Appointment Findings: The good, bad, and ugly!

This post is quite personal but I'm putting it up for a couple different reasons. First and foremost, I'm putting it up because there may be someone out there who has experienced what I am, or will experience and can benefit from what I have to say. Another is so that I can keep those close to me up to date with what's going on without having to repeat the same story numerous times (lazy, I know). It's easier not to forget anything that way too.

Well, my appointment was quite lengthy and informative. However, there are still some unanswered questions and some difficult choices to make. Rest assured, none of these choices are going to be easy to make or made without a great deal of soul searching. I am sure my brain as well as those around me will be on information overload. I'm also sure that people will get sick of hearing about choice A and choice B, sick of hearing about what I'm thinking and what I'm feeling and will praying for the absolute best possible outcome just as I am.

After walking out of the office, three hours after my appointment time, I left with a great deal of information to process. Some decisions have been made while others have to be addressed. Long story short, here is the good-bad-and-ugly.

Both breasts have shown a great deal of change in respect to lumps since February. At this time, there were approximately 5-7 lumps found in both breasts. These are different than the ones found in February. However, the good news is that the GYN feels these are of cystic nature, they are freely moveable, and at this point require nothing other than a watchful eye. That's the good news!!

The bad news, I have an enlarged uterus. Typically, it is not felt above the pubic bone. Mine is well above it. It is estimated to be the size of a 15-16 week pregnant uterus. It is tender and does not like to be touched, at all! Within the uterus, a fibroid was felt on the left side and something was up near the left ovary too. A mass was felt from the outside of my abdomen as well. It is not known why this is happening or what is causing it. However, it is not a pregnancy!! Whatever these issues are have grown like this in the last 15 months. My last delivery was a c-section and none of these things were discovered at that time. Those are questions that will be addressed at a future appointment via ultrasound.

The ugly, I have a prolapsed bladder. I will admit, I'm a bit totally embarrassed about this. However, it is something that I have no control over (quite literally). I honestly didn't want to bring this issue up with the doctor. I actually sat in the waiting room and prayed (yes, I do that) for the strength to ask all questions, even the tough questions. I have no problem letting them know that I have pelvic pain, abnormal periods, etc. but there is just something about admitting that you have bladder incontinence at 30 years old. I know that I have had issues with my bladder for at least the last 4 years but I honestly thought it would get better. Unfortunately, it has only gotten worse. When it starts affecting my daily activites or the time with my children, it is time to be honest and address the issue. So, there you have it. I'm 30 years old and I have the bladder of an 80 year old. (sigh) So, with that said, I will be having a bladder repair surgery to correct this issue in the very near future.

As far as what to do from here...I don't know. I have an ultrasound to figure out exactly what is growing inside my uterus. Hopefully this ultrasound will show the cause for the enlargement as well. The doctor wants to be there to see the ultrasound when it is done in order to see where things are positioned and exactly what those things are. He said these findings will determine what route we will have to pursue. I will have this ultrasound on May 24 with a consult immediately after the ultrasound.

The options that have been presented to me at this time are a hysterectomy or do nothing. That is not to say that there are no other options available. Honestly, it depends on exactly what they find on my ultrasound. At that time, I'll know more of what I'm dealing with and what route I need to take in order to effectively deal with the issues at hand.

The option that I do not have is birth control pills. These would help with the various issues that I am dealing with (that aren't mentioned here). Unfortunately, it is too risky for me and therefore, it is not an option.

So, at this time, I am in research mode. If you have any experiences with these issues (good and bad) please let me know. If you have any links, research, or advice please pass it along. I'm reading everything that I can get my hands on at this time. I'm determined to make a decision based on as much information that I have, weighing the pros and the cons. I'm a believer that what is right for one person may not be right for another so I want to see both sides of the coin.

I'd appreciate any prayers as well until we know exactly what is going on. They can't hurt, right?

Until next time...
-Becky