Incredible! It’s up to Part 4.
I’ll just leave the Abdominal Myomectomy links for those who want more information and you can take from there.
For more information:
Abdominal Myomectomy (FibroidSecondOpinion.com)
Abdominal Myomectomy (OBGYN.net)
Abdominal Myomectomy (Mayo Clinic)
Abdominal Myomectomy surgery video (OR-Live.com)
If you have a post-Abdominal Myomectomy experience, please tell! If you’ve shared before, go ahead and share some more.
First AM forum = 640 comments.
Part 2 = 457 comments
Part 3 = 479 comments
——————–
Related Posts:
How are you feeling after your Abdominal Myomectomy?
How are you feeling after your Abdominal Myomectomy? (part 2)
How are you feeling after your Abdominal Myomectomy? (part 3)
Is anyone having fertility issues because of uterine fibroid tumors?
Trying for pregnancy (ttc) after your fibroid procedure (Abdominal Myomectomy)?
Has anyone had a postoperative infection after a fibroid procedure?
Has anyone needed a second uterine fibroid surgery or procedure?
Muffin Top after abdominal surgery? What’s a muffin top and how do I just make it go away?
February 2, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Keloid?
February 2, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Linda, keloid is when a scar puffs up as it heals, aind it ends up being raised and kinda angry looking. People of color are more prone to getting them.
February 2, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Anaesthetic question!
I went in for my pre-admission meet and greets today.
When I asked, the anaesthetist indicated I could choose a spinal if I wanted, vs. a general.
He says the big risk with a general is just damaged dental work if there are airway issues with the tube getting down there. It seems to me that if I’m relying on just a tube to give me oxygen, my teeth are the least of my worries. Although of course I’m fond of them. The idea of a general scares me. On the other hand, the risk with a spinal is back pain and headaches afterwards. Also, if the surgery runs long and the spinal wears off, they might just have to put me under with a general anyway. Also a risk of dropping blood pressure with a spinal.
Thought, anyone? Please?
February 3, 2010 at 10:14 am
It’s funny — I asked my doctor about the possibility of a spinal for this surgery and she said, “No. No one would do that.” It wasn’t an option. I was terrified of general, but it ended up being no big deal, and I admit that I’m glad I wasn’t awake for the procedure itself. But it’s a very personal decision, and if you can talk to someone who had a spinal, it would probably help you decide. As for the breathing tube, my friend who is a nurse anesthetist (and helped oversee my surgery) told me everyone freaks about the breathing tube (too many emergency room television shows) and that they’re really quite simple and safe.
I’m glad no one made me decide on this. It’s a tough one. Good luck!
February 3, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I don’t think you want to start with a spinal– they will have to give you something to knock you out anyways as you will not want to be aware of what is going on at all. As far as the general is concerned the only thing you will recall is the anesthesiolgist putting something in your IV and then you will wake up in recovery. You will not be awake for the insertion or removal of the airway tube. I’ve had this done 3-4 times for various surgeries & it has never been a big deal. Maybe a little sore throat but easily cured with a popsicle. These people are trained professionals & they are very careful. Good luck to you!
February 3, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I agree… GA is truly not scary, and it’s so much better than the thought of being awake for ANYTHING. Actually, I’d never heard of folks having a spinal until this blog and the idea of THAT freaked me out..lol.
Re: the whole teeth thing… they caution you if you have any temporary or removable dental work, but I had a temp crown in and it was just fine. These people do this all day every day. It’s really fine.
February 2, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to drop a message as I found this website an absolute lifesaver prior to my surgery. I was fully prepared to lose my uterus, but had requested that the doctor attempt to preserve my uterus. He removed 2 fibroids. One fibroid was fairly small on the exterior of my uterus, but the other fibroid was 19cm and over 3 pounds! This fibroid was in the interior of my uterus and I am unsure whether I can conceive. I know a hysterectomy is looming on the horizon. However, I might have a chance at children. I am in my second week of recovery and I feel very weird. My sleep is erratic and exhaustion is always lurking at the door. What can I do during the second week to increase my stamina? What have you all found to be helpful to increase your healing?
February 3, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Eboni,
Did your dr or the hospital check your blood levels and blood pressure after surgery? You may be slightly anemic, in which case iron supplements will help. Other than that, just continue to rest. A three pound fibroid is huge and your body had frankly been traumatized. Give it time to recover. The 2nd week is still early in the game. You’ll probably start feeling better in the next week.
February 6, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Thanks so much Naima,
I have been stubborn with resting and have paid for it. Today I am experiencing weakness (nearly passed out), dizziness, and nausea (dry-heaved a couple of times). So needless to say, I’m staying in bed. Also I am experiencing pretty severe pain in my lower abdomen. I think I pushed too hard this week. Thank-you for the reminder!
February 6, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Trust me, taking it as easy as possible the first few weeks will pay off in the long run. I really did almost nothing for the first 10 days, then for the next week or so, for each time I went out for a few hours I stayed home for a day and change and did nothing. Do you have someone who’s coming in to help you out with things?
February 6, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I have to have a multivitamin with iron daily. I have a wonderful network of family members helping me out, but I am stubborn. I hope next week is better.
February 6, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Eboni, you might want to try straight up iron supplements a couple of times daily instead of just a multivitamin with iron. You do sound anemic (the almost passing out).
And not to scare you, but if you’re concerned about conceiving, that’s even more reason to take it very easy. My doctor told me that his biggest concern re: my conceiving naturally post-op is scar tissue, and doing too much while you’re in the early healing phase can cause that, so just take the time to go easy. It was hard for me too, but with my laptop, tv, snacks and a doting mom and boyfriend I was good.
