(Tuesday, January 30, 2007) Decided to edit this post significantly. In my zeal to present different recovery experiences, I seem to have created a monster. Women are reading this post and becoming frightened over the UFE/UAE procedure. I’m obligated to try again. So, I’ll include my own recovery experience on this post to provide balance.
Note: Please realize that you are online. By its nature, the Internet will draw women having problems with fibroids and looking for answers. Women with great UFE/UAE recovery experiences probably aren’t searching online for fibroid information. I discovered this when looking for Lupron information several months ago. I was alarmed by the disproportionate number of negative Lupron experiences and decided to start a blog with a more balanced perspective. Hopefully, I’ve come close to that.
Last point and then I’ll talk about my recovery. I have a post about the bell curve. (Actually, there are a few women on the site that mention it.) A bell curve is a very good way to think about any fibroid treatment. Some women will land on one end of the curve or the other but the MAJORITY will fall in the middle right under the bell. The MAJORITY of women who have this procedure will benefit from it. The MAJORITY will have a recovery that falls within the “7-to-10-day” window.
From FibroidSecondOpinion.com:
Many women will notice a relief of fibroid symptoms within six weeks after the procedure. However, it takes a few months for the fibroids to fully shrink and the full effect of the procedure to be evident. About 90 percent of women who were bothered by symptoms related to the size of their fibroids will have a significant improvement and be satisfied with the results. Likewise, about 85 percent of women who had heavy bleeding from their fibroids will have lighter and shorter periods and be satisfied with the results. About 10 to 15 percent of women who have UFE will continue to have bothersome symptoms and usually require other treatment.
Note #2: You have to take into consideration the size, location, and number of fibroids in your case. This will determine the success of your UFE/UAE and the recovery you experience afterwards. I was not able to have a UFE until two small (I think 2cm each) submucosal fibroids were resected via Hysteroscopic Myomectomy first. This was done to minimize my risk of complication post-embolization. PLEASE talk to the Interventional Radiologist about your specific case and your specific fibroids (size, location, number). I cannot stress this enough.
Here’s my experience.
From the post that describes my UFE recovery:
What did I experience?
- Intense pain and nausea during the first 12 hours. I think the nausea was much worse than the pain.
- Moderate cramps for a couple of days afterward. I took over-the-counter Motrin.
- Vaginal discharge for about 10 days. Mostly mucus-like but some blood was present. Moderate to light.
- Digestive problems for about a week. Could not eat solid food. Constipation and stomach pain.
The pain right after my procedure wasn’t much worse than the previous cramps I experienced every month. It really was the nausea from the drugs that made me feel worse. By the next day, I was listening to Bob Marley and feeling great! I did not experience very much pain later. Constipation (from the hospital drugs) was my biggest problem. My recovery fell within the “7-to-10-day” window.
From the post about my period after UFE:
Approximately a three-day period? I’ve NEVER had that. Light bleeding the whole time? I’ve NEVER had that. I keep waiting and waiting for the other shoe to drop. It does not appear that it will. This is now reality. My “new” new normal. I am happy/goofy/loopy but confused. It is so different. It cannot be a period. I will have to call it a question mark.
Today (6 months post-UFE):
Periods range between 3.5 and 4 days. My last one was 4 days but I spotted most of the time. On days 2 and 3, there was occassional light-to-moderate bleeding. My periods are still question marks! I cannot even begin to tell you how this procedure changed my life. I have the energy to live and the ability to go out in the world and do it. I am really well physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Links with more information:
Society of Interventional Radiology
Treating Uterine Fibroid Tumors | Fibroid Embolization
Surgical Video of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (OR-Live.com)
What to Expect from a Uterine Artery Embolization
Possible Complications from Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Okay. Here’s your chance. Let us know how you’re feeling!
——————–
Related Posts:
The UFE Experience. Wasn’t that a band during the 70s?
Memories right before my Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Memories directly after my Uterine Fibroid Embolization
My first several hours post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
I’m really starting to think my wiring is kind of screwed
Two weeks after my Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Gosh…my period turned out to be a question mark!
