Monday, January 07, 2013

BIG DARK SPOT

If you know me personally, you probably know that I've been complaining for some time of an abnormality in my abdomen.  Even though I've lost roughly 60 pounds from my highest-ever weight, my stomach is still large and round and looks like I'm six months pregnant.  Plus, when I push on my stomach, it's really hard to the touch. 

After a lot of false starts and failures, I finally got a referral to a doctor who listened to my concerns.  At the very beginning of his examination, he placed his hand on my stomach and promptly said, "You've got fibroids."  At last!  I know it's weird to be happy about that, but I feel vindicated, that this wasn't just me playing the hypochondriac card.

Today I went back to my doctor's office for an ultrasound, and I saw this big dark spot in the middle of the screen.  I asked the tech if it was a fibroid, and she did a little half-laugh and said, "I can't tell you that."

So I said, "Well, can you answer a question?  That's not a big empty space in my stomach, is it?"

Another almost giggle, and, "No, it's not."

I don't know what the scale is of what I was seeing on the screen, but the size of the big dark spot was somewhere between grapefruit and cantaloupe, with several smaller spots ranging from plum to lime.  I have another appointment later this week, where the doctor will tell me the results of this ultrasound.  I really hope that if these are fibroids (and ovarian cysts), they can be removed so I will stop looking like I'm trying to shoplift a bowling ball.

I have immense faith that this is all going to turn out well, but I would still appreciate it if all of you would keep me in your prayers.  I'll let you know what the doctor says later this week.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was just perusing more on your blog after commenting about Margaret Hillert books and share a commonality. I had a golf ball size fibroid that grew at least to a grapefruit size while pregnant. After pregnancy, I had it surgically removed (but not laparoscopically because it was too big). No complications. So glad I don't have it anymore! My own obgyn didn't have much experience in removing them, so I went online and did a lot of searching to find a local, skilled and experienced obgyn who performs surgeries multiple times per month not just a few times per year. I'm so glad I sought after an experienced surgeon. I hope you find the outcome you are looking for!

Mellanie C. said...

As it turns out, I not only have the fibroid, but several hernias. The plan is for me to have two surgeons going in laparoscopically, one to deal with the fibroid and hysterectomy, and the other to repair the hernias (including one I had repaired 18 years ago after my son was born). If the surgery proves to be too complicated, I will be moved to a standard operating room and they will open me up for a traditional surgery.

Did your stomach go down after the fibroid was removed?

I have to see the cardiologist again next week for a cardiac clearance--I'm having an echocardiogram and a stress test. I still haven't heard from the second surgeon, but right now it looks like the surgery will be a go for right after Memorial Day.

Thanks for commenting!