February 2, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I have now been told that I have developed large polyps in my uterus. Has anyone here had them?
February 11, 2010 at 6:00 pm
I was told I had an endometrial polyp, and the doc did an endometrial biopsy just in case. It was clear, and my next ultrasound showed no polyp. I don’t know if that’s typical, but the doctor didn’t seem surprised.
February 2, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Thanks for that definition, Naima! I hope your scar settles down.
I went for my pre-admissions conversations with nurse and anaesthetist today and in addition to keloid now, am learning a whole new vocabulary. Icky words such as enema, catheter, hypotensive, and … hmmm, what do you call those most attractive hospital knickers designed to hold the sanitary napkin?
Lol. I hope nobody minds the humour; it’s how I cope.
February 3, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Hi Linda… don’t worry about all those scary words…I just had my abdom myomectomy last Thursday… and at my hospital they called those lovely knickers “our Victoria’s Secret special”.. you will appreciate them when the time comes….
February 3, 2010 at 1:04 pm
General versus spinal? Anyone??
February 3, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Most people on this blog had GA. It’s safe, it’s easy, and I actually think spinal would be more emotionally jarring, frankly. The only caution re: teeth ( and I responded with this on your earlier post asking about it) is if you have temporary or removable dental work, but even I had a temp crown in and I was fine. You might have a slightly sore throat for a day or two after surgery but it’s not bad at all.
February 3, 2010 at 7:53 pm
I just can’t imagine being awake for the surgery. I was awake for knee surgery when I was 16, and it was fine, but a myo would be too traumatic.
February 3, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I would prefer GA. I was so nervous before surgery just thinking how it will be… and I just can not imagine being awake during the surgery if I decide for the Spinal. But it is absolutely up to you…. Believe me GA is not bad, you will be slept before to be inside the OR and will awake when you are recovering…. Good Luck!!!
February 3, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Just to update my recovering… I am 25 days after surgery and I am feeling much better. However, I still having a little pain when I make pee, sometimes the same position for a while is painful too. I am walking slowly and sometimes need to get my belly with my hands to be safed. My belly still sllowen and my scar is heeling well, it is just a line. The only thing I dont like is that I still loosing my hair. I called to the doctor and he wanted to see me…I will see him next week.
February 3, 2010 at 6:01 pm
It helps me to know you have pain when you pee — I do, too, particularly if my bladder was really full. Whew.
February 3, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Hi Alimar,
Curious to know if your doctor thinks your hair loss is due to your procedure. Coincidentally, my hair started shedding like crazy after my procedure. Keep us posted.
February 5, 2010 at 8:48 am
Hi ladies!
I am in Barbados and I have my abdominal myomectomy surgery scheduled for February 24th, that’s in about two and a half weeks. I am nervous, but take consolation in the fact that the OB/GYN performing the surgery is one of the best around and is very experienced in the procedure. I am 34 years old and want to have children. I have been following the parts 1,2,3 and now part 4 of this blog and it has been great in addressing my fears and concerns about the procedure and recovery after the procedure. I look forward to following more of this blog and posting my own contribution about my experience.
Andrea
February 21, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Hi Andrea, I’m from Barbados, but live in Chicago. I had my procedure on Feb. 8th. 20 fibroids removed, when ultrasound only showed 10. Recovery is going well. Remember to take it slow, and something no one told me about, the gas pains. They will be very painful at first, but ginger tea seems to help. God Bless and successful recovery to you.
February 5, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Four days to go for me …. And thanks to the advice and experiences of all of you here, and a deep yoga class last night, I’m feeling ready.
February 5, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Hey guys…ok, so this may be tmi, but this whole forum is basically tmi, but I have a question for those of you who are a month and longer post-op.
I’ve seen women on here talk about increased sex drive post-op, but did anyone experience the opposite? I’ve been cleared to have sex for about a month (since I was 3 weeks post-op) and my poor boyfriend’s really so sad, but I just can’t seem to get with it. We’ve tried twice and had to stop both times because it was actually MORE uncomfortable than it was when I had the fibroids! I’m almost ready to call my doctor and ask him if I should be concerned.
February 5, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Hi Niama,
I feel the same way .. it’s been 3 weeks for me and i’m not getting the urges that my friends said I would. It is like the total opposite.. I really dont want to right now. we have not tried yet.. 4 weeks for me will be 2/12 and that is when the doctor said we can try.
February 5, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Naima,
I finally got up the nerve to give it a try last week and at first it was a bit scary and uncomfortable but once I relaxed it was great. I must admit I definitely felt the difference. I’m not sure if it was because it had been so long or the fibroids being out of the way but there was definitely more sensation there. I wouldn’t say I was in pain afterwards but a little crampy which I expected.
So more tmi is that we used a lubricated condom and it definitely helped. I haven’t been on birth control in over 8yrs (nothing but condoms) and will be ttc later this year so I definitely didn’t want to go on anything or risk getting pregnant. I’m not sure if you used lubricant but if not, maybe that will help you. I couldn’t have gone through with it w/o one.
February 6, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Three days to go …. Still have not decided about the anaesthetic. Am leaning towards a spinal with sedation. I’ve been told I can decide just before the operation, so I think I’d like to meet the anaesthetist first — the real one who’ll be with me through the procedure, rather than the one I met in the pre-op consult. who may or may not be there on operation day.
