Philippa (Germany) on 05/27/2010
Due to a 6 cm intramural fibroid (diagnosed 18 months ago at 3,8 cm), I had been suffering terribly from heavy bleeding, debilitating cramps and breakthrough bleeding for over 15 months. On the 2nd day of my cycle, I would have to use 3 super plus tampons plus pads every hour for a 10 - 20 hour period of time. This was accompanied by such terrible pain that I couldn't walk without bending over. I would take 400 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours over a 24 hour time span, but still suffer tremendous pain. My periods would last between 7 and 10 days, though the bleeding was typically light after the 5th or 6th day. More often than not, I would then have bleeding or spotting between periods. As my cycles are relatively short (23 - 26 days), the breakthrough bleeding was obviously quite distressing to deal with.
Two and half months ago, I started drinking ACV twice a day with baking soda and water (1 tbsp ACV, 1/4 tsp BS, 300 ml water). Since then, I have not had any breakthrough bleeding. My periods, except for this last one, were so light that I didn't even use tampons. I rarely soak a pad within 3 - 4 hours and can sleep for 8 hours at a time each night! My periods now last approximately 5 days, with very little bleeding after that time. I still control the pain with ibuprofen, but it is no longer debilitating. I have been able to increase the dosage interval to every 6 hours within one 24 hour period, thereby reducing my ibuprofen intake to 1600 vs 2400 mg per cycle. I was also diagnosed with an ovarian cyst (3.5 cm) that might likely be a chocolate cyst. I had occasional sharp pains coming from my ovaries before starting the ACV, but haven't had any such pains in the last 7 weeks. This, however, could be due to the daily dosage of chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus -hard capsule 4 mg dried extract) which I have been taking for the last 5 weeks. I don't yet know whether the fibroid and/or the cyst have reduced in size, but I am feeling tremendously better -much healthier, less tired and run down. Also, I used to feel very depressed prior to my periods, but rarely feel this sadness anymore. I rode a rollercoaster of emotions, but this has stablised considerably. I feel happy and balanced most of the time, even the day or two before my period begins. I'll report back after my next ultrasound.
Replied By Philippa (Frankfurt, Germany) on 10/24/2010
The last 6 months have been an eye-opener for me. I've realised that a good diet is essential to keeping the symptoms at bay. I try to consume raw vegetables as often as possible, either in the form of smoothies and/or cut up in small portions (mainly from the cruciferous family) as snacks. My cycles have averaged 24 days -sometimes as long as 26 days, once as short as 22 days, and the duration is usually only 5 days. Heavy bleeding and cramps are typically limited to 24 hours. It would be nice to increase cycle length to 26 days or more. Any suggestions are appreciated. I have been able to combat my anaemia (confirmed with complete blood tests) with BSM, almost entirely. After 2 years of daily iron supplementation, I now use supplements (1/day) only during the 5 days of my period.
Replied By Laura (Canyon Country, California) on 10/27/2011
Replied By Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/28/2011
Replied By Agirl (Chicago, Illinois) on 11/01/2011
Replied By Nyl Jane (Florida, Us) on 11/17/2011
Replied By Bkelley (Carthage, Tx) on 02/27/2012
I found this site and decided I would try the apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Oh my, I started this 2 weeks ago, and after 3 days I stopped bleeding. I haven't gotten to the point that I would have a regular period yet but I feel like it might be normal. Just to have these last 2 weeks and not cramp or bleed has been a blessing.
Replied By Ginny (Jamaica, New York) on 03/17/2012
Replied By Abby (Selangor, Malaysia) on 04/14/2012
Replied By Philippa (Frankfurt, Germany) on 05/19/2012
In addition to drinking ACV (2 tbsp w/baking soda water), unsulphured blackstrap molasses (heaping tbsp mixed with hot water), taking vitex agnus castus (chasteberry) capsules (4mg/day), iron, zinc (12 hours after iron intake), folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B complex, vitamin C (with the iron), omega 3 fish oil capsules and shepherd's purse tincture (to stop spotting and reduce bleeding during periods), I have eliminated all meat and restricted consumption of coffee, chocolate, dairy and alcohol to exceptional occasions.
My cycles are still 23 - 26 days, but if I stray from the diet, my symptoms return/worsen, sometimes within hours: e. G. , coffee and chocolate can cause breakthrough bleeding and worsen cramping during periods; skipping several days of ACV causes irregular cycles; stopping blackstrap molasses contributes to my anaemia; not eating enough fruits and raw vegetables cause periods to be more painful and bleeding to be profuse (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes are especially helpful at reducing bleeding); omitting zinc supplements 4 - 6 days before the start of menstruation causes painful cramps.
It is not always a joy to omit so many foods and learn to eat healthier, but since changing my diet to include more fish, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, nuts, sprouts, rice milk and wheatgrass, my fibroid has stabilised and my symptoms are nothing like they were when I was first diagnosed almost 4 years ago. At that time, the fibroid was almost 3 cm smaller, yet the pain and bleeding were debilitating.
Exercise is also very important. I try to run 3 - 4 times a week (5 - 8 km) and ski, swim, cycle weather permitting.
It is possible to live with fibroids, but it requires discipline and determination. I find it difficult to always stick to my diet, including my cocktail of vitamins, minerals and homeopathic supplements, but the rewards are worth it.
Replied By Philippa (Germany) on 04/06/2014
A few months ago, after having 6 osteopath treatments over a period of approximately 3 months, I experienced horrible pains 2 days after my period started. It was just like giving birth and lasted hours. I had no idea what was happening and after the (extreme) pain subsided, I fell asleep exhausted only to awake with a huge mass descending into my vaginal canal. I thought that I had experienced a bladder, bowel or uterus prolapse and spent the next couple of weeks visiting doctors searching for answers. My GP referred me to a gynecologist who informed me that my uterus had prolapsed and that I would need a complete hysterectomy, including removal of my cervix! The second gynecologist tried to make me believe that the the prolapsed mass was a huge cancerous tumour. It was clear, however, from the ultrasound that none of my organs had prolapsed and that the huge mass, at least in my opinion, must have been the fibroid. Neither of these doctors would confirm that it was the fibroid and so I went searching for yet another opinion. I was finally able to get a 3rd diagnosis at a renowned teaching hospital, where it was confirmed that I had a "fibroid in statu nascendi" and was quickly scheduled for an outpatient hysteroscopic surgery. The fibroid had somehow broken out of the wall of my uterus and the pain that I had experienced during my last period was actually my body giving birth to it. The surgery was performed without any complications and the recovery was a breeze. I didn't even need any pain killers after waking up from the surgery or in the days that followed.
What caused this enucleation, I am not sure. Diet (non-meat, low dairy, lots of fruit & vegetables) and exercise (running) certainly made a difference with regard to reducing symptoms and slowing growth. The other important thing that I believe aided my recovery was the osteopath. Osteopathic manipulations were performed to ensure that my body was properly aligned, with a special focus on my uterus, liver, bladder, bowels, etc. My uterus was found to be located too much to the right and with very gentle manipulations, it was recentered. Soon after that, my fibroid pushed out of the walls and prolapsed, hanging by a stem from the uterine wall.
Months later, I am feeling better than ever. It is like having a new life. No painful periods, no excessive bleading, no anaemia. In fact, I haven't taken any ibuprofen or iron since before the surgery. I sometimes slip from eating a healthy diet and must constantly remind myself to stick to it and exercise regularly. It is key. I started seeing the osteopath again to ensure that everything stays aligned. My last gynecological examination showed a healthy uterus and ovaries.
Replied By Jj (Usa) on 10/25/2014
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