My Laparoscopic myomectomy experience

Hi all, I am currently week 4 post op and wanted to share my experience because when I was looking into having this surgery any little advice I could have from this board and others was amazing.

I was diagnosed with 5 submucosal fibroids that were located at the back of my uterus and one at the top. After seeing 2 consultants (1 private and 1 NHS) they both advised me that I would need an open myomectomy due to their sizes (all between 6-4 cm). The private doctor never bothered sending me a quote for the operation and the NHS waiting list I was told would be 6 months. I was horrified by the thought of living with constant lower back pain and heavy periods so I decided to speak to some friends in Germany and I was booked for a myomectomy privately within a week in Berlin. When I got there, the consultant did a new scan and stated that all the fibroids were located in one area therefore I was a candidate for a laparoscopic surgery. I was in shock as this was never mentioned to me previously and the recovery would be of course easier. The consultant told me they would first insert a camera in the womb and if they can’t find any other fibroids they would proceed with the laparoscopy otherwise it would have to be an open myomectomy. I woke up after the surgery in a lot of pain and the consultant confirmed it was done laparoscopically however they found 10 fibroids. The pain was like period pains but more severe but I was given medication straight away. I had 4 incisions, 1 in the belly button, 1 on each side of my abdomen and the largest was at the bikini line, about 3cm. I had 2 drainage bags inserted in the incisions on each side of my abdomen. These were to collect blood left after the operation at the front and at the back of the uterus. I also had a catheter. I lost a lot of blood during the operation so I was been monitored closely and was given a pouch of liquid iron through my IV.

The first 2 days were difficult, I didn’t move as I was still very weak and in a lot of pain. I didn’t eat anything for over 24h however as soon as I was able to eat, I had terrible wind I couldn’t release which was extremely painful. I was drinking a lot of peppermint tea and the nurses gave me something to help. My catheter and both drainage bags were removed on the 3rd day and I was able to take my first steps. I felt very weak and dizzy which is due to the blood loss. I was no longer on strong painkillers by day 4 and was able to do number 2, which was very painful. They also removed my bandages on the 4th day as they incisions were closed. I was able to see them and they were very small. I am still in shock on how much he was able to remove through these small holes.

Coughing and laughing during the first week was painful. I stayed in hospital for 7 days but this was due to the fact that I don’t live I Germany and the consultant wanted to make sure I was ok before releasing me. I was able to fly back to London 1 week after being released from hospital and was given blood thinner injections from the day after the operation until I flew back. They gave me the ones I could inject myself. I was also given iron tablet to build my iron back.

2 weeks after the operation, I was able to walk for 1h at a time and do basic things around the house, however I was still weak and tired. During the 1st 2 weeks, you will be napping a lot. I got my 1st period 3 weeks post op and OMG it was very painful. I felt like my lower back was on fire. This lasted the first two days. I didn’t have any heavy bleeding despite the pain I was feeling. I am now 4 weeks post op and going back to work on reduced hours for the 1st week. I hope I haven’t forgotten anything.

As everyone said, each case is different and the method used for the fibroids’ removal definitely depends on the location of the fibroids and the consultant.

1 like, 29 replies