My fibroid is 8cm, though, and placed inconveniently at the back of my uterus. I’m told to expect a 90-minute surgery. Have to meditate on just how stressful that might be, awake. Hmmmmmmmm.
February 6, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Linda, I’m curious, what exactly is it about GA that has you so wary? To me (and it’s just me) and epidural is much more anxiety inducing. GA is just a little prick in your hand that you don’t even feel (and I’m the biggest needle-phobe ever, hence my anxiety about epidurals) and you’re off to LA LA land. Complications are super rare, especially if you’re otherwise healthy.
It’s your choice, but again, most of the women on this forum had GA, and came out with no complications (aside from maybe a minor sore throat for a day)
February 7, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Yes, I hear you, Naima! I know I’m in a minority. But we each have to go with what feels right for us.
I had a mastectomy some years ago and had a general. I found that I felt excluded from the process. I went to “sleep;” I woke up, and my breast was gone. Even though I had said goodbye to the breast and had visualized the process and its aftermath in advance, there was a hard emotional adjustment. I felt a few hours of my life had been taken, were lost to me.
I’ve also been awake during local anaesthetic for procedures others have opted for a general for. Although the nerves are certainly affected, the sedation helps with that. I found that being conscious, I felt a part of the process, and did not feel as vulnerable as I have when I have completely given myself over to — essentially — strangers.
I am the sort of person who opted for natural childbirth. I sure felt it! and I screamed and screamed of course, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I felt I was fully a part of the process.
Perhaps I have control issues, or trust issues. I struggle emotionally with the fact that in hospital, one is stripped of one’s individuality — no make-up, no jewelry, no personal items or clothing … hospital gown, hospital socks, hospital cap. I understand the need for hygiene, but I wonder whether there is also a deeper something at work — an objectifying to make procedures easier, make it easier for medical professionals to disengage (which they do need to do).
I don’t expect any of you to agree with my perspective, but you’re women, and so I know you’ll respect it.
As I said, I haven’t decided yet. I’d like to meet the anaesthetist when I go in the day after tomorrow, and I’ll see how I feel then.
February 7, 2010 at 11:14 pm
I can get where you’re coming from now that you’ve explained it. It still wouldn’t be my choice (I’d go to sleep for basic dental work if I could….) but I get it
February 8, 2010 at 9:06 am
A lot of people won’t share this secret with you because lets face it; it’s not exactly something you discuss with your work colleagues over lunch. The secret is: Hot Valentines Lingerie!
February 8, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Question for you all – Were any of you on the contraceptive pill before surgery AND stayed on it post-op?
I just need some help in deciding how I avoid getting pregnant without loading myself with oestrogen-filled pills! My surgeon has suggested condoms only.
I imagine that most people on here are ttc but what can I do in the meantime before I get there. I am defo keen to have kids in the not too distant future but not exactly right now.
February 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Ejiro, I went back on the pill post-op. My doctor’s not thrilled about it, only because he wants me to ttc asap, but I need a few months. He never suggested that the estrogen was a problem.
February 8, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Ejiro – I stayed on the pill through surgery. I continued to take the pill while I was at the hospital but I did have to give them over to the nurse for approval by the pharmacy. I’m 30 but I’m not planning for kids in the immediate future.
February 8, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Ejiro – I am not ready to ttc either. I am using condom only.
Naima – You’re surgeon is concerned that you aren’t ttc right away? My surgeon and gp both seem to think it’s ok to wait a year, but not much longer…and I think that is because I am 36. Is there something specific to your situation that they prefer you to do it so quickly? I’m going to see if my insurance company will let me have a vag ultrasound at 6 mos to make sure nothing has grown. If it hasn’t, then I’m going to wait another 6 mos. I’m very scared that these things will grow back quickly, but docs have doubted that they will grow so fast.
February 9, 2010 at 4:44 am
I find it interesting that your doctors have said that it was ok for you to have sex after 3 weeks. My doctor said 6 weeks and even then to be extra careful and not too rigorous (yee ha!). Maybe it depends on how many you’ve had out etc? I actually have some libido so I’m looking forward to it but am pretty worried about the pain. Hopefully it won’t be as painful as it was with the fibroids.
It was my second day back at work today and it’s been exactly 4 weeks since my op. I actually feel pretty good and almost back to normal. I’m now worried about what you said Naima about scar tissue and it possibly preventing you from conceiving. Has anyone else’s doctor said this? How do you know if you’ve got too much scar tissue?
PS Good luck Linda.
February 9, 2010 at 9:22 am
Cassy, I thought it was too early, too. I didn’t even try until 5 weeks, and then the attempt didn’t get very far.
I want to clarify about the scar tissue thing – I’ve been told it may prevent me from being able to conceive NATURALLY. The next option would be IVF. I was also told this by my regular GYN when we first started discussing surgery options as well. I had a very large submucosal, so my uterine wall has been kinda traumatized. The thing about scar tissue is that you won’t know what’s going on in there until you take another look much later. I have seen where some women on here had follow-ups a few months later for that purpose.
February 9, 2010 at 9:56 am
I spoke to my surgeon yesterday about scar tissue as I had a lot from a previous ovarian cystectomy I had. He was pretty surprised by how much I had (he wasn’t the surgeon that did the cystectomy op about 10 years ago).
He took the scar tissue out that had formed since the last op during my recent AM and has assured me that there shouldn’t be any problem this time. I think the key time scar tissue can form is very close to after the op has been done, which is why it is important not to do too much too soon.
