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Recovering after myomectomy ... planning ahead

Posted , 4 users are following.

m74474
m74474

I’ve been told that I have a large fibroid and am waiting for a date to have this removed via open myomectomy. I’ve been advised about recovery times and I’ve looked up on how to self care after the procedure. I am wondering if I need anyone on hand to help out at home for the first few days or so?  I am a lodger, which means everyone is out at work during the day and busy trying to chill out in the evenings. I have the odd person I can call on for quick easy things over the phone. But realistically everyone around me has a very busy lifestyle and it’s unlikely anyone will be on hand to help me if needed. From experience from people who have had this type of surgery, will I be able to manage at home by myself easily? I have no children to care for which makes this process a little easier. However, I have never been in hospital for anything other than appointments such as MRIs or X-rays. Are there any useful tips I can use to help myself in the recovery? 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • CelMac56905
    CelMac56905 m74474

    Posted

    Hello! The plans that you make may depend on the type of myomectomy you will have to have. Per my doctor, an open myomectomy requires the most recovery due to the large cut across the abdomen. However a laparoscopic myomectomy has less recovery time as it is more minimally invasive with smaller incisions as opposed to the large cut. Recovery time ranging from 2 to 6 weeks. I had a robotic (laparoscopic) myomectomy. Due to the soreness from my incisions, I did require some help sitting up and getting out of bed for about a week or so. When no one was around and I had to get up on my own, I had to use the bed’s headboard or chair arms to push up on and roll slightly to go upright and get up. Also, there are driving restrictions as long as the prescribed pain management pills are taken so you may need someone to go shopping for you  or have prepared meals ahead of time. Walking post surgery will be required to reduce the chance of blood clots (chance of bood clots normal after surgery) and to increase bowel movements, but this can be managed alone. You will not be able to pick up heavy items, so if that is a normal requirement for you, you will need help there. No assistance was required for showering. Sorry that this is in no particular order, just as I recall it. It has been 4 weeks since my surgery.  The pain has been surprisingly tolerable, but I am still getting back to feeling complete if that makes any sense. I read someone else’s comment that it was over 6 weeks before they felt like themselves again. So don’t feel odd about this after your surgery. We will get there! Hope this helps. And much success on your surgery.
    • m74474
      m74474 CelMac56905

      Posted

      Thanks for the advice. I usually have my shopping delivered, so no heavy lifting needed there. I’m not overly worried about