In a crime scene, there’s usually a lot of blood everywhere, well with me it was a similar situation, but with my issues it was getting worse, unbearable you might say. I felt that I was losing my mind and didn’t have an answer to what this was, although doctors were telling me it was normal to have severe bleeding when fibroids growing in the uterus; As time went on, things seemed to get even more alarming and I became more fearful about my situation, this is when I knew that something needed to be done about this thing that was happening to my body.

I am a 45 year old woman who suffered with such severe uterine fibroids that, interfered with my life. I was scared of losing my husband, losing my brand new job, and not being successful in other areas. The bleeding became so bad I was forced to leave work early on several occasions, I couldn’t sleep and was getting close to not wanting to leave my house, even becoming depressed at times. My husband and I planned to go to a Family wedding in Florida and of course there was flying involved. I was fine the morning of my flight with no bleeding, but once we landed and arrived at the hotel the bleeding came back with vengeance. My condition kept me from attending events and functions with family and friends. Functions and Events were difficult, I would get a strong pain in my uterus which would cause me to leave the event or being around others, for fear they would notice my problem, I would have to quickly get up and find a bathroom because the bleeding was so heavy and would seep through my clothes. “Very embarrassing to say the least”. An incident happened where I passed out in a park while vacationing in Florida, I landed on the sidewalk and hit my head on the concrete while attending this wedding, I was then rushed to the hospital in Fl. The doctor who tended to me, asked “would I like a blood transfusion” at that time I felt I did not need one and refuse the procedure. I mentioned to the doctor, that I would be fine once I returned home I see my doctor. During this hospital visit in Florida I learned I was anemic, but the only option my gynecologist gave me was to have a hysterectomy. Which is not what I wanted and needed to research other options and also get a second opinion about my condition. 

Once I was back in New Jersey, I made an appointment with my Gynecologist, during the visit, I asked about a procedures that would help me with this condition without having any surgeries, there were some options available that I’ve even heard about that helps shrink the fibroids and made mention of them, however my Gynecologist did not think that it would be a good strategy to attack this problem, in fact she state that “I was not a candidate” for any of those procedures I inquired about.

Finally, I discussed my condition to a doctor (Dr. Lionel Anisette) where I currently work, regarding the problems I had been encountering, he then referred me to Dr. Vincent Gallo, an interventional radiologist . I immediately called his office to set up an appointment during this visit with Dr. Gallo, he informed me, that the hysterectomy was not my only option, and he would not recommend it for my current condition.

In my research and discussions with my doctors, I was informed that uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Dr. Gallo specializes in uterine fibroid embolization, a procedure that involves guiding a small catheter to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles – about the size of a grain of sand – are injected into these arteries, which stops the flow of blood to tumors and causes them to shrink, which then relieves the symptoms. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay.

On the day of my appointment for my procedure, I was provided transportation (provided by the hospital) for my scheduled event. They took great measures to make sure my husband and myself were both informed and updated as to what will happen before, during and after my procedure. The staff was just lovely and took great care of me and I am so very thankful. As for Dr. Gallo – I owe him so much gratitude for all he has done and has given me my quality of life back.

I am sharing my experience because I would like other women to know that drugs like birth control pills or Norethindrone is no longer a necessity for their condition, and that there are other options besides a hysterectomy.

A lot of women are going through this and it affects everyone in their lives, including your work family. There were so many things I could not get involved with such as going to the beach, hanging out with my friends, even simple dinner plans had to be cancelled because of my uterine fibroids, not to mention it definitely interfered with intimacy. There were times when I could not sit for long periods of time, couldn’t laugh heartedly or even cough, I would be fearful of heavy flowing or accidents.

Moving into a more recent time, 3 months after having my procedure, the bleeding stopped, and my life seemed to be getting back on track. Almost a year later I’ve regained strength and a better quality of life, I am enjoying my new position and spending more time with family and friends. I’ve got my life back, and I am excited to see what my future holds, I am now more comfortable in my own skin, and no longer worried about having accidents with my previous condition. Thank you for helping me overcome, and feel better with life in general. Thank God for no more depression or worrying about such a thing called “Uterine Fibroids” or what I called them “THE FIBROID BABIES” “I came into this world with ovaries and a uterus and if I can help it, I’d like to leave with them,”

Mrs. M. Davis