Re contraceptive pills – I’m pretty sure fibroids are formed by too much oestrogen being produced, which is why I’m looking to avoid oestrogen-type pills. To be honest, I’ve been on the contraceptive pill for so long and I really want to know how my body will react to being off it, now that the fibroids have been removed.
Naima, Seashell and Avosom – Your comments have been helpful! More welcome, if any.
February 9, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I’m not sure if this imformation will help in the debate over birth control, but I feel that they had something to do with the growth of my fibroid. Actually, I believe it was the birth control and possibly a particular diet that I went on that preceded and then coincided with problems I had with my periods.
I was on the Atkins diet in the spring, summer and fall of 2006 which meant that I ate mostly meat, a few veggies, very little fruit and almost no carbs and no sugar. I started to have clotting during my periods and my periods gradually became a bit more painful. I was not on birth control at that time.
Then in the summer of 2007, I did the birth control patch, which supposedly has more estrogen than the pill. During the second period on the patch, my period was heavier and more painful than any period I had had before. During the third month everything went to hell. I had to stop the pills because it felt like the bc had something to do with the periods. After that I was on vicodin for the pain during my periods and the clots turned into the size of baseballs.
My theory is that my fibroids had something to do with a diet high in meat products and birth control that were high in estrogen. I hadn’t been on bc for any extended period of time before that summer mainly because I lived in a third world country for many years and I didn’t have access to bc pills. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced a similar change in diet or lifestyle around the time their fibroids started.
On another note, I was wondering if anyone who is around 8 weeks post op still has pain. I have pain on my right side and sometimes below the belly button. The pain is not just once in awhile, but is with me for most of the day usually starting in the afternoon or following a day of activity like housework. Sometimes it is a stabbing pain and sometimes it’s like something is pinching me inside. I see my doctor tomorrow.
February 9, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Regarding the estrogen debate – I have read that it can go either way and that docs just aren’t sure. For example, my fibroid was first discovered at 6cm in 2004. It was found when I complained that my period was lasting 5 weeks long. I was not on the pill at that time. So, to control the bleeding, they put me on the pill. I was then on the pill for the next 4 years, for the most part.
In early 2009, I went off the pill because of a skin reaction I was having to estrogen. At this point, I had completely forgotten about the fibroid. My period was normal for about 3 months, then it started to get really heavy and painful. Shortly after that, I started to have pain in my stomach when exercising, this pain got worse and worse as months went on. In November, the fibroid was rediscovered and was 15cm. Now, who knows what was really going on. But I think that the pill was holding my fibroid growth at bay. I think going off the pill caused a growth spurt. I asked my surgeon if this was possible and she said ‘yes’. Though she wasn’t really into speculating. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it was slowly growing the whole time and it’s just coincidence that it got really bad once I was off bc. But it doesn’t feel that way.
Julie – I am just over 8 weeks post op. I only experience pain during my period at this point. But I never really had constant pain, even immediately after surgery…I only had it if I did more than I was ready to do (ie. walking, stretching). I feel completely normal now…though I haven’t quite started full out exercise yet. My sister, who is a nurse, has a theory that people who have female surgeons experience less pain after surgery because they tend to be more gentle and their hands are smaller. I had a female surgeon.
Are you doing too much? I would bring it up to your doc because I think that by 8 weeks, you should have minimal pain. Maybe others have had different experiences though???
February 9, 2010 at 2:37 pm
As for the b/c, I think it really just depends on the person. I know in some people the estrogen promotes growth but for me, the pill apparently was keeping the growth under control. I went off the pill for about 1 1/2 years and in that time my fibroid nearly doubled in size. I went back on the pill (a couple years ago now) and they were still growing but not as quickly. My gyn put me on a low-estrogen pill but it was a little too low (spotting) so she upped me some.
Julie & Avosom – this week is 9-weeks post-op. I haven’t had any issues with pain and I had a male surgeon, my surgery was nearly 4 hours to remove 5 fibroids (2lbs). From what I’ve read from other women the pain could be from scar tissue or overdoing yourself too soon. Julie, I’m glad you’re going to the doc. Keep us posted.
February 9, 2010 at 4:39 pm
My ex-doctor put me on bc pills at the beginning of 2008 because my periods were making me so anemic. She thought the only way to deal with them was to stop them through bc (she said the fibroid was not the cause). Instead of stopping my period, my period would NOT stop. I had it for 3 months. When I called my doctor’s office, the nurses told me it was because I wasn’t taking the pill exactly 24 hours apart. I tried bc of a different strength and it didn’t work for me. My present doctor told me that my fibroid was too big for bc to have any affect on it. He actually described it as my fibroid laughing at my attempt to stop it through using birth control.
Avosom and Seashell, I think there may be something wrong. Even right after the surgery, the right side was more painful than the left side, which I thought may have been from the removal of the ruptured cyst on my right ovary.
On a really good note, my second period post-op was 4 days long, relatively pain free (took Advil 3 times, before I would take 3-4 pills every 4 hours) and my 2 heaviest days would have been similar to my lightest days pre-op.
February 9, 2010 at 5:02 pm
My doctor said that once fibroids reach a certain size they develop their own blood supply which in turn means they grow more rapidly. So in this case it probably doesn’t matter if you’re on bc or not. When I first discovered I had fibroids my doctor put me on bc and while it controlled the bleeding it certainly didn’t stop the growth of the fibroids. In four years mine tripled in number and size.
Thanks for your reply Naima. My hope is to conceive naturally but if IVF was the only the option then I would be happy to go down that road too. Hopefully my scar tissue isn’t too bad but with the removal of 15 fibroids I don’t hold out too much hope!