My condition one month post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition two months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition three months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition four months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition five months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
June 12, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Thanks for your comments. It helps to talk to people who have actually had the procedures. I have an appt. with the IR to review my ultrasound films next week. I have concerns about the after pains and cramps up to a year after the procedure I’m most worried about. If I was having the heavy periods that interrupted my life then the decision would be simple—take care of it. I do hate this pouchy pouch of a stomach. I guess I’ll know more next week. Does anyone know the cost of this procedure. I hear conflicting statements…some say it’s cheapers and some say it’s about the same as a hysto
September 2, 2010 at 11:41 am
Hi
I just had the procedure done on Monday. About the only thing I experienced during the procedure and in the hospital was some moderate cramping and some moderate nausea. The procedure itself and symptoms were nearly a non-event since my symptoms resolved fairly immediately. By the time I was discharged nearly all the cramping was gone. Three days after I still have a mild bruise at the site and I am experiencing some moderate constapation, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and feeling a bit like I have the flu. I have some very light bleeding but nothing compared to my old periods. On the plus side, already my low back ache (a near constant before hand) and the urge to pee fairly constantly are now resolved nearly fully, and I overall feel fantastic. I am hoping these flu like symptoms and feeling a bit tired will resolve soon. Anyone experience these symptoms for more than a week? When should I be concerned about the symptoms, i.e. call the doctor except for of course the temp goes beyond 100.5? PS also encouraged by the fact to read that people have had both lighter and shorter periods, a major selling point for this procedure to me.
September 2, 2010 at 11:49 am
Judy if it goes anywhere close to my experience have no fears. It was much easier than the myomectomy I had done several years ago and I would describe my experience as nearly a non-event. They will keep you as comfortable as possible during and after, you control your pain meds with a button- the nausea for me was very tolerable too, just don’t eat too much salty or sweet stuff or too much food, those were things that made me feel nauseated, ps if it helps I never used my button, the pain and cramping I had was very close to my normal monthly cramping so very tolerable to me.
June 12, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I’m going for my follow-up appt with my gyno at the end of June. I suspect she’ll want another MRI done to determine if my fibroid is shrinking after my UFE which was done at the beginning of May. I had no after effects such as cramping and spotting and had my period a week afterwards. It was heavy for the first 2 days so I’ll be monitoring to see if there’s any improvement over the next few months. If I don’t see any improvements I guess I’ll have to discuss with my doctor what has to be done…hopefully not a hysterectomy!
I live in Canada so the UFE procedure was covered under our medicare as was the overnight hospital stay. I’ve read that some people in the USA can pay quite a bit for the procedure. I belong to a Fibroid Group on Facebook and they discussed that. Here’s the link if you’re interested:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33059138883&ref=ts
June 12, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Hi Paula,
Yes, depending on your insurance in the USA it costs. I paid
20 thousand dollars for the UAE. However, I will take our medical services over Canada’s socialized medicine in a minute.
June 13, 2010 at 5:19 pm
$20,000 is a small fortune if you’re not rich. If you can afford it, you’re one of the lucky ones. When I gave my input about medical costs in Canada I was not trying to elicit a point. Socialized medicine or not, we live in one of the best countries in the world.
June 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Hi Paula,
Thanks for your information. I hope your UFE is a success for you. Hopefully my insurance will help with the expense. Also thanks for the facebook link. I appreciate all the information I can get. Good luck and keep us posted on your outcomes. These decisions are difficult.
Thanks Judy
June 13, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Paula,
The United States has the fantastic medical care. Many people I have seen run from Canada to come here to recieve life saving medical care when they can’t get what they need there. So no I am not a fan of socialized medicine.
Not everyone has to pay a high amount for services here.
I choose to based on analysis.
June 13, 2010 at 6:55 pm
I’m glad you like your fantastic medical care system but why must you constantly criticize our “socialized” medicine. You can label and call it whatever you wish. We are all entitled to our opinions so let’s just leave it at that and besides, we are straying off topic.
