Fibroid Patients’ Top 10 List for Providers

1. I may have never heard the word fibroid.

• What is it?
• What do they look like?
• Where are they exactly?
• What is anemia, and how does it affect me?

2. Listen to me.  I know the most about my body.

• Patients may normalize symptoms. Ask more questions.

3. Learn. Be open to learning something new while treating me.

• (patient symptoms may be unique)

4. I am probably not a medical professional. I don’t understand most of the terms that are very familiar to you.

5. A picture speaks volumes

6. Collaborate with me – Shared Decision Making

7. Review all treatment options with me, or refer me to a provider who can.

8. I need to feel well before making a decision.

9. I don’t want you to default to hysterectomy, not even if I’m in or near perimenopause. I don’t want to lose an organ unnecessarily.

10. Is there an advocacy organization that can provide me with a surgery buddy for support?