Good luck with getting back on the saddle (so to speak) ;o)
February 9, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Hi all. This is my first visit and I’m trying to figure out if there’s a main forum page where people do more general introductions. So far I don’t see one, so I hope you don’t mind if I dive in.
I have a 10 cm intramural posterior fibroid, which I found out today. (I knew I had a large fibroid, just didn’t know the size or location until the ultrasound today.)
It’s causing symptoms with my bladder, which is the main reason it needs to be removed. I am very much hoping to have more children, so I’m going with an abdominal myomectomy.
Are there others with similar size and placement fibroids who’ve gone through the surgery? How did it go, and were you able to have successful pregnancies afterwards? My doctor is concerned that too much of my uterine wall will be damaged. That concerns me… I love my daughter and very much hope that she will have siblings.
February 9, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Hi Jenna, I can’t speak to your questions directly — my fibroids were in different locations and I’m not trying to have children. But I will say that if you haven’t already, you might want to consult a fertility specialist. I’d read that women who want to preserve their uteruses and/or fertility should consider having surgery with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist. Their training and focus is specifically on fertility. I went that route, and other people on this board did as well. My regular ob/gyn assisted, but the primary surgeon was a fertility specialist. In any case, I’d look for the person most experienced with this procedure who is most confident about being able to preserve your ability to have more children.
Welcome to the board. It’s a tremendously supportive place.
February 10, 2010 at 2:59 am
Thank you, Vive.
February 11, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Hey ladies,
Just reporting in. It’s 48 hours post-op, and I’m home. Even with earplugs and morphine, it was just too hard to get any sleep in hospital. Turns out I’m quite the light sleeper.
After delivering a 4lb. fibroid, I’m starting on the pathway to recovery. Will keep you posted!
February 12, 2010 at 4:45 am
Congratulations Linda – that sounds like quite a beauty! Try not to over do it and enjoy the time at home. It will go by very quickly and you’ll be back to normal before you know it. I just completed my first week back at work (it’s been 4.5 weeks since my op) and I’m feeling really good. I’m a little tired and I’m not up for socialising at night yet but I’m good considering. Good luck with your recovery.
February 12, 2010 at 10:04 am
2.5 days post-op
Thanks, Cassy! So far my hardest challenge at home is trying to ignore the mess and chores and just stay upstairs and focus on myself.
Am walking gingerly for two or three minutes a day, taking stairs very slowly.
Have been grateful every minute of every day for the wonders of Tylenol3, ibuprofen, and friends.
For those of you who have not yet had your myo …. Here’s advice …. I’m active/athletic anyway, but I worked specifically at strengthening my upper body and legs prior to surgery. After reading what some of you post-op had to say about the trials of trying to get up from a sitting or lying position without using your core at all, I thought it would help if I could rely on other muscle groups. I think that work is helping me during these first couple of days.
February 14, 2010 at 4:20 pm
5 days post-op
Almost off meds! No more Tylenol 3. I now take one otc extra-strength Tylenol before bed and one otc extra-stregth Motrin in the morning. Hoping to reduce those to zilch in a couple of days.
Am walking a few circuits of the house (including stairs) each morning, but then that’s it for the day. Planning to build up to walking a block outside by 7 days post-op and increase gradually from there.
I feel the worst is over.
More advice for anyone who is pre-op now …. Before surgery, I set up a futon couch in my bedroom to sleep on. It allows me to keep my knees up and flopped slightly to one side, supported by the bac k of the couch. It’s also fairly easy to roll off of to get up.
Nap time.
February 16, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Linda, Did you ever update us on whether you chose general anesthesia or a spinal? Just wondering what you decided and how it went.
February 14, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I’m so glad I found this forum… I am 10 days post AM today. 10 fibroids were taken out, and during the process a couple of cysts and endometriosis were removed.
I spent 6 nights and 7 days in the hospital. And I was walking a bit from the day after the surgery. I am walking more each day, and I do have to remind myself not to over do it.
I do however still feel bloated, its definitely better than it was a few days after the surgery, but I hate that heavy feeling in the stomach. I’m trying to drink a lot of water.
Is there anything else I can do to get rid of this feeling?
February 16, 2010 at 6:05 am
Hi All
I’m a day shy of being 6 weeks post op and I thought I should give an update. 35 fibroids and an ovarian cyst were removed and I was particularly anaemic post op.
Feeling pretty good apart from complete exhaustion when I’ve had a busy day. In fact, this weekend my boyfriend and I had romantic walks etc and by the end of the day I was walking so slowly and my tummy felt more tired than it has in recent weeks.
In terms of sex – sorry to be so graphic – we were doing brilliantly with me being on top and then we did the reverse on Sunday and I had very painful cramps. I had to take painkillers again, which I had stopped taking weeks back. My first period post op (about 3 weeks ago) was particularly crampy and after sex on Sunday, I really felt like that again.
On a positive side, I’ve found the sex tonnes more enjoyable post op as it all feels very sensitive – maybe it is just the fact that we hadn’t had it for so long. LOL!
Hope this helps those who were thinking about when to have sex post op.
February 16, 2010 at 2:18 pm
7 days post-op
Thanks for the update, Londongirl! I have a story to tell, funny I hope.
