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Open Myomectomy

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ffion28
ffion28

I am just over 4 weeks post open myomectomy and was wondering how others have recovered. The scar is still swollen and sore which I expected however at times I get what I can only describe as sharp "stabbing" pains. These seem to be more from inside my body rather than from the scar. Is this normal? I'm not due to see my GP for another week so just wanted to check with others who may have gone through the procedure.

3 likes, 141 replies

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  • karla44089
    karla44089 ffion28

    Posted

    Hello all, So good to read this discussion, its definitely some peace of mind we seem to all be after, so its great to read all your stories - although I know some are from a while ago now.

    I had a multiple myomectomy 7 weeks ago and am still really struggling. I work as a dancer so started exercising again pretty quickly and strated performing again at 6 weeks post-op as the pain wasn't too bad. But now I'm back in bed and worried that I've probably done too much. I'm really suffering with lower abdominal pain, almost like period pain or a really intense cramp, and nothing seems to help. The wound looks really good (bikini line scar), but I get really bloated and can honestly say I don't feel any better than before the operation! I was looking forward to less stomach ache, less constipation and bloating, but I'm still waiting to feel the benefits. Did anyone find this?

    I've also got another operation in a few weeks - a laparoscopy this time as they are worried about my tubes and ovaries. So I'm really hoping I'll start to feel a bit better before then!

    Would love to hear how you are all doing... 

    • velbim
      velbim karla44089

      Posted

      Hi Karla44089 i agree with you.  Reading other peoples experiences really helps to answer questions and put mind at ease.  I was fretting about why my period had not started but read that it can take up to two months.

      Wish you all the best with your next surgery and hope all goes well.

      Just try not to overdo it xx

    • albrin815
      albrin815 karla44089

      Posted

      Hello, I just had surgery done on Fri April first. 4 days ago. Today (will be) tuesday. Wat was supposed to be a quick, easy surgery requiring the 3 small holes in the uterus to take out fibroids w possibly an inch incision if they cudnt take it out, they opened up "a can of worms" and had to cut a 6 inch incision horizontal "c-section" at the bikini line to get fibroids and endometriosis taken out while manipulating the bladder and filling the stomach up w gas so they can see everything. Recuperation was originally supposed to be 2 weeks but has been changed to 6 weeks w post follow up in 3 weeks. Can anyone tell me if they have had a similarb"procedure" done, what I can expect in the next "6 weeks" and how going back to work will be like. My part time day job-25 hrs a week is an easy non stressful behind the desk answering calls and at the computer. My 40 hr week FT is more physical, working in a laboratory, living heavy items up to 50lbs, LOTS of standing in one place, and if there is sitting, its a stool. Please help me out. I'm 33, 5'5, 123 lbs. I'm not a big girl, but not too skinny either, toned. Thanks for any help/advice!
    • AyannaF
      AyannaF karla44089

      Posted

      Hi Karla44089, how are you feeling now, are you still having pains?  I just had my procedure on the 18th so I know I have a ways to go.  I am kind of nervous ready everyones stories about the pain they still experience many weeks after.  I had the minilap myo with the incision cut which I heard has a longer recovery period due to the incision.  I still have discomfort and have my post op next week.  Its more uncomfortable than pain but Im still so nervous not knowing what to expect.
    • karla44089
      karla44089 AyannaF

      Posted

      Hi AyannaF, thanks for your message and don't worry you don't need to feel nervous. I'm about 14 weeks post op (open multiple myomectomy) now, and have had another op (laparoscopy) in that time too. And I'm finally feeling a bit more like my old self. The scars have all healed fine, periods are normal and I don't get so tired any more. I am dealing with a lot of adhesions and a blocked fallopian tube too, which means I still get pain and bloating, but I'm managing to stay upbeat. I think the best thing you can do is remain patient and positive, you will feel better soon, you will. Hang in there! Karla
    • karla44089
      karla44089 albrin815

      Posted

      Hi albrin815, thanks for your message. You poor thing, that must have been quite a shock for you. I hope recovery is going well. I'm about 14 weeks post op (open multiple myomectomy - same as you by the sounds of it) now, and have had another op (laparoscopy) in that time too. And I'm finally feeling a bit more like my old self. The scars have all healed fine (8 inch c section and four other smaller incisions), periods are normal and I don't get so tired any more. I am dealing with a lot of adhesions and a blocked fallopian tube too, which means I still get pain and bloating, but I'm managing to stay upbeat. I think the best thing you can do is remain patient and positive, you will feel better soon, you will. Hang in there! I went back to work (as a dancer) after 6 weeks, so I'm sure you'll be fine to go back to your desk job. And I guess just take it easy with your lab job, listen to yourself and stop and rest as soon as you feel any warning signs. Your body will tell you when its not happen and its crucial you listen. Hope you start to feel well soon. Karla
    • acohen1216
      acohen1216 karla44089

      Posted

      Hi karla44089,

      I am going in for my second open myomectomy in two years. I was glad to see your post because I feel like hardly anyone has had two open procedures. I also am very active - competed in track and field through college and still, and it's hard to feel so in shape yet that something is wrong. Do you plan to have kids? Did you doctors tell you if there's a lot of scaring or not? I'm only 29 and hope to have kids but feel as though it wI'll be very hard after two procedures. Thank you!

    • kelli32014
      kelli32014 karla44089

      Posted

      Hi Karla,

      I hope that you're feeling better. I'm 7 weeks post op, went back to work this week and I think that I made a mistake...

      Did you get any better before your latest surgery?

    • pam87650
      pam87650 acohen1216

      Posted

      why did you have two myomectomys?? Im surpirise they did a second probably cause you're only 29. I was told they well come back and I'll have to get a hysterectomy. I'm 36 and want to have kids so hysterectomy was out the question but i still don't won't to get rid of my uterus.

  • velbim
    velbim ffion28

    Posted

    Hi ffion28

    How are you now a year post op?

    I had an open myomectomy with a vertical incision 5 weeks ago and was getting terrible stabbing pains but soon realised this was much wore if i sat too long(15 minutes!!) or walked.

  • mimmik2016
    mimmik2016 ffion28

    Posted

    I'm new to the forum and almost 3wks post-op after an open horizontal myomectomy with an excellent fibroid surgeon at UCLA in California. I'm also having shooting pains, but generally am doing amazingly well - I was walking for miles starting later the same week (though I probably shouldn't have that early!).

    I'm an orthopedic deep tissue massage therapist so muscles and fascia and soft tissue are my specialty, and a lot of the shooting pains for me are trigger points in the abdominal and also pelvic floor muscles. Seeing a physio who is a pelvic/pelvic floor specialist has really helped me, so I'd recommend that to others. They can identify trigger points that are causing pain and dysfunction as well as to help address muscle imbalances (what is tight and what is weak) to speed your recovery and prevent further pain and dysfunction.

    Other shooting pains I have seem to be gas and GI/bowel-related as things move through the traumatised areas. Chewing gum really helps, believe it or not. So does gentle clock-wise self-massage around the abdomen. I've been paranoid about constipation so hydrate like a maniac and also do supplements that are natural stool softeners like magnesium and vit C.

    The other thing I did this week that was beneficial with pain and swelling was to have a lymphatic drainage session. It's a very gentle kind of massage that helps activate the lymph system to help with excess water/swelling as well as to get rid of anaesthesia that can still be causing side effects. It helps your liver to process it for excretion as it's really a toxin at that point after it's done its job of relieving pain. So you could search for an expert near you (find someone who is fully credentialed, not someone who has just taken a weekend class).

    I also do a lot of natural supplements for anti-inflammation (curcumin, bromelain, fish oil), cranberry and d-mannose to mitigate bladder/UTI infections, liver and lymph support to get rid of anaesthetic/Rx/pain chemicals and slew of other vitamins, minerals, good nutrition, gentle movement, heating pad, etc to help after the trauma of surgery (which is how your body and brain view the procedure). I did a bucketload of research about how to prepare (physically, nutritionally, mentally, emotionally, etc) and I think it really paid off. Hope this is helpful for some of you!

    • velbim
      velbim mimmik2016

      Posted

      Hi welcome and thanks for the info. I am nearly 7 weeks post op and get a burning pain if i sit for too long. I find the wind/gas pains still stop me in my tracks! Using peppermint tea to help that. I have had a few massages over the weeks to see if that would help me sleep better. The first one which was a neck and shoulder massage with a facial really helped and thinking it was the facial n head massage(she wasnt meant to do that but did bless her) that did the trick. Since then the back massages have felt great but made no difference to my insomnia.

      I had a vertical midline incision so i know it takes longer to heal😕 but am pressing on. I wish you well with the rest of your recovery xx

    • AyannaF
      AyannaF velbim

      Posted

      Hi there, I am wondering how you are feeling now.  Do you still experience gas pains?  I had my miniap myo on April 18th so Im still very much in the beginning stages of my healing but the gas is crazy.  I drink peppermint tea as well (even though I HATE tea) and take gas x when needed.  I have my post op appt next week so I am hoping everything looks good.  I am still swollen under my bikini cut incision but I am hoping that is normal.  I try to walk and do lots of tummy massages to try to help with the gas.  Sometimes I have discomfort but not really enough to take my strong pain meds.  DO you still have the burning pain and if so where does it burn?  When did your restroom breaks get back to normal?  It still feels very weird when I have to go to the bathroom but I know Im expecting a lot so soon.
    • velbim
      velbim AyannaF

      Posted

      Hiya

      I am 12 weeks post op now but am feeling much better than i was a few weeks ago. Gas pain has been gone a few weeks. Took roughly 4-5 weeks for going to the loo to not hurt. I STILL get burning pain after sitting for 3 hours and its position moves, but mainly tends to be near my drain scar or lower abdo.

      Try not to push urself too hard coz u can regret it later but yes you must continue to increase the amount of walking/movement that u do gradually. Hang in there insides have alot of healing to do!

      All the best with ur appt xx

    • AyannaF
      AyannaF velbim

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply. It is 2:08 am and I am up suffering with gas pains. I'm about to drink some peppermint tea and will try to get some rest. Glad to hear you are doing better and you're right, I do need to take it easy because I do not want a set back. Thanks again!!
    • velbim
      velbim AyannaF

      Posted

      The gas pains r the worst soooo painful. But it does get better. The peppermint will help but am afraid they will hang bout till they good n ready to go! Hope u get some rest

      xx

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