Celia
Hi, my name is Celia Belt.
In 1998 I visited with my gynecologist regarding pain and excessive bleeding. Testing revealed that I had several fibroids in my uterus. My physician suggest that I undergo an immediate complete hysterectomy and I was informed that symptoms could only get worse. I had three children, was healthy... what did I have to lose? Right? Wrong!!! Another surgery meant down time, pain, scarring, early menopause and the ever present possibility of complications. I was also not ready for the finality of losing a major working system of my body. I sought a second opinion and was relieved to hear that such drastic measures could wait and that the symptoms might subside with the onset of menopause. I was 38 years old, I added the years of possible discomfort in my mind and resigned myself to the waiting game.
By 2004 the weight of my uterus was unbearable, pregnancy was more comfortable! I developed large painful varicose veins, back pain, my clothes didn't fit, my personal life was tanking and I was losing bladder control. The activities I enjoyed including horseback riding were becoming a painful experience. The joy was literally being vacuumed from my life. Another visit with my gynecologist brought more bad news, the fibroids had grown and multiplied. Feeling defeated I returned home and thought it wouldn't hurt to get on line and see if perhaps there was an alternative therapy. I found that fibroid embolization was being performed in some of this country's most well respected medical facilities. The case studies I read brought me hope. Short recovery, fast return to activities and no major incisions. Great! Where do I sign up!
First I'd need a visit with my gynecologist to assess my situation and explore her views on the procedure. She informed me that she was in fact familiar with the procedure, it had not been suggested to me at that time due to the fact that it was a relatively new procedure. She went on to say that she knew of a local doctor currently performing UFE in the San Antonio area. At this point I would have traveled to Russia for some relief! I finally had some hope, calls were made and an appointment set. My MRI was scheduled with a prompt consultation visit. I was horrified! What I saw on those films told the story of my suffering, as I looked at the size of my uterus it became obvious to me that my bladder, breathing and back problems might have something to do with things simply being displaced, it all made sense and I was ready for some change. Dr. Thomas made me feel so calm about the situation, explained the procedure in great detail and never tried to sell me on the idea that this was for me. I now had the facts and it was my decision to take a step towards a new life. I set the date, I was ready.
My experience with UFE was remarkable. Within months I was no longer finding the longest shirt in the closet to cover my protruding abdomen. The pain and bleeding subsided, my personal relations with my husband took an upswing and I had more energy. I was back on a horse within two weeks and perhaps the most rewarding experience was when one of my children mentioned to her friend that Mommy was not tired anymore and could take her to walk in the park. We live in a world with many medical possibilities and I encourage those of you reading this to explore this remarkable and life changing procedure.
-Celia Belt
In 1998 I visited with my gynecologist regarding pain and excessive bleeding. Testing revealed that I had several fibroids in my uterus. My physician suggest that I undergo an immediate complete hysterectomy and I was informed that symptoms could only get worse. I had three children, was healthy... what did I have to lose? Right? Wrong!!! Another surgery meant down time, pain, scarring, early menopause and the ever present possibility of complications. I was also not ready for the finality of losing a major working system of my body. I sought a second opinion and was relieved to hear that such drastic measures could wait and that the symptoms might subside with the onset of menopause. I was 38 years old, I added the years of possible discomfort in my mind and resigned myself to the waiting game.
By 2004 the weight of my uterus was unbearable, pregnancy was more comfortable! I developed large painful varicose veins, back pain, my clothes didn't fit, my personal life was tanking and I was losing bladder control. The activities I enjoyed including horseback riding were becoming a painful experience. The joy was literally being vacuumed from my life. Another visit with my gynecologist brought more bad news, the fibroids had grown and multiplied. Feeling defeated I returned home and thought it wouldn't hurt to get on line and see if perhaps there was an alternative therapy. I found that fibroid embolization was being performed in some of this country's most well respected medical facilities. The case studies I read brought me hope. Short recovery, fast return to activities and no major incisions. Great! Where do I sign up!
First I'd need a visit with my gynecologist to assess my situation and explore her views on the procedure. She informed me that she was in fact familiar with the procedure, it had not been suggested to me at that time due to the fact that it was a relatively new procedure. She went on to say that she knew of a local doctor currently performing UFE in the San Antonio area. At this point I would have traveled to Russia for some relief! I finally had some hope, calls were made and an appointment set. My MRI was scheduled with a prompt consultation visit. I was horrified! What I saw on those films told the story of my suffering, as I looked at the size of my uterus it became obvious to me that my bladder, breathing and back problems might have something to do with things simply being displaced, it all made sense and I was ready for some change. Dr. Thomas made me feel so calm about the situation, explained the procedure in great detail and never tried to sell me on the idea that this was for me. I now had the facts and it was my decision to take a step towards a new life. I set the date, I was ready.
My experience with UFE was remarkable. Within months I was no longer finding the longest shirt in the closet to cover my protruding abdomen. The pain and bleeding subsided, my personal relations with my husband took an upswing and I had more energy. I was back on a horse within two weeks and perhaps the most rewarding experience was when one of my children mentioned to her friend that Mommy was not tired anymore and could take her to walk in the park. We live in a world with many medical possibilities and I encourage those of you reading this to explore this remarkable and life changing procedure.
-Celia Belt