June 13, 2010 at 7:04 pm
I am not criticizing your medical system. I am deeply concerned that people will not get what they are looking for.
It is a concern for any one looking to have a UAE check into who and where they have this procedure done. As you read the web site you will view a variety of locations where the procedure is done and the out come. This is not personal is is just informational.
June 13, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I had to fight my wonderful American insurance company tooth and nail to FINALLY get approved for my UFE. They had to pretty much be assured that I was bleeding to death every month first. Out of pocket I probably will come out somewhere around $1100-$1300 but through my husbands employer we were able to make sure that we took care of that with a flex-account (before tax contributions for uncovered health care expenses). Since I knew I was trying to be approved for the UFE we increased our bi-weekly amount that we put into the flex account. PLEASE lets not make this wonderful site any way political! There is enough of that crap online. We are just women who are all suffering with fibroids and it is nice to be able to talk to one another!
June 14, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Has anyone had experience with the focused ultrasound ablation alternative?
June 14, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Judy,
I had researched it with Mayo Clinic and it is possible for certain conditions. They have you do a MRI with dye to determine if you are a canidate for it. I was not able to have it due to the number of fibriods I had. Good Luck
Susan
June 18, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Hello Friends,
I am finishing up on my second post UFE period. This one came after only 25 days instead of my usual 28 but it is the same (maybe a little easier) than my first post ufe period ; mostly light bleeding ( i don’t even fill up a slim tampon in two hours) maybe half a day of moderate (?) bleeding (I filled one or two tampons) and then it just seems to dwindle off. It’s been 4 days and i am almost done. I just took a three hour bike ride on the trails. I didn’t have to pee every twenty minutes. I think those days are over and I am Healed. This has been a Miracle for me and I hope and pray that all of you girls find a way to get your comfort and health in order. I am still stunned that this actually worked. Love, Trish
June 19, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Trish
It is so encouraging to hear about the positive results you are experiencing. I have an appt in July to see if I’m a candidate. I was wondering if you had much pain after your UFE. It must be where my fibroids are located and they are large (one is 9cm) but I don’t have trouble with my cycles and usually experience one heavy day. But I do I the “bulky stomach” which I’m tired of and increase in indigestion close to the beginning of my cycle. I’m concerned about the amount of cramping after the procedure.
June 19, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Hi Judy,
I also had a 9cm fibroid as well as several 4 and 5cm. My uterus was 22 x 13 and my belly was extremely distended and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. (I am very petite so this was REALLY hard for me) I was not considered to be the best candidate, but my gyn wanted me to try this before we went forward with a hyst. The IR kind of shook his head and warned me not to get my hopes up, but that since I didn’t have any major contradictions, he would try it, but there was quite a chance that this wouldn’t work out for me. I was fully informed that I was VERY LARGE and that I wouldn’t be his ideal candidate. Ok, so that being said, let me tell you that recovery “cramps’ were like labor pains for me. I spent a week in bed at home on codeine with extreme legarthy, weakness, vertigo, and brain fog. The bad pains only lasted one day in the hospital. The next week I was still slow and tired and stayed home from work. When I went back to work, I could not walk fast but I could get through the day if I sat a lot. My IR said that in his experience, the larger and more numerous the fibroids, the tougher recovery can be. He was right. And I would go through that hell again for this new life I have.
Well, I don’t want to be redundant, so read through my previous posts so you can get an idea of my sucky life before this procedure. I am much different now. I hope you will be, also. Feel free to ask my anything else; I check these boards every few days. Love, Trish
June 20, 2010 at 7:46 am
Judy, one more thing; I have NO lingering cramps at this point and I barely have cramps during my period. I had a headache and ate ice cream this week but other than that NO ADVIL NO PAIN NO CRAMPS. During the rest of the month I feel perfect, tons of energy and my stomach is much smaller
June 20, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Trish…I just want to prepare myself as much as possible about the recovery time after the UFE. I know it isn’t going to be a walk in the park but so much better than the alternative. I’m so encouraged to hear your story and all the positive results you have experienced. I think “PR” about the UFE is excellent especially with YOUTUBE but actually finding the post UFE comments aren’t as easy to find. I wanted to talk to women that have actually had the procedure performed by my IR but the “Herpa” privacy law seems to get in the way. Although my IR has many patiences that are willing to speak to others about their experience … it’s still difficult to get schedules together. This is why I find your comments and this blog so helpful. Your outcomes are exciting to hear about. Some pain up front for improved quality of life. Thanks for sharing!!
