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I had uterine fibroid embolisation on Tuesday. Today (Friday) I'm still in severe pain.

Posted , 9 users are following.

aileen23193
aileen23193

Can anyone tell me if this is normal? I thought the pain would reduce each day but it's as bad today as it was on Tuesday.  I'd appreciate hearing others experiences.

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • millie99
    millie99 aileen23193

    Posted

    Hi

    Don't know if it is normal but I had severe groin pain for around a week.I also had a cramping pain on and off for a couple of weeks.I am fine now,

    • aileen23193
      aileen23193 millie99

      Posted

      Good to hear that you're fine now. I've been worried that I'm going through all this pain and it might not make any difference. Thanks for replying.

    • millie99
      millie99 heather34376

      Posted

      Hi

      The largerst I think was 9cm,I was told I had over 20.I am waiting for a appointment to see my gyne for results,I had a ultresound two weeks ago.I have not had any bleeding but my periods had stopped in May.I was told it could take up to 18 months for me to see any difference.My stomach is massive and feel really low because of it.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 millie99

      Posted

      Hi Millie, Wow 20 that's a whole uterous full, with sizes like 9cm you poor thing. I really hope that all the pain has been an especially good thing with them dying off. God bless you. Let me know how you get on. I only have one (I think) 12x13. I have UFE late November. I'm a bit anxious but feel dreadful with pain here & there. I'm 46 & haven't had periods for a while being on the Esmya & Zoladex. I'm worried about infection & complication of infection. But I have to do somrthing. Back hurts, bloated, sciatic pains & when I have them heavy periods. My consultants secreatary told me that the main reductions were in the first year but some ladies keep getting reductions in year 3. Those who are still bothered after ufe with whats left are sometimes offered a d & c.

      Today I'm tired & fed up, so I appreciate why you might feel low. Lets try to be positive & in your case lets hope that the ufe that you have had, is reducing the fibroids even if if is slowly. My consultant said infection is rarer after 2 weeks post ufe so hopefully you are out of the woods for that & thats a positive. Keep in touch x

    • millie99
      millie99 heather34376

      Posted

      Hi

      Thank you for your kind words.I hope I will sse them go.I am very tired and have lower back pain.Trying not to take any pain killers but may have to soon.

      I went to the doctors three days after I had my surgery and she said the wound had healed and the cut they made was very small.

      Please let me know how you get on.x

  • crzy8
    crzy8 aileen23193

    Posted

    I stopped taking the percocet the day after I got home ended up being allergic. I took ibuprofen around the clock the first 5 days then stopped.The pain was mostly pressure. I made sure I got up and around right away I would be sore but it really does help. Give yourself like 2-3 weeks and the discomfort should be gone completely, mine was gone after 2.

    Make sure you're taking stool softeners regardless. The hardest part for me was eating. it's been a month and I can finally kind of eat a full meal.

    you will be happy with the results I hope bet decision I made.

    • aileen23193
      aileen23193 crzy8

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply, it's good to know that your pain is gone now and that you're happy with your decision - I've been doubting whether I've done the right thing or not. I'm the same as you with eating - I'm really struggling to eat and feeling quite nauseous a lot of the time. I also haven't had a bowel movement since before the UFE, thinking that I might need to go to the chemist to get something for that tomorrow.

    • anne05147
      anne05147 aileen23193

      Posted

      don't take a laxative, ask your pharmacists advice.  I did and he warned me off any laxatives and recommended a stool softener.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 crzy8

      Posted

      Can I please ask what size were your fibroids? Did you get a good reduction in size & symptoms?

