Post Fibroid Embolisation

Posted , 102 users are following.

If my experience can help I would like to share this to other sufferers of fibroid. 

Having decided not to try for a family after having had 4  failed IVF's, I just like my life back without pain, bleeding & generally miserable every month.

I have ticked all the boxes that my gynae suggested pills, Zoladex, hysteroscopy-failed mirena or not even had it despite undergoing most uncomfortable impromptu procedure.

I cannot fault any of the staff who dealt and performed my procedure, they were excellent.

However, soon after the procedure my pain was not managed properly & I was in agony. I suggest that premedication of Voltarol, paracetamol @ anti emetics should be in place. Then as soon as the procedure is completed a bolus of 10 mg Morphine from the PCA should be initiated.

Diet wise eat less & high fibre to avoid abdominal discomfort.

Rest is vital. 

The first week was I called 'a week of pain'.. The cramping was severe and round the clock pain killers, had to take 'oromorp' prescription.

Second week, things are getting better but constantly tired. 

Third week, cramping started & slightly bleeding still very uncomfortable, guess this is my normal cycle time & already showing signs of fibroid shredding.

I'm still in this week of recovery and hoping that with what I have gone through the result is good in three months time.

UFE is less invasive but should be treated as having had major procedure because whilst there is no open wound, things are all happening inside you and only you can feel the pain!

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  • Posted

    So thankful for this thread as it is a rare procedure and I dont know anyone who has had it.

    I had my UAE 9 days ago at Royal free hospital in London UK, reading from everyone elses comments, it seems the incision is usually made in the groin, mine was in the wrist and healed immediately, (to the extent you would believe I had anything done).

    I had been briefed well and knew it wouldnt be a walk in the park, but neither would a hysterectomy be and I still have my parts inside me.

    Pain was severe first 24 hours but I had a morphine PCA, labour like for next few days plus I couldnt keep any food down, then on and off cramping up till now, but I am extremely tired, have taken two week off work but unsure if I will be up to it as all I want to do is sleeeeeeeeeeep zzzzzzz.

    Hopefully the results will be all worth it, I would still rather have this than open surgery, oh and take something for constipation straight away as I am never constipated but this blocked me up for 4 days!

     

    • Posted

      Hi, wow never heard the procedure done through the wrist. Why did they go that route instead of the groin area? Yeah the pain was awful but so far worth it for me. I had mines done back in February and my energy did return in about 3 to 4 weeks and I notice my menstrual period is lighter and much shorter since the procedure. Ohh and constipation was terrible for me too my nurse told me to take Miralax and it worked right away and it was a relief. Hope your recovery continues to get better. Good Luck
    • Posted

      I do look forward to a normal period, I felt like I had lost control of my life.

      The reason they went through wrist is that post procedure you don't have to lie flat, I was able to sit up and draw my legs in, so basically I was all covered up in a warm blanket with just my arm sticking out during procedure. Its a longer route but I would say much more comfortable.

    • Posted

      Hi there, I have heard of through the wristre, I'd prefer that actually. I think the groin is most common, possibly more London based specialised hospitals use the wrist. Sounds great that the incsion healed up quickly, as I've heard it's more uncomfortable with groin incision & takes longer to heal. Good luck & God's speed with your recovery.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much smile seriously the 2mm nick  you can see in pic is all that was left, my cat generally does more damage than that, am feeling a little chirpier today thankfully, are you yet to have procedure done? if so, ask for it through the radial artery and see if it is possible.
    • Posted

      I had mine in November last year at the Royal Free Hospital. And via my wrist. The treatment and service which including the pre-op briefing and attention was first class from my appointment through to the procedure and the nurses and doctors. My surgerical team were all women #GirlPower. No scaring on my wrist either!😀😀😀😀

    • Posted

      Same, I had all women...definitely girl power, Mina Karamshi the specialist sister is very good and goes through each and every detail, how are you now?
    • Posted

      Mina is a star I am under her too. My stomach has gone down a lot compared to looking like I was six months pregnant. My fibroids were huge so they are shrinking slowly. The terrible symptoms I had pre-op have gone completely. My periods are better too. My advice take your recovery slowly. Try not to compare yourself to others because your body is different from others and you are unique. Most important if you have a funky smelly discharge contact Mina. As that's not normal. She is also very helpful. Get plenty of rest too😀😀😀😀 if you want to sleep then sleep..

    • Posted

      Thanks hun, really does help hearing from someone who has been through it, did Dr Papadopolou do yours?
    • Posted

      Sorry I can't remember the doctors name. But what I do remember they doctor and her team were fabulous including the nurses in the recovery area. The NHS gets a bad rap but I give the Royal Free staff a million gold stars!!!!!😀😀

    • Posted

      I feel the same,we are so lucky with the NHS in th UK, let's hope Theresa May doesnt put an end to it!

      She was a slim Greek female doctor, very sweet.

    • Posted

      Hello. My radiologist was preparing my upper arm. I asked him what was the advantage he said that with the upper thigh incision I'd have to stay in bed for 6 hours. I thought still it would be an easier procedure and they would have to traverse a much shorter part of my veins so i requested that he use my upper thigh vein instead.

      6 hours in bed were ok. Had to "go" once but the nurses are prepared for this stuff. By the time I went home the incision had completely healed and was invisible.

  • Posted

    I just had my UFE 3 days ago. I have had mild cramping and no appetite. I feel very weak and the only pain that was severe was the trapped gas in my abdomen. I took some Apple Cider Vinegar and walked around to relieve the gas. I plan to return to work next week. I feel as if it's getting better every day. I hope my appetite returns and that I can have a bowel movement tomorrow. No pain during procedure and my stomach has started to get smaller. Hoping that things continue to go well. I have been sleeping a lot and using a heating pad for cramps. I hope you all are doing well.

    • Posted

      Great sounds like your procedure went good. Yeah I also had terrible gas and no bowel movement until my nurse told me to drink Miralax and I went the next day I was so relieved. I also had no appetite but ate toast or something light. I was weak also and I think dehydrated but after the second week I started feeling like myself. Good luck.
    • Posted

      Thank you for for your reply. Gives me hope. I drank some coffee this morning because that usually makes me go...but it didn't. I have been taking MiraLax for the last 3 days and nothing. I am praying that it will move soon as I fee that some of the cramping is coming from that. I am looking foward to feeling like myself. The pais isn't agonizing but it is nerve wrecking. Question, did your pain after the procedure move from the top of your uterus and settle in your lowe abdomen? That is what mind did. I only now have pain in my lower abdomen and I can tell that my uterus has shrunk. Sleeping at night has been a little difficult as it's hard to find a good position but at least the frequent urination at night is starting to die down. The night of the surgery, I felt like i was going every 30 minutes. Thanks again for the feedback. How long ago did you have yours?

    • Posted

      Christi I had my procedure February this year so going on 6 months. Yes my pain went to my lower abdomen also probably because the uterus is contracting

      And shrinking down. My menstrual period was different also it started off a real dark almost black reddish color now for the last 2 periods lately they have been that red color it should be

      And my period only last 2 days and is very light. I really have notice my stomach as went down and I don't have that bulky feeling. I go to see my GYM this month and she will examine me to confirm if my uterus is back to normal.

      I feel really good and glade I did this procedure.

    • Posted

      Remember every body is different but sounds like you are doing ok. Hang in there it's worth all the inconvenience in the end😁

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