June 23, 2010 at 9:54 am
For the benefit of those who are going to have the UFE procedure done, here is a good summary of what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
http://www.fibroids.vcu.edu/pdf/UFE_dischargeinstructions.pdf
It’s been close to 2 months since my UFE procedure and while my recovery has been smooth (no pain) my periods have not changed. I’ve read that for a few cycles after embolization, there may be a temporary increase in menstrual flow. This will not be permanent and will subside without further treatment (on average 3-6 months). I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor next week and will probably be going for an MRI to monitor the size of the fibroid. Time will tell.
June 23, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Hi all! I felt the need to post a comment because of the lack of of comments I could find Post UFE or maybe I didnt search enough or the right places. Anyways, I had my UFE 6 days ago on June 18,2010. The day of the procedure was very minimal cramping, the evening was lots of times in the bathroom with the urge to urinate and have minimal dribbles. I was very sleepy the first day and only vomitted once on the way home from the hospita l(probably husbands driving). The 4 hour drive home the next day was not too bad and cramping was becoming to feel like a cat jumping from the floor on to your stomach! I would have to say that day 3 was the worst as far as pain goes but my medicine helped greatly. Day 4 and 5 I ran low temps of 101f and that was not fun! I’m a bit of a whiner when it comes to a fever because I don’t get them. Today is day 6 June 23, and I feel okay but still not like myself. I dont have energy yet and feel like going no where. I will try to keep you posted as to when I feel normal again. Oh yeah, no pain for past 2 days with the exception of occassional pains that come and go in my right hip area, but that is where they say my largest fibroid was (6cm). Almost forgot the background information: heavy periods, NO CRAMPS, pelvic fullness, anemia, hair loss, and periods lasting 7-9 days coming every 18-21 days. Doctor said my uterus is the size of a 17 week pregnancy and that I have the 6cm fibroid on the right side and then one about 5cm on the top of my uterus along with several inside the uterus(I counted at least 8 dark spots on the mri). Hoping I feel like shopping tommorow or at least gping somewhere! I will write again soon
June 23, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Christy,
Thanks for posting your “Post UFE” information. I’m really interested in what to expect. I have my consultation July 6 with my IR. Like you I have found lots of information on the procedure but not as much on the recovery pasted the first week.
Keep your updates coming
June 26, 2010 at 11:37 am
Christy … how are you feeling. Looking forward to your post.
June 28, 2010 at 7:13 am
Hi Christy
I had a week of being ABSOLUTELY confined to bed, another week of I feel blah and cant get out of bed, and a third week of just being slow and run down, but I did manage to go to work by then . I was unable to work for a full two weeks. Took about a month for glimpses of energy to return but all is well now. Hope you are feeling more energetic by now, let us know how you are doing
July 5, 2010 at 11:38 pm
I’m going to my first consultation with my IR tomorrow. Calling all post UFE start posting. I need as much info as possible. Anyone familiar with Dr. Moger?
July 14, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Hey Everybody.
I am finishing up my third post ufe period. 27 day cycle, barely there cramps, mostly light, one day mod and then it fades away.
But I still had chocolate and ice cream for dinner this week and then I’ll go on marathon bike rides to work it off. It’s hardly even a nuisance anymore. Hope everyone is doing well and maybe some of you are even recuperating! Love to all, Trish
July 14, 2010 at 6:29 pm
I mean a twenty seven day cycle and a four day period
July 16, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Hello!
GOOD NEWS on my UAE!
