My Laparoscopic myomectomy experience
Posted , 11 users are following.
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
ladym2011 Koko04
Posted
6 months later? How are you feeling?
I learned about my fibroids after my annual exam in April. I found the news to be quite shocking considering the fact that I get my annual exam each year like clockwork. After my exam my new doctor (moved from Ga to TN last year) did the pelvic test and said he felt a mass. I, too, had felt it as well and there was pain when he touched it. He immediately ordered an US (abdominal/transvaginal) and I stayed in the office since I could get it the same evening. Results finally came back and he advised me that he saw 2 fibroids. One that looked to be 11cm and one at 2cm. A few days later I was scheduled for my Laparascopic Myomectomy on May 17th. Jesus! I had so many damn questions because it explained so much after looking up the symptoms. Lower back pain, pain during sex, and heavy bleeding (I’m on BC so no heavy bleeding for quite some time). I mean lower back like crazy and I thought it was due to me sitting down at work for crazy hours over the past few years. My mom said surgery took about 5 hours bc the doctor was having issues removing it. A lot of manipulation happened. I only had 2 incisions in the end, belly button and lower stomach. I was released the same day and slept through the evening/night. Thanks to the anesthesia. The first 3 dpo were awful. I was only prescribed Motrin 800mg and I could feel the gas bubbles just moving around every time I rolled over or got out the bed. Hurt to move, breathe, or any think LOL. I’ve literally been sleeping my life away. I make a few runs to the store during the week but other than that I’m in the bed watching tv or reading a book. Most of the time sleep though. I was experiencing sharp pains when breathing/constant coughing last week so I went in the next morning and a MRI was ordered. Results came back clear. Fast forward, 11dpo and my incision or somewhere in that area really makes it uncomfortable and hurts to sit up or in certain positions at time. Breathing is trying to get back to normal. I still feel weird at times and out of breathe. I guess I can tell a difference with my tummy. Kind of hard bc I didn’t look “pregnant” prior. I have another week before I return to work and I’m anxious to see how my comfort level will be for those 8 hours. If I’m not ready I will be calling my doctor and asking them to extend my short term disability. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I return to work since I sleep so much. I go in for my postop on Thursday. I like my doctor. My only complaint is how he’s trying to get me back to work so soon. I know my operation wasn’t invasive but sitting up hurts at times and I don’t think he’s really understanding that part. Not ready to see my medical bills I hadn’t met my 2,000 deductible before the operation. I was required to pay a deposit before they would even perform surgery. My gyn told me to worry about their bills later and to worry about getting through the surgery. So sweet of them!
sakura26 ladym2011
Posted
Hi I have a fibroid around the same size and they are telling me I need to do open vs. laproscopic. How did you convince them to do non invasive?
ladym2011 sakura26
Posted
I didnt know about any of this when I got the news. My doctor gave me my options and said laparascopic was the best choice so I went with that. I did my research and I scheduled my surgery right away. I heard open required more down time and healing process is slower. Is your doctor not experience in lapo surgery?
sakura26 ladym2011
Posted
She can do open and robotic but says it would be easier for her to do open and less time.
ladym2011 sakura26
Posted
Yikes!
More healing time though.
sakura26 ladym2011
Posted
I know. I sense it's just easier for her since it's a large fibroid. 😦 I def need less healing time because I'm on my own and alone. Also I have a dermoid (fat cyst) that isn't bothering me but I think she wants to try to remove that too. Which I feel like isn't essential and runs the risk of losing an ovary. I am going to use you as an example and talk to her again about laproscopic or robotic. I wish I could shrink the fibroid some but most of the drugs sound like terrible side effects and she said Lupron might make fibroid too soft. I'm also in perimenopause but unfortunately the fibroid is growing since it hit so feel like I have to do something. So terrified. i really would like less invasive. Too bad you are not in CA. Thanks so much for sharing and responding.
ladym2011 sakura26
Posted
Good luck with everything!!
lucy38197 Koko04
Posted
I am from Georgia, Tbilisi. Underwent laparoscopic myomectomy on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 here in Tbilisi.
I was prediognized with myomas in my uterus accidently while having the ultra sound of my belly. The doctor saw 1 big submucosal myoma and other smaller size tumors. Right after that she did intravaginal ultrasound and the final diagnosis was 1 submucosal myoma 5 cm and others intramural ( inside the muscle of the uterus)- 12 from 3 to 4 cm and they all surrounded my uterus. I was shocked, she said I would likely have hysterectomy. I am 40 and don't have children..
Nevertheless, I decided to fight and not to give up. I consulted with the best 4 surgeons in Tbilisi and finally opted for the one I felt more confident with because preserving my uterus was the highest priority for me, I knew he'd do his best to keep my womb.
My surgeon said he removed all 13 leiomyomas. At least all that was visible he was able to remove. That's amazing.
The next day after surgery I was even able to walk a bit. Four incisions, one drainage, catheter. The pain on the first day was unbearable, I was even given a morphine injection, but it was only on the first day. I was also treated with liquid iron through IV including antibiotics, blood thinners and a bunch of other medications. The worst thing was getting rid of gases as during the operation they fill up your belly with CO2 but that's manageable as well, with the right medication you'll be able to pass you gases in the first week after operation. On the second day I had slight pains and needed painkillers before going to bed. On Thursday, the drainage was removed and they took us to take ultra sound and the doctor said everything looks good. Tomorrow I am going to the hospital to have another ultrasound and get my stitches removed.
I was released from the hospital last Friday and everyday feel better. I walk almost 1 km everyday around the lake, but today got really scared cause during the walk I felt tiny bleeding and rushed back home right away. I don't think it has something to do with the stitches on my uterus. I have to say I almost had no bleeding after the operation and I am expecting my periods to start tomorrow. So maybe it's because of periods.
As I already mentioned, I walk a lot although during the surgery they used a special gel to reduce or prevent adhesions. I hope all these measures will be justified. I don't want to face any complications due to adhesion thing. I am still hoping to have a child... Though I am not allowed to get pregnant for 12 months.
My only concern is I still have subfebrile temperature. When I wake up in the morning, I am fine, but later during the day it stays on 37 Celsius but it doesn't bother me at all. Anyway, I am seeing the doctor tomorrow and ask him about that. While in the hospital I was told a slight temperature for a week or so after surgery is normal condition. Especially in my case as I had quite difficult operation.I hope so. I am taking antibiotics, iron tablets, blood thinner injections and other medications.
lucy38197 Koko04
Posted
I am waiting on the histological examination of fibroids and based on that the doctor will prescribe the treatment. There might be small hidden fibroids left, he said he removed everything that was visible but since the operation was complicated and my uterus was so effected by the surgery they didn't risk to further test my uterus (and I lost lots of blood) for the invisible ones. I hope I don't have any more. I won't survive another surgery even laparoscopic. It is still very stressful and scary.
I walk a lot but it doesn't mean this is right for you. Just listen to your body and of course, consult with your doctor what is the best in your case.
Hope my experience help you, girls.
lucy38197 Koko04
Posted
Today is a post-operation day 7, I can sleep on both sides (since day 4), can place my legs up and down and almost don't feel any discomfort. And yesterday, I was even able to sleep on my belly. It looks like I am recovering really fast. Yet keeping my fingers crossed, hope an ultrasound gives good results tomorrow.