When I was being discharged from the hospital, the nurse asked me a series of questions, then asked me if I had any questions for her. I had a few, one of which was, “How long til I can have sex?” Being a nurse and unused to the concept of PRIVACY, she bellowed down the ward corridor to the head nurse there, “Carol! How long til you can have sex after a myomectomy?!” Carol obliglingly bellowed back, “Six weeks!!” Whereupon the lovely 88-year-old in the bed next to me sang out merrily for all to hear: “Six weeks! I haven’t had sex in 25 years! I wouldn’t know what to do any more!” And in response to THAT, I very nearly burst my stitches trying NOT to laugh.
I think I can wait for intercourse, but I was wondering about orgasm? Will it hurt this soon??
February 16, 2010 at 2:25 pm
That’s hilarious, Linda! As I just posted, my doctor was adamant that at 4 weeks I’m clear for sex. He made quite an issue out of it. I, too, am curious about orgasm. What’s the word, ladies?
February 16, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Yesterday was 4 weeks post-op, and I, too, though I’d give an update. I feel so much better this week than I did last week that I can now see that there’s an end in sight, an “after” after all these weeks of being in the “midst of.” (I was sick for 4 weeks before surgery, so it’s been a few months of stretchy pants and lying around.) In fact, I have to say that so far I found post-op week 3 the most challenging. My head was clearer, but my body was still so tender and I felt so limited and frustrated. I can do so much more this week.
I had my post-op visit with the surgeon yesterday, and everything looks good. My blood count is back up (I lost three units before and during surgery and was transfused in the recovery room). He told me it’s entirely normal to still feel fatigued and to be tender at the end of the day. I’ve been using a heating pad at night while I lay around and watch the Olympics and taking rests in the middle of the day. It’s helped.
I started working a bit at 2 1/2 weeks, just teaching my one class twice a week and taking care of critical things via email (as I’d been doing since immediately post-op). I waited until 3 weeks to drive. Now I’m adding to that, doing about 20 hours of work from home in addition to teaching my class. The doctor said it’s time to push the exercise more. I’ve been so tender it’s made me nervous, but he says I can walk and do arm and leg weights and should get back to it. He also cleared me for sex, and when I looked like he was crazy, he gave me the following advice: “You’re in charge. If you’re in charge, he won’t worry about hurting you and you won’t worry about him hurting you.” I’ve appreciated the conversation on this board about returning to sex. Thanks, all.
Whew — I know I’ll still be recovering for a good while, but I’m really savoring these small but significant steps back into my life.
February 16, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Vive — I did go with a general in the end, and I’d say I’m sorry I did because I had five hours of nausea when I came to in the recovery room. The nurses gave me the max of everything they could for nausea, then suggested I’d just have to vomit, if I could, but it wouldn’t happen (kind of like that first elusive b.m. post-op, hmmm? lol).
Apparently when they finally wheeled me onto the ward, a woman down the hall was calling out a mantra of “Nurse, nurse, nurse, nurse, nurse… !” After I lay still for about an hour, I’m told my first words to my ward-mates were, “If she doesn’t shut up I’m going over there and bop her on the head.” The nurses were relieved. It meant the nausea had passed. Ha.
Also, Vive — do get on the exercise. I really think it’s helping me. I walked a mile this morning and although it gave me that heavy feeling low in my belly, it renewed my energy. I’m also continuing my teaching via the Internet from home, doing about two hours a day.
Now about orgasm. Someone shed some light!!!
February 17, 2010 at 4:36 am
Hey all,
Did you need narcotics after surgery? Do you think you could get by with just plain Motrin or something? I asked my doctor if he thought I could skip narcotics and he looked at me pretty unsurely.
February 17, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Hi Jenna — I agree that it really depends on the person and how extensive the surgery is. I needed the morphine the first night, and I switched to Hydrocodone after that for several more days. But I went to 600mg ibuprofen pretty quickly after a bad narcotic nightmare. I took 600mg every six hours, pretty religiously, for awhile, then tapered off. I don’t see why you couldn’t try for no narcotics, as long as you retain your right to change your mind!
February 17, 2010 at 10:22 am
I had an abdominal myomectomy on Friday, Feb. 12 and it was unbelieveably easy. I felt like I could have gone back to work on Monday and have not taken any pain medication, not even Tylenol. I am sure this is not common, and I do have a high threshold of pain, but the experience has been a good one.
February 17, 2010 at 11:31 am
Hi Jenna,
I’m finding that so much about recovery after myomectomy is individual!
I went into this process rather anti-medication, but I sure did need some.
I’d think it’ll depend how large and deeply embedded your fibroid(s) are. Mine was four pounds, placed at the back of the uterus, so the surgery was quite lengthy and invasive indeed.
Some people will simply have more pain than others.
I’ve learned that I can use others’ experiences here only as a general guide. If you suffer through pain unmedicated, it saps your energy and slows your healing. On the other hand, if you take more than you need for too long, you suffer the gummed-up tummy and other side effects, and you lose touch with your body. I’m sure no doctor, but my own philosophy was to take meds only when I started to feel pain, and then to take a minimal dose, upping it only if I needed to, so I could keep tabs on how much pain I actually was experiencing.
I’m athletic and tolerate pain well. I was on morphine for the first 24 hours in hospital, then plain Tylenol for the next 24 hours plus Oxycoton at night. When I left hospital, I spent two days taking a Tylenol-3 at night plus alternating extra-strength Motrin and extra-strength Tylenol during the day. I stopped all meds at Day 5 post-op, because I found I could.
Be aware that most pain meds tend to constipate you, so if you use them, you then need to be right on top of a high-fibre diet and lots of water, etc. I kept a bag of prunes by my bedside, and that was the “food” I took with my middle-of-the-night Tylenol.
Some women, like Erika, are on one end of the scale. Others, I’d imagine, needed meds for weeks.