My bell curve for recovery was short, or maybe I’m on the left side of the curve? I just had a UAE at Mayo Clinic in Rochester on July 7th, 2010, (as part of a study they are doing along with Duke–and I was randomized to the UAE versus the FUS (focused ultra sound)). I had one large fibroid (9 cm) and a really small one they found in the UAE. I’m 50, and I had two gynecologists tell me to “just get a hysterectomy.” The more I read about that online, the more I thought I didn’t need to do that–even at my age. I’ve been dealing with it and the daily spotting/heavy menstruation for over three years, so I jumped in on this study to help others.
As the eclecticGeek notes above, there is too much NEGATIVE information about UAE recovery online especially compared to FUS. My radiologist assured me that it usually goes well and they will really control your pain if you tell them to stay ahead of it.
I’m here to post all positive news. I’ve experienced little to no pain from this procedure, (my knee hurts worse, but that’s not related!) My experience in the hospital was pain free–as the internist said, “perhaps they are learning more about controlling that during the procedure?” I also think my doctors and staff at Mayo are just the best. I remember everything, but I felt groggy. I asked for pain medication in the recovery area, as I felt pain coming under my ribs. However, during the remaining 24 hours of my stay I needed no pain medication.
My doctor told me before my UAE that the last patient just needed ibuprofen. I did vomit some toxic looking stuff about 3 hours after the procedure and I wanted the catheter out right away. Four hours after recovery I was up and walking and I had ordered two delicious meals by evening. By mid- morning release, I had been lapping the halls and I was not feeling ill. I still am surprised by how well it went.
I did feel fatigued for a number of days, and I did have some back pain, minor cramping and normal bleeding on Days 3-5. I’m on Day 9 now and I’ve been back to a normal schedule this week. I still have spotting and my fibroid feels softer, but still large.
Once I find out the final costs, I’ll post. My insurance claimed that either the UAE or FUS were going to cost less than any hysterectomy. Plus that, the recovery time is much shorter so I am able to be back to work much sooner, and they recognized that, too.
We need more women to be part of these studies. (I don’t work for Mayo Clinic!!). Much more research needs to be done on what procedure works. I’ll be glad to answer more questions from any of you.
July 17, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Thank you for your posting. I need to hear about positive outcomes and I’m the same age you are and have been told by two gynos to have an hysterectomy. One even said…”Hysterectomies are our “bread and butter”. I know in many cirumstances some woman have no other options but with fibroids I truely believe we have options now. I wish I lived in the Mayo Clinic but I have found a very good IR in my area. I would consider being in a study if I knew how to locate one. One thing I really liked about about my IR is he works with the nurses and trains them in post UFE care. One part of the procedure I didn’t think about.
July 17, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Wonderful, Renee! Lots of our UFE friends are reading and asking questions prior to procedure and that is what we are here for. However, girls, please don’t forget to check back in every once in a while AFTER!!! Other women need to hear more about our procedures and recoveries! The good and the not so good, ok? Hope everything continues to go smoothly for you, Renee
July 17, 2010 at 5:42 pm
ps I can’t wait to see how things work out for you too, Judy
July 19, 2010 at 12:48 am
I am 45 and I had 3 fibroids, one was 8 cm x 6cm and two were smaller, one 3cm and the other 2 cm. I had UFE in Nov, 2006 when I was 41. My periods had gotten bad, I had a lot of break thru bleeding and my uterus was large making me uncomfortable with how I looked. I had the procedure done in the morning and didn’t feel too good that afternoon, my afternoon nurse wasn’t very nice and when the evening nurse came in she redid my catheter and my drugs and I felt MUCH better. I went home the next day and lived on vicodin for the next week. I think that taking the Vicodin made me feel worse then I would have if I had stopped it sooner. I felt tired, constipated but it did hide any cramping or pain. I only had a week off of work so I went back and the more I did the better I felt. By two weeks I was backed to normal. One month later we took a cruise and my stomach was flat! Everything went well but then the large tumor started to grow again. I went into menopause in May, 2008 and I haven’t had a period since then. I am getting the hot flashes and all that goes with it. The other bad thing is my tumor came back before I went into menopause. It is about the same size as when I had the UFE but now it is calcified since there is no longer any blood flow. My options are to wait it out and see if it shrinks, have a robotic myomectomy or a supercervical hysterectomy. I was part of a study my radiologist was doing so he had another MRI done in March 2010. I have lost 25% of volume on my large tumor and the other two are gone. My doctor did say that it was unusual that my tumor was still as large as it was. I am still trying to figure out which route to take.
