If you fear surgery, discuss alternatives. Don't do nothing

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 45-year-old female. I was recently told by my gynecologist that I need to have a uterine fibroid removed.

I know I have two fibroids, both of which are estimated to be about 6 pounds each. My stomach protrudes, and I look as if I am nine months pregnant because of them. I no longer have a menstrual cycle and am now having difficulty walking because of the fibroids.

I am scared to death of surgery and wonder whether I have any other options.

DEAR READER: Uterine fibroids (sometimes known as fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous growths most common in women of childbearing age and usually cause mild symptoms or none at all. Most shrink or disappear during menopause.

According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as three out of four women have one or more uterine fibroids at some point in their lifetimes, but most never know it because the growths do not cause problems. Generally, fibroids are found accidentally during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound for another condition, and ordinarily, they do not cause symptoms and need no treatment.

Fibroids that cause symptoms generally lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent or difficult urination, constipation and/or back or leg pain. Rarely, pain and fever may be present when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and begins to die.

There are several treatment options available, but most rely on altering the hormones that allow the fibroids to continue growing. There are also several surgical procedures. The two most common are hysterectomy (which removes the entire uterus and possibly the ovaries as well) and myomectomy (which removes the fibroid only). Only a hysterectomy has been proven as a permanent solution, since it removes the tissues that generate the fibroid. Simply removing the fibroid does not guarantee one will not grow again or prevent another from developing in a different location.

Because you are clearly having quite severe symptoms from your very large fibroids, I urge you to follow your gynecologist’s advice. He or she most likely would not recommend the dramatic option of surgery unless it is was the best course of treatment. Surgery can be frightening. Talk to your physician and surgeon about your fears and other possible treatment options that may be available to you. They should be able to help you understand more about the surgical procedure and risks involved, as well as the risks of declining surgery and allowing the fibroids to continue to grow. And if you still have doubts, you could consider getting a second opinion from another gynecologist.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report, “Vaginal Infections and Disorders.� Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have another crazy home remedy for you and your readers.

I have sensitive skin and eczema. I am allergic to sunscreen, latex and chemicals. During one flare-up, I tried plain old honey. Yes, it’s sticky, but for the first time, I had instant calming relief.

I simply wet my fingers and skin and apply a thin layer.

A beekeeper once told me that honey holds in moisture, so maybe that is why this works.

DEAR READER: This remedy is new to me so I am passing it on to my readers for their input. Thanks for sharing, and I will print a follow-up article with the results from my readers.

Peter Gott practiced medicine in Lakeville for 40 years.