Do get the prescription filled when you leave hospital. You don’t want to be without meds in the middle of the night if you need them!
You have to be your own judge!
Good luck to you!!
February 17, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Everyone is definitely different. I was on morphin for about 2-3 days post op in addition to other pain killers and I know I suffered the digestive consequences but I was in far too much pain to be off them.
Linda is very right – the more invasive your surgery the longer you might need to be on pain meds etc.
Re your question on orgasms Linda – I might be wrong here but I don’t think an orgasm would hurt soon after the op. I think it is the actual penetration that is damaging.
I’m no sex therapist though! LOL!
February 17, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Thanks so much for your comments! I have a sensitive stomach and I hate the feeling of being fuzzy-headed, so I’m going to try no narcotics first and see if I can stand it. But I know I do have a large fibroid at the back of my uterus, too, so the operation is not expected to be easy. Gah.
February 17, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Also, Jenna — I forgot to mention that between being “on meds” and “off meds,” I took one day where I had a shot of scotch twice. Woohoo for natural meds!
A couple of glasses of red wine might’ve done well, too.
If the pain is not too bad, there are also herbal analgesics: arnica, rosemary, valerian, passion flower, saffron, etc., plus some essential oils like jasmine, juniper, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. But only if the pain’s not too bed.
When’s your surgery?
February 17, 2010 at 4:50 pm
My suggestion is that even if you plan to try not to use narcotics, leave the hospital with a prescription just in case. I planned on just using extra strength tylenol, which was fine until I got my period about a week after surgery. I was in a lot of pain and needed something stronger temporarily. My family had insisted on filling the prescription the day I got out of the hospital just in case (even though I insisted I would not need it) and I was very glad it was handy without a big delay when I needed it.
February 17, 2010 at 1:52 pm
On the orgasm topic …. I’d like to know when the ladies here first tried, if people don’t mind sharing that information? And whether anyone had any pain? Intercourse, no WAY, not yet. My worry is that an o might cause uncomfortable uterine cramping. At the same time, it’s been about ten days, and one would be nice.
February 18, 2010 at 12:25 am
I am six days post-op and have suffered from some major headaches. Has anyone else faced this?
February 18, 2010 at 12:28 am
That’s a drag, Mary. No, I’m 8 days post-op and no headaches. As if you need that on top of the other to-be-expected stuff.
February 18, 2010 at 4:33 am
Mary – you might want to be sure you are not anemic as this causes headaches and is a side effect of having an AM.
I had them about this time as well.
February 18, 2010 at 5:06 am
Mary, an epidural can also cause headaches… as can being dehydrated… so make sure you are drink a lot of water. As for the epidural, I’m not sure what to do about that… does anyone out there know?
February 18, 2010 at 9:27 am
I didn’t have an epidural, just general anethesia. The tumor they reomved were large (football) sized, and the doc told my husband I lost more blood than they expected.
I guess I’ll call the doc again today, but I was so ready to just get over this. The tummy ache is nothing compared to the headaches.
February 18, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I had a cathetar for several days after surgery because I was unable to use the bathroom. I’m 4 wks post surgery and still having what I think are bladder spasms, when I need to go to the bathroom, and sometimes when I don’t, is anyone else experiencing this?
February 18, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hi ladies im happy to find this website. Im having my surgery in 11 days. I wasnt very scared , until now. lol.I was too happy that the excessive pains would be gone soon. Personally i dont really care about the pains post-op as long as there are no complications. I have been dealing with severe menstral cramps, dizziness ,bleeding for soooo long , i figure i can take a few MONTHS, of pain as long as the end justifies the means. I have so much to comment on, I never really took birth control maybe 3 times in my 38 yrs. so im not sure what is the cause of my fybroids. However the last time i took them was in january i just had a transfusion in December and the doctors were trying to figure out what to do , so they suggested bc. to stop the bleeding, well i bled like crazy 19 days to be exact, that didnt help. I didnt really like sex prior , so im glad for the break lol. I am curious to know if anyones sex drive has increased since the op. and also did anyone lose any significant weight. I love this forum its like reading a book for us by us lol. good luck to you all .
February 20, 2010 at 2:04 am
i am dealing with no insurance at the time but my doctor in colombia suggested a hysterectomy for my fibroid measuring 8.3 x 6.1. i refuse the hysterectomy as i am trying to conceive. i applied to medicaid so hope that kicks in soon. has anyone had an intramural fibroid of this similar size and still able to conceive?
thanks all. this is a great forum.
February 20, 2010 at 6:07 am
Hi Linda
I thought I’d put you out of your misery and answer your orgasm question! I had my first one at about 3 weeks post op. I tried before that but I was a bit worried it would hurt so couldn’t really relax. I’m now 5.5 weeks post op and haven’t had sex yet, we’re waiting until the 6 week mark like the doctor suggested – only 3 days to go! Woo hoo! I honestly haven’t really felt like it until now and am a bit anxious that it will hurt but I’m willing to give it a good try! ;o)
That’s great that you’ve been able to walk a mile already, you sound like you’re recovering well.
February 20, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Cassy, thanks so much for the candour!
Update from me …. At 10 days post-op yesterday, I not only had my first orgasm but walked three miles and had a meal in a restaurant. Am so happy. Double woo-hoo!!
I’d be interested to know how the intercourse part of things goes …. I’d think a good deal of lubrication and a nicely patient partner.
The orgasm didn’t hurt at all as far as uterine contractions go, although the whole thing was very gentle, the way orgasms are at first after you’ve had a baby.
