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Large fibroid and 2 ovarian cysts

Posted , 4 users are following.

capnteal
capnteal

Hi all. Was recently diagnosed with 2 complex ovarian cysts and a 14 cm fibroid that my doctor wants to remove by surgery (da vinci robotic surgery.) I am beyond terrified right now. Terrified they'll find cancer. Terrified of surgical complications. All of it. Please help. I need some support. Thank you.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • heather34376
    heather34376 capnteal

    Posted

    Hi there, I too have an ovarian cyst. (They can't see the other ovary because of the 13cm fibroid in the way). You must have an excellent surgeon if he has given you the da vinci robotic keyhole method, who is he? I'm looking at this option now too & like you have fears, but appears surgery is necessary. Are you having a myomectomy, or hsyterectomy? Where is your fibroid?

    • capnteal
      capnteal heather34376

      Posted

      Not sure where the fibroid is to be honest. It sounded like it was so big it was just hogging up all the space down there. I was referred to this Gyno by my GP, so today was my first time seeing her. She wants to do a myomectomy and also remove the cysts + any endometriosis that may be present. So it could be long surgery. Apparently minimally invasive gyno surgery is her specialty apparently. She says the surgery is necessary. 
  • sallysav
    sallysav capnteal

    Posted

    Hi capnteal.

    You are in a good position to be facing surgery by Da Vinci System. I had a total hystrectomy and oophorectomy just 12 days ago by Da Vinci system. My surgery took around 2.5 hours.

    I'm already feeling like I could go back to work if it was an office type job. After just 1 week I was able to enjoy a night out at my local pub with my husband.

    Reading stories about recovery from open surgery and regular laparoscopic surgery, I am recovering much faster than those people.

    It's fantastic because unlike other types of surgery, after the first 2 weeks of taking it easy, I am cleared for any activity except sex.

    I was given a copy of the video of my surgery which was fascinating and informative, so I could see exactly what was done.

    You are lucky to have this option.

    If your doctor does not suspect cancer then it's very unlikely that they will find it. And if they do, at least it will have been found and can be treated.

    Complications are less likely with the Da Vinci System than with open surgery or regular laparoscopic surgery.

    Use the time you have leading up to surgery to look after yourself in terms of a clean & nutritious diet, resting and reducing stress levels if possible. That will help put your body in a better position to deal with the surgery and recover as quickly as possible.

    Of course you are worried, but try not to let your fears spiral out of perspective.

    Also remember that most people who post on forums about complications or things not going so well are posting because they are looking for help. The majority of others, who are recovering smoothly after surgery, are quietly getting on with the rest of their lives, free from the symptoms which made their surgery necessary.

    • capnteal
      capnteal sallysav

      Posted

      I can't thank you enough for this response. It's honest and has been extremely helpful when I start to have a complete panic attack over all of this. I have been having dizziness and weakness on and off with the consistent pain, and I just can't even tell what is just anxiety reaction to this, or what could be an emergency. My surgery is set for 6 weeks from now and I am worried about even waiting that long. 

      Anyway, much gratitude for the encouragement, reality check, and validation.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 sallysav

      Posted

      Thank you for your positive & informative post. Can I please ask you a couple of questions. Did you have a fibroid like capnteal & I? Would you be happy to let me know the deals of your specialist Da Vinci Surgeon please? You can PM me this if you would prefer. My gynie has said he would like to refer me for the possibility of this type of surgery & I would like to find out more about surgeons who people would recommend having had this type of surgery. Thank you.

    • heather34376
      heather34376 capnteal

      Posted

      Hi Capnteal, I too appreciated sallysav's response to you. Could you PM me details about your specialist surgeon too as my gynie & I are to meet in January. He has suggested referral for keyhole (robotic for me) Like you I have a very large fibroid. I believe in both of our cases cancer is not suspected. From what I read they also do da vinci for cancer surgery too. (You would need to ask your specialist as to the difference) I have been advised that they can remove it/downsize it in a special bag to help ensure (if cancer) that it doesn't spread. But I also think they can do this for fibroids to ensure they don't spread, as if any pieces are morcellated & left they can re grow on various organs. Just check this point with your specialist person.

      I have spent along time considering what to do & living with the symptoms. It is a very positive step actually committing to do something about it. As Sallysav says, try not to over think it, there are risks with many things. Set your

    • heather34376
      heather34376

      Posted

      Sorry site crashed. Set your routine. For the next six weeks, similar bedtime, plenty of sleep, good diet & plenty of exercise (even if just walks)

      I have an avocado smoothie in the mornings it's really fab & quick. I try to use organic - handful spinach, avocado, banana, freashly squeezed lemon juice, unsweetened coconut milk & ice. Well blended. Is lovely when fresh, filling & healthy. I'm still on a pre surgery weigh loss plan. It'll kick in properly come the new year. Good luck & keep us posted.

       

  • f91864
    f91864 capnteal

    Posted

    Its natural to be anxious but focus on being fibroid free after surgery and all the things you will be able to do pain-free after your recovery. You are lucky to be offered the da vinci robotic surgery for a fibroid of 14cm, that means the consultant is very experienced. Most consultants would have opted for open surgery, which takes much longer to recover (6 weeks). All the best with your surgery and recovery. Always best to get large fibroids removed before they cause more problems later. I had open myomectomy back in 2016 and the quality of my life has improved tremendously. 
    • heather34376
      heather34376 f91864

      Posted

      Hi f91864 - when you say always best to get large fibroids removed as they cause more complications later please can you explain?
    • capnteal
      capnteal heather34376

      Posted

      Not speaking for Heather, but I can say that having this large a fibroid causes bladder frequency and urgency, pelvic and abdominal pain which gets even worse just before and during my period, and terrible blood loss and flooding during my period. The larger it grows, the worse and more present these symptoms become, so it brings quality of life down. 
    • heather34376
      heather34376 capnteal

      Posted

      Hi Capnteal, Yes same, with often hardly any urine when I feel there should be lots! Back pain, horrendous bloating, crime scene bleeding, nausea, the whole shooting match. For me I was older wanted children, was told couldn't. Tried got pregnant with fibroid. Emergency C Section. (terrible labour) Was told they couldn't see a fibroid at all. (However it was there must have been stretched in the wall) Then put off any procedure as wanted another but suffered terrible back pain after open C Section. (Hence wanting to avoid open surgery) Son poorly a lot, husband away a lot, so never did get the opportunity for a second child & I was soon in my 40's then mid 40's, so looked at treatments instead. Tried Esmya 3 months, then another course, the 6 months Zoladex, then another two lots of Esmya.

    • f91864
      f91864 heather34376

      Posted

      Large fibroids can lean on nearby organs and cause problems, most common being the bladder, the bowel, stomach or kidney can also be affected. I had lots of heavy bleeding, stomach and bladder problems  and quality of my life was very poor. Had them all removed in 2016, the surgery was straightforward and worth doing for the improved quality of life.
    • heather34376
      heather34376 f91864

      Posted

      Thanks for this, may also explain some other symptoms.
    • heather34376
      heather34376

      Posted

      Sorry site crashed needless to say nothing reduced size of fibroid. Travelled over 800 miles to see specialist IR for UFE who scheduled it then cancelled! Then another long journey for nothing similar miles to try MRIgFUS but seemingly not suitable. So now faced with surgery options.
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