July 31, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Two years ago today I underwent UFE. My procedure went well, and I suffered no complications. However, I didn’t really “notice” any change in the size of my uterus for several months, although the heavy bleeding I had been experiencing pre-UFE diminished significantly pretty much immediately.
Today, I am feeling better than ever. I have not hit menopause yet, but my periods are very manageable now. My uterus has shrunk considerably. It did take about a year for me to be able to notice a major difference, however. Two years later, I don’t have any bulk-related issues at all.
I wouldn’t say that UFE is a quick fix based on my experience, and I wouldn’t say it was fun to go through. But I would definitely say I am happy with the results now and am glad that I did it when I did.
August 1, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I had UFE on July 16th. Background infro – I am 42, no children, 6-7 fibroids, mostly small with 2 larger ones (one 5.5 cm and 2 cm). I, like many on here, sought a 2nd opinion after first dr offered only a hysterectomy as an option. Second dr wasn’t much better. Heavy bleeding was my main issue; although my uterus was enlarged. The procedure itself was fine, no pain… watched most of it on screens in between fading in and out from drugs. First night in hospital was fine. Morphine pump kept pain minimal. First week was painful. Got my period a week after procedure (as expected) … it was different but am too afraid to feel satisfied (I fear jinxing myself if I say too much). First week was very lazy week, tired, drugged up, in pain…. walking was difficult, hip would ache if I was on my feet too much. I took the 2nd week off from work and I’m glad I did. I was exhausted. About 10 days post-op, I finally woke up without pain. But now 14 days post-op, I’m been experiencing cramping. I pushed myself a few days ago and did some house cleaning and shopping, now I’m wondering if the cramping is in response to that. My first follow up with the radiologist is in 3 days, I will ask him about that. Too soon to know whether or not this was a positive experience. Right now, I just want to stop hurting and start healing.
August 1, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Dear Laura,
I’m thinking the discomfort with the UFE shouldn’t compare to a hysto. It sounds like it takes about 2 weeks to get back to work. Please keep us posted on our outcome. Good luck and heres to a small uterus!!!
August 1, 2010 at 7:59 pm
July 16th?? That’s only 2 weeks! I bet in another 2 weeks you will feel MUCH better, energy wise and cramping. Be patient and DEF do not push yourself. Just do the minimum even for the next few weeks. Rest everyday after work, even if you think you feel ok. During my recovery I was worse than lazy and exhausted and I think you know just what I mean. I returned to work after two weeks but I was still slow and quiet. It really took a good month before I could START to be myself, so just be patient, ok? Trish
August 2, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for the input. I guess I was expecting much more after 2 weeks and instead, the UFE kicked my butt. I do have a question though… I am still on birth control (and hope to drop to a lower dosage if the procedure helps with my bleeding) but I have noticed I am very emotional and even a tad depressed. The dr’s assistant said it was normal because of changes in my hormones but has anyone experienced this?? All I do is cry. I don’t understand why I’m feeling this way.
August 3, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hello I had UFE last thursday 6cm fibroid on top of uterus pressing in bladder, this is day #5 for me, feeling great, i had intense pain right after the procedure but then it was controlled by medications. No vomiting, no nausea. The worst for me is to have the urinary cath put on me…felt painful in my bladder but after few 8 hrs they took it off. Day 1 mild pain took toradol and made it better; day 2 & 3 same pain. Got my period on day #2, i notice less bleeding and less pain. Now day 5 no pain, not tired, still on my period. Overall experience better than I thought! I would recommend this procedure, less invasive!
August 11, 2010 at 12:30 am
Hi! Thought I would share my recent UFE experience. I had actually typed out a really long post when I was in the middle of my experience but decided it was too wordy and decided to wait and see how things went!
I had a single fibroid 8cm fibroid which was intepreted at an intramural fibroid with 20% extending in to the submucosa. I was having extremely heavy bleeding. My hemoglobin taken the day of surgery was 8, and that was 2wks after my last period ended and I was talking 300mg of elemental iron daily. I’m 39 and have 5 kids. All were born by c/s which would make a hysterectomy more complicated because of the scar tissue/adhesions. OB was very reluctant to do a hyster and referred for the UFE.
The UFE (June 24) itself was a breeze. I was awake but mostly unaware of what was going on. I started having very painful and heavy cramping about 6-8hrs after the procedure. By 12hrs post procedure I had little camping but very bad nausea. I was very tired and ill for the first 3 days and had just a bit of cramping off and on. On the after noon of the 3rd day I started having extreme cramping and a sharp pain on my cervix. Pain on the cervix was unrelenting and camping continued to be very heavy. I was taking dilaudid which is unusual for me, I generally have a very high pain tolerance.
Finally on day 5 I decided to reach up there and see what was going on with the cervix. To my surprise I was completely effaced and dilated and I could feel something “squishy”.
The next am, day 6, I talked to the nurse from the IR office who told me to get into see my OB that day. OB confirmed it was the fibroid passing. By the end of the day I had about 6in of fibroid hanging out of me (yuck yuck yuck!!!). An MRI on day 7 showed that the fibroid was completely devascularized, but they were unable to tell if it was still attached. This was Friday before the 4th of July weekend. I had to wait until Tuesday to see my OB again.
Fortunately part of the fibroid disintegrated enough to fall off which I was instructed to keep for pathology. (GROSS!) The remaining part continued to get more and more disgusting and stinky! over the weekend. One Tuesday OB tried to remove it in office and I thought she was going to pull my entire uterus out! I was still in a lot of pain during all this, cramping and sharp dilation pain continually. I kept hoping I could pass it on my own, but ended up having a hysterscopic myomectomy on Friday, 2wks +1 day after the UFE.
Cramping stopped immediately, I felt much better but still extremely tired (probably anemia related). I had a few days of spotting and mild cramping a couple days after that procedure around when I expected my period.
I’ve now had a second “period”, just spotting. I could use a panty liner but I’m suffering post traumatic stress I think from the previos bleeding, LOL. I still have all my pockets stuffed with giant industrial sized pads!
So, all in all I recommend this procedure. My recovery was slightly complicated with the second surgery, but I think I’m probably in better shape than most at this point because my fibroid is GONE. Uterus is back to normal size, all “bulk” symptoms gone, etc.
I’m hoping that my spotting for a period will continue, but the nurse at the IR office said the uterus may revasularize itself eventually. Time will tell. Right now I’m very pleased with the situation!
August 11, 2010 at 12:36 am
Well, that was still a bit wordy, huh?
August 11, 2010 at 10:19 am
OMGSH!!! Yikes! I hope that now you continue to heal and improve
September 2, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Runnergal, I had mine over a year ago and it too was uneventful. I was slightly nauseated afterwards and mild pain. I never pressed the “mophine” button either. When I got home I was more tired and sore than anything but not in much pain just sore from needles. In fact, same day I got home I had to go and register my son for Summer day camp!
So, your symptoms will pass, it’s just your body trying to go back to normal. Good luck!
September 2, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Hi ladies! I just wanted to remind people that we’ve started up a new forum to post on, http://www.fibroidfriends.com . The TTC after fibroids surgery is the most active, but people are talking about other things too.
For anyone who wasn’t here a few months ago, a few of us decided it would be a good idea to create that site, as this one has gone down before because the host, Geek, isn’t here anymore. It’s also easier to navigate and manage for users, and post about new topics. Feel free to check it out!