My story: One fibroid and a successful myomectomy
Posted , 7 users are following.
I just wanted to share my story for those who are dealing with fibroids and have plans to get them removed via myomectomy. In the summer of 2015 I was diagnosed with having a 9 cm fibroid. A specialist recommended I get it removed before having babies. I put it off, as I had no immediate plans for children, it wasn’t causing me any pain, and I ended up relocating for another job. Fast forward to summer 2016— I found a gynecologist in my new city with great reviews and he made the same the recommendation for an abdominal myomectomy. But this time, the fibroid was bigger! It started to make my stomach poke out and sometimes I looked as though I was 5 months pregnant. I also started experiencing severe abdominal pain, extremely heavy periods and even developed blood clots! It was terrible. I had no choice but to schedule the surgery. For me, it felt like a leap of faith because there are so many risks with major surgery. But I prayed for God to get me through it and on April 12, the 16 cm fibroid was successfully removed with a horizontal incision! The first 3-4 days of recovery were the hardest. There was pain but I managed it with meds. I came home two days after surgery. Today marks Day 16 since the surgery, and I can walk, drive, and do minor things around the house. I’m still not ready to go back to work because I do experience abdominal cramps, a little incision soreness and fatigue. But overall, my recovery has been smooth. I have a busy job so I want to be 100 percent when I go back. So I am thinking that after a full 4 weeks I might return. Also, I’m happy I got this removed because I’m 29 and getting married next year and we want babies!
So if you’re getting the surgery, I hope this helps! You’ll be just fine. Keep the faith. I’m happy to answer any questions or concerns!
3 likes, 8 replies
pam14575 niki2010
Posted
laura08802 niki2010
Posted
Hi, it's really good of you to share your story. So many horror stories about a positive one is very reassuring. I'm really pleased you are doing so well and can now look forward to the exciting events in your future.
I have my myomectomy scheduled at the end of June to remove a 20cm and an 8cm fibroid. Although am on a course of Esmya to hopefully shrink them down so I don't have to have a vertical incision.
It sounds like you are recovering super fast, as I thought it would be six weeks before driving. Did you do anything to prepare and increase your health and fitness before the op?
I'm trying to lose a bit of weight and improve my fitness, and wondering if I should push myself a little more to get more benefit in recovery.
niki2010 laura08802
Posted
To be honest, I didn't do much to increase my health and fitness. I already eat healthy most of the time but I wasn't exercising prior to the surgery. I actually lost about 8 pounds with the myomectomy because the fibroid was so big and for the first few days, I had no appetite. When I was discharged they instructed me to avoid a lot of caffeine and eat foods rich in fiber during recovery.
And yes, my doctor said after two weeks I could drive.
jess48383 niki2010
Posted
Hi Niki,
Thanks for your post. It's great to read stories.
I'll be having an open myomectomy probably in the future. Not sure when.
I'm curious to know what the first 2 weeks post of are like? How much pain are you in, and how much can you move? My fibroid is 12cm at the moment.
I live in a share house with another woman who's hardly ever home. I don't have a partner to care for me post-op so I will go stay with my parents after surgery. I'm just not sure how long I should stay with them for after hospital discharge? I'm thinking 2 weeks at this stage. Were you relatively self sufficient by then?
I also read somewhere that you shoud be aiming for 10 minute walks 2 weeks after surgery. That doesn't seem like much? What was your experience with moving like?
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
niki2010 jess48383
Posted
Hi Jess:
Yes, I do think two weeks at your parents house should be good. You'll feel weak and there will be some pain so you'll need someone to make your meals, do your laundry and help you get in and out the bed. The pain reminded me of strong menstrual cramps and it will hurt to sneeze, cough and laugh.
But each day you'll feel better and more independent. I can do most things on my own now and I'm at Day 17. I just can't do heavy lifting for that 6 week period.
10 minutes walks could be OK, but you'll get tired easily so just do what you can. I try to do minimal walking each day.
rebecca45800 niki2010
Posted
Hello!
It's so good to have a forum like this and know that you are not alone!
I had an open myomectomy 2 days ago to remove a 10cm fibroid. I am still in hospital but have been told I can go home today.
The dressing has been removed this morning and it doesnt need another one put on as I was glued rather than stitched.
They have advised to take it very easy and to start pottering around at the end of week 1 but still to take it very easy for several weeks after.
Please ask any questions if you want to ad I'm sure I have forgotten loads! X
med69708 niki2010
Posted
But what do you think ? Appreciate your suggestions
stephanie56851 niki2010
Posted
Hi! I had a myomectomy done on 12/14/17 to remove fibroids, and today 12/26/17, I'm able to get around pretty well, and do normal things - no heavy lifting or exercise though. I still feel some soreness, but the only medication I take now is the 800 mg Ibuprofen as prescribed by my doctor/surgeon. Actually, I've only taken one pill for pain today! I feel comfortable driving - but I only drove a short distance, as I'm waiting on the "all clear" from my doc on my post op visit this Friday. I feel like I've been healing pretty fast, so thats a plus! I thought it would take 4 weeks before I felt like this, but praise God the healing process has been fast!