      #

  • UFE27
    UFE27 aileen23193

    Posted

    My UFE was on 27th July 2016.   I have severe pain for 4 days, managed by pain medication.  I still get occasional cramps and discomfort but I do not always need to take pain medication.   I was provided with a stool softener Movicol by the hospital on the 2nd day and this works quickly within 2 days and is very gentle, I was also provided with a perscription for this softner when I was discharged as often the abdominal discomfort you might be feeling is also from constipation and not just from the effects from the UFE procedure.
    • aileen23193
      aileen23193 UFE27

      Posted

      Thanks for sharing, the pain seems to be subsiding slightly today. I don't feel constipated so guess I ever thought that some of the pain could be coming from that but it makes sense that it might be. I'll start taking a stool softener today.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 aileen23193

      Posted

      Gald to here pain is going, I have UFE in November, what size/s is/are your fibroids?
    • UFE27
      UFE27 heather34376

      Posted

      I have seven both subserous and submucous the largest are 8 x 7 cm and 6cm x 5 cm and four 3 x 4 cm fibroids.  UFE is not a quick fix and takes a very long time to produce visible results relating to bulking issues and the reduction of a large abdomen.   I had a scan after 5 weeks post embolisation and there has been no reduction in size of the fibroids but we have been informed that results can take 3-18 months.  If you are seeking a quick and visible results then myomectomy is the obvious option  as that involves the actual removal of the fibroid but that results in invasive surgery.  UFE leaves the dead fibroids in our uterus that have the blood supply cut off so that they do not grow further and eventually soften and reduce in size.  The average reduction in size for the dead fibroid is 50%, however some people have up to 65% reduction or more.  When they talk about a 85-95% success rate of the procedure, they are referring to ensuring the blood supply is cut off to the fibroids, therefore this should result in good results within 18 months and patient satisfactory.  Those with a bulky uterus, should accept that this bulk would take quite a while to reduce with this procedure if you have large fibroids.  I am basing this statement on the numerous research papers that I read, so I knew what to expect when I underwent the procedure.   We have a great example on this forum of forum member patricia27802, who I was keenly watching prior to having the procedure myself.  After 7 months post embolization patricia27802 had ultrasound scan and shared her reults online and had a 30% reduction in 7 months in the size of her fibroid, this is considered a success and is the greatest reality check. Admittedly we are all different, we have different sized fibroids and we all have different consultants with varying experience but thanks to patricia27802 we at least have one example of which to refer to in our research for those who are considering the procedure.
    • aileen23193
      aileen23193 heather34376

      Posted

      I don't know exactly how many fibroids I have, just that there are multiple fibroids and that the biggest is the size of a grapefruit (7cm diameter).

    • heather34376
      heather34376 UFE27

      Posted

      i too have read much, I believe results are often better for those with average smaller ones. I believe I have 1. 13x12cm & my consultants secretary said at best I can expect is 6cm, which is bigger than alot at the start. But I'm hopeful that even though at best I'll be left with a 6cm mass of scar tissue that my symptoms will relieve & I can avoid a hysterectomy. Myomectomy is not a viable option for me, so my consultants all say. Here's to hoping & putting my faith in prayer that it will eventually reduce. I have had a sizeable fibroid since before my son was conceived 10 years ago, which they told me they couldnt see on C Section but must have just been stretched in the uterine wall, as its certainly still here & don't I know it.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 aileen23193

      Posted

      I am getting a bit concerned that most people having UFE have 6/7cm or less. With a 12x13 cm one, if UFE works for me I'll be left with 6cm at very best. I hope thats enough to stop my back pain & sort out the other side effects & prevent a hysterectomy.

    • UFE27
      UFE27 heather34376

      Posted

      I had an ultrasound yesterday and they stated that I have not got a fibroid in the fundus of my uterus (top section), I have an ultrasound from a private hospital and another report from my MRI scan that disproves otherwise, sometimes they simply do not see all the fibroids.

      heather34376, I hope your fibroid reduces to your satisfaction and at least you medical professionals were realistic with you and quoted a 50% expected reduction.   My consultant at the London Clinic seemed confident in the progress of UFE in the last few years, so in time I will see if he was right.  I too did not want an open myomectomy, purely because I didn't want the surgery and the scarring but the long wait for results from UFE is annoying but something I have no choice but to exert patience.

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