Patient Letters

Patient Letters

Dr. Goldberg,

I want to thank you, I'm pain free. About a few years ago, I started having pain in my stomach. Then finally it just stayed there. Everyday I went through the same thing; getting up early from pain, feeling sick, pregnant, tired. It was the worst feeling in the world.

I went to my doctor and he said everything came back normal. So I gave up and thought it was in my head. The pain got worse. Sex was not good anymore. It hurt every time and I didn't want to tell my husband until one day it hurt so bad that I pushed him away. I had constant discharge and always had to wear protection and have a change of undergarments at work. I was mean to my family. My emotions were crazy.

Finally, I went to another doctor and she told me that I had a fibroid in my uterus. I was told about Dr. Goldberg and made an appointment. All I wanted was the pain to go away and he did that. I was scared, but the doctors and nurses were great. I had my uterus removed.

Today is one month since I had my surgery and I feel so much better. I'm pain free and sex -- OH MY GOD -- no more pain. I would recommend to any women out there, if you have any symptoms from a fibroid, get it out. I want to thank Dr. Goldberg for all his help and making my life a lot better. I'm pain free. I tell everybody about what I have been through and how I am now. It's great. Thank you again to Dr. Goldberg and Jefferson Fibroid Center for making me feel a thousand times better. I would love to share my story with others. Don't be scared and wait like I did.

Carol
Philadelphia

Dr. Goldberg,

With years as your patient I was always comfortable talking to you about any issues I may of had and taking your advice. Over the past two years was experiencing very heavy menstrual cycles that were just too unbearable to deal with.

Upon one of my routine exams it was determined that I had fibroid cyst. At this appointment you recommended a new procedure called an Endometrial Ablation to help with the heavy bleeding and pain I was experiencing. You gave me a website so I can do further research on the procedure itself and any side effects I may experience.

Last March you performed the procedure and it was wonderful. The procedure itself only took about 1/2 an hour. Afterward I had no pain whatsoever.

It's been a year now and I still get my period but it is only light spotting for one day. One day, can you believe that! After suffering from heavy bleeding for days that would leave me helpless, I now have a day of light spotting. I wanted to take this time to thank you for listening to me and offering other options other than a hysterectomy. The outcome of the Endometrial Ablation was fantastic. I can finally live a normal life during my cycle and not have to be holed up in the house. Thank you once again!

Monica O.
Philadelphia

Dr. Goldberg,

My fibroids were ruining my life! Not only was bleeding so heavy I almost needed a blood transfusion, but they also pushed on my bladder making me have to urinate every ten minutes. Three different gynecologists only gave me the option of hysterectomy. Even though my tubes are tied, it was unacceptable to me to lose my uterus.

I read about your research studies on Uterine Fibroid Embolization on the internet. This led me to your excellent website. Love those pictures of fibroids!

I respect you for being honest about all of the different treatment options for me, telling me the good and bad for each. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.

I chose to have a Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which was done at Jefferson by Dr. Gonsalves. I was back to work in a week. My periods are much lighter and I don’t have to run to the bathroom as much.

You are the best!

Donna
Philadelphia

Dr. Goldberg,

I saw you ten months ago because my husband and I could not get pregnant despite trying for two years. My gynecologist had diagnosed me with fibroids. Because they were so big (as big as a 6 month pregnancy!), he told me that I could only be treated with a hysterectomy. That was the worst day of my life.

You told me that I absolutely should only have a myomectomy. The surgery had no complications. You told me there was no blood loss. The nurses, resident doctors, and medical students were all so nice to me. I went home two days later and was back to work in three weeks. I am now three months pregnant and so happy. Thank you for making this happen.

Deenta
New Jersey

Dr. Goldberg,

My neighbor had seen you for her fibroids and loved you. When I felt that my heavy periods were no being properly addressed by my regular gynecologist, I came to see you in Philadelphia.

Because I did not want any more children and could not take off a month from work for a hysterectomy, you suggested endometrial ablation. I had never heard of it before.

It was so easy. The surgery took half an hour on a Friday. I had no pain at all. I was at work on Monday. The best part is that I have not had a period since! Thanks again. Sincerely yours,

Carrie
Lancaster, PA

Dr. Goldberg,

Because my periods were a little bit heavier, my doctor ordered an ultrasound which found fibroid tumors in my uterus. I was worried that they would become cancer and was all set to have a hysterectomy. My sister saw your website on the internet and made me get a second opinion.

When you told me that cancerous fibroids are extremely rare and that fibroids do not change into cancer, it was like a weight was lifted off of me. As I am 50-years-old, you told me that my fibroids would shrink on their own when I went into menopause and the best thing for me was that I not have the surgery. Thank you for your time and honest opinion. I am glad that I made the trip to Philadelphia rather than the operating room.

Agnes
Wilmington, Delaware

Dear Dr. Goldberg,

As you know, I’m a 43-year-old woman with an active lifestyle. I am an RN working on a busy intermediate unit. I’m also involved in many of my son’s activities, and our family enjoys boating and water sports.

About eight months ago, I started experiencing uterine fibroid symptoms including painful intercourse, back and perineal pain, constipation, frequent urination, pressure and heavy and prolonged periods.

During our initial visit, you offered me many options. I was reluctant to have surgery at first and tried to use birth control to control the bleeding. This only worked temporarily. I considered Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). However; my uterus was prolapsed, so that was not an option.

I underwent a vaginal hysterectomy as you recommended. I feel this was the best option for me and I do not regret my decision. I had my surgery four weeks ago. I am back to work and enjoying all activities with no restrictions.

Elizabeth
Philadelphia, PA

Dear Dr. Goldberg,

It’s been six months since my abdominal myomectomy (and ablation), and I wanted you to know how happy I am with the results.

Prior to my appointment with you, I had met with four different OB/GYNs for symptomatic uterine fibroids. All four of them recommended that I have a hysterectomy. Two of them even indicated that I was not a candidate for a myomectomy because of the size (22 weeks) and the location of the fibroids.

For many reasons, I did not want a hysterectomy, so my search continued, though I must admit hope was running out. Then, I found the Jefferson Fibroid Center on the Internet and made an appointment to see you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your interest in uterine preservation, your skill as a surgeon, your candor, and your patience at performing my lengthy surgery. You and your entire staff were wonderful and you have given me a new lease on life.

After six months, I feel like a new person. The pressure and pain are gone, my periods are dramatically lighter, my clothes fit me again, my severe anemia is on the mend and I feel great. Thanks for everything, and continued success in the very important work you and your team are doing for women’s health.

Lori S.
Culpeper, Virginia