February 20, 2010 at 12:40 pm
For me, getting back into the swing of things sexually wasn’t easy. I was surprised actually. LOTS of lube, had to start on top, and had two false starts over 2 weeks before we could finally get going. I still don’t have my regular sex drive back, and still can’t completely relax during sex like I want to. I’ve heard from other people that their drive comes back stronger post-op, so I’m hoping that I’m just having a little delayed process.
February 20, 2010 at 11:52 am
Hello ladies
My abdominal myomectomy sheduled for this Wednesday,February 24th has been cancelled. My ob/gyn saw the most recent ultrasound and it looks like lots more fibroids than he originally thought. He told me that to cut that many fibroids I would more than likely lose my uterus because there would be so many incisions that would be bleeding, there would be nothing to save.
However, he did recommend that I do the UAE procedure. I thank him for his honesty and the fact that he also wants me to preserve my uterus as much as I do! I’m 34 years old, single with no kids and want to have children someday (in the near future, I hope). I’ll keep you all posted on how things turn out. This blog has been really informative and supportive for me. Thanks ladies!
February 20, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Andrea – I’ve seen a lot of people on this blog who have many fibroids removed and are able to keep their uteruses. If I were you, I would get a second opinion….
February 21, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Hello Andrea,
I agree that you get a second opinion. I had 25 fibroids removed in November (a lot more than the 9-10 that they could see in the ultrasound) and the doctor was able to save my uterus. I did bleed a lot and had to have a transfusion but I recovered and am now doing fine. My doctor said it might be a more difficult to get pregnant (I am 43) because of my age and the scarring but she did not rule it out as impossible. So I’m choosing to be hopeful that all is possible:) Good luck to you finding a doctor that can help you! I hope all works out for you..
March 2, 2010 at 1:51 am
Andrea,
I agree with the ladies. I had many more fibroids than you and YES, I kept my uterus. Plus, with UAE, I am not sure you can have kids afterwords. Before you do any procedure, please get another opinion. You can ABSOLUTELY keep your uterus. I had more fibroids removed than Andrea. I did not bleed to death, my dr used cell saver. I believe yr dr may not be skilled in the removal of multiple fibroids.
February 20, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Andrea, I second the second opinion. Nothing lost by seeking it, and possibly a lot gained. Good luck!
February 20, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Andrea dont go for the UAE procedure if you want to have kids. Get a second opinion.
February 21, 2010 at 1:53 am
Hi everyone,
I had an abdominal myomectomy 13 weeks ago. Feel good but still experiencing occasional slight pain on my left lower side, going to see my doctor for my 4 month post-check up.
Curious to know if anyone else has experienced (or currently) constipation post op?
February 24, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Hi Lori, I am 6 weeks post op and still feeling sometimes pain in my right side, please let me know what your dr said …thanks
February 22, 2010 at 6:47 am
hi there, i had a myomectomy on 28th Jan 2010 and am doing fine now (3 weeks post-ops).
February 22, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Hi Andrea and Alls,
At first my gynae informed that with 5 mths pregnancy size fibroid, it’s 50:50 chances of loosing my uterus (hysterectomy instead of myomectomy) due to high probabilities of blood loss (also am anemic). However when I sought a 2nd opinion, the gynae (a professor) given me 80:20 chances. I chose the 2nd gynae and thank god, my AM went well (under epidural and am awake througout the process – able to communicate well with the ops team). It’s worth having the 2nd opinion…really !
Am now in 3 weeks post ops and recovery is in progress. Started to drive after week 2 and now things almost back to normal. Anyway need to listen to body signals when to slow down and relax…
Best of luck to you Andrea. Enjoy the moment…enjoy the pain coz no pain no gain
. You can do it and Take care.
February 22, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Hi ladies, I just had my abdominal myomectomy feb.18 yes three days ago and I might say I am doing pretty fair, my stomache is bloating and numb feeling. How long for the bloating and numbness in the belly can someone please tell me? I have been reading everyone stories for a while I just finally had the courage to speak out, just taking it slow you know. Any questions about my surgery I wil be glad to answer. Looking forward to making new friends on here, I am going to take a pain pill now be back later.
February 22, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Hi all. I am 4 weeks post-op abdominal myomectomy and doing really well. I had a 10cm fibroid that ended up weighing 1.1lbs. It really started to interfere with my bladder (having to go pee about every 20 mins) and was causing bad abdominal pain. Stayed 2 days in the hospital. I had no idea about gas pains…..whew, those were not fun! Those came the first night in the hospital (along with the nauseous) but only lasted 2 or 3 days. The first time I tried to get up from the hospital bed to go pee I almost passed out. I stood up, started sweating profusely (forehead) and my vision went white. The nurses called for some smelling salts and hit me with those a couple times. After that is was back to bed (without peeing) for a couple hours. That was the worst of it. I slept it off and then was able to get up 3 hours later and successfully go to the bathroom without almost passing out! I think my body was just trying to get rid of the drugs and I was being too overzealous. I also experienced bladder pain for about 2 weeks after surgery each time I would go to the bathroom. Dr said they had to move my bladder outta the way to get the fibroid out so there was some bruising/trauma to the bladder which was causing the pain. Looking back I am so glad it’s over and wouldn’t fear doing it again. There is some discomfort from the incision and it takes a few tries to learn how to move without using your ab muscles. You find a whole new way to do everything! My advice to ones that haven’t had their myo yet would be to go into it calm, positive and healthy! Good luck to those we are both pre and post op! This website is wonderful!