/s results. Sjt23, I'm so happy that you get to see and perinatologist. I think that would help to see you through your pregnancy and your concerns. I hope you post and let us know how it went. I'm curious to see how a perinatologist's approach would differ. I saw a great doc_mentary called "The Business of Being Born". It is fantastic. It talks about the limitations of OBGYNs and how they are only taught a certain way. I thought it was very eye opening and it just goes to show we have to be our own advocates and do what we individually feel is right. I hope you guys get to see it or try downloading it. It's an American doc_mentary and I'm not sure where you all are from but I'm Canadian but I'm pretty sure what they are taught is the same or similar. And thanks for the well wishes on my u/s. It's on Feb 10 so I still have a few more weeks. I've already started tracking my cycles in case I'm good to go!

My story: I found this forum after I had my first miscarriage in October 2009. Of course, my OB was not too concerned about my fibroid, which we didn't know about until my first ultrasound at 8 weeks. But by 10 weeks, I knew something was wrong; a few days before my 12 week appt, I started bleeding and on my 12 week appt we saw that our baby's heartbeat was gone. I had a D&C the same day. I was devastated. My husband seemed more shocked than anything, but was ready to try again as soon as possible. I honestly should have waited, for emotional reasons, but we didn't, and got pregnant on our first month trying. So in this month (Jan 2010) I got my second positive HPT. And started crying when I told my husband. I just knew it wasn't going to stick. Sure enough, one week later, I started bleeding, and the first ultrasound showed now growth, and so did the 2nd. We did Cytotec this time around, and based on the OBs summation today, it "worked". Going to go back for a blood draw in 2 weeks to be sure my HCG levels are falling. My fibroid is pretty large- the size of an orange. It grew significantly during my first pregnancy, but not much this second time, since it was so much shorter. I am just heartbroken--my husband has two children from previous relationships, so I don't think it affects him nearly as much as it does me. And I can't help but know it's ME that is causing us to lose pregnancies. Obviously, my husband has been able to have two healthy children by two other women, so it must be me.... sigh... Anywho, we are planning to take a break and see what we should do- just try again, and pray the next one sticks; or have the myo, and pray that works, and then try again. I am really leaning toward the myo, and will start seeing specialists and surgeons in a month or so. My question is this: I don't accept whole blood transfusions for religious reasons. Did any of you have to have a blood transfusion during your surgery? Also, how long did you wait after your miscarriage before having the surgery? TIA... so glad this board is here. The only one like it on the internet, that I've found!

tmelton2 So sorry that you have had to deal with all that...it sucks big time. You know the doctors will probably tell you that one fibroid is no big deal. I guess my advice is to see the specialist. If the fibroid is a certain type or in just the worng place (cervix) it really could be the culprit. I asked my doctor about blood tranfusions and how many he had had to perform. In 25 years of doing a minimum of 1 a week he only had to do 1. So I think the statistics are good on that side. I guess you just never know. As for wait time: I think they want you to wait a few months. I carried my daughter to 20 weeks so I waited six months. Also with only one fibroid they may be able to do a less invasive surgery to remove it. I had 10 so it was all they way for me. Let us know how it goes. Best of luck.

Hi tmelton2, I`m sorry for your loss. No one should have to experience this type of loss. But you have found the right place to talk and gain valuable information and insight. I`m in a similar boat as you in that I`m not sure whether to have to surgery or try again. I lost my baby at 20 weeks 2 months ago. I have 3 fibroids which are all very small (ranging from 1 - 3 cm) so my doctor and other doctor`s I have seen for second, third, and fourth opinions are all against the surgery because they are small fibroids. And two of these doctors are the best in my city. And they say there is no guarantee the surgery is the answer or that fibroids won`t come back. It`s a very confusing time. I can`t speak to the surgery aspect but as you have no doubt read throughout the forum, many women have had the surgery very successfully and have had children or are expecting. My advice would be to seak several new opinions from specialists and go from there, one step at a time. Also, listen to your gut feeling as you will be the one affected either way. As I said, I`m in the same situation in terms or making this decision. I have one more ultrasound scheduled in two weeks where I will hopefully get a really good picture of what`s going on in there and whether it`s wise to try again or seriously consider the surgery. One question I have for anyone: after your loss did you experience little twinges where your fibroids are. I never had any syptoms oof fibroids before I was pregnant and not even until the 18th week. Now I feel little sharp twinges every now and then where I know the biggest fibroid is- it grew as big as 5cm but last month showed it shrunk down to 3cm. Any insight anyone has would be appreciated. All the best to you tmelton2.

Thanks so much, sjt23. It's good to know that blood will probably not be an issue. I my nextstep is to get some more opinions. maternitymission- I'm so sorry about your loss. I can't imagine the loss at 20 weeks. I have felt twinges in my fibroid after both losses (feeling twinges/pulling now). My doc said is was because of the decreasing blood supply. So you may be feeling those twinges as your fibroid shrinks. Thanks ladies... I will keep in touch. All the best to all of you...

Hi tmelton2, thanks for that little tidbit of info. That makes sense re: the twinges and shrinkage. I'll ask my doctor about it in a few weeks as well. I think any loss at any weeks is devastating when you really want a baby but yes at 20 weeks you feel that you are on your way and that nothing can go wrong. Since my loss and reading many many stories I know anything can go wrong at any time. All we can do is have faith that we will have children in the near future. Good luck to you. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Hi all, Just an update. I am 23 weeks pregnant this week. My cervix has been holding out. It has slowly shortened to 4 cm but is still okay. I get checked every week. The baby looks wonderful, he is healthy and big. The u/s tech found a small fibroid at the last session. Bummer:( I am not that worried about it causing too much trouble. I can't imagine that it would grow like a monster before now and the end...I hope. I am moving across country this week as well! The dr. has me on modified bed rest that I have not been good about. Once I get there I will be able to rest a bunch more because we will be in temporary housing that provides everything. I just pray my body will just hold out. Even though things seem to be going okay I still get nervous about every twinge, or pressure feeling. I know I have said that I wouldn't do anything for this baby until the end...well.... My girl friends here threw me a going away shower. So, I have been indulging in the hopes/thoughts of being able to bring this little one home. Hope everything is going well for everyone else.

Congrats sjt23 on reaching 2 weeks and the move. lots of big changes for you very soon. New place and new baby in a few months. you must be so happy. and don't even give that little fibroid a second thought. if there's just one and its small there shouldn't be a concern. do have twinges or pains often. do your doctor's have you on a good pain management plan if needed. you mention you get monitored weekly which is fantastic. I ask only because I will be trying again later this month to get pregnant without having the surgery. i had my sonohysterogram and one fibroid is completely gone or too small to see and the other two have shrunk. I have seen 3 specialist who all think I should try again with a new plan in place i.e. lots of monitoring and pain management. The two are on the outside at the top, one in front, one in back. As happy as I am not to have surgery at the moment I am so scared to get pregnant and feel the degeneration pain if it happens again. but we have plan and I will be admitted everytime. That;s why i can understand your nerrves at the twinges and stuff. it sucks so much but I think you are doing great. btw, my new dic says that when i get pregnant again i will have a cerclage and be on bedrest for the remaining time. just imagine your baby using all the things from the shower, that will keep you going the remaining 15-17 weeks. visual imagery is poweerful stuff. well good to hear from you. i wasn't sure anyone was still posting. just know that i'm always here. Good luck with the move. by the time you settle in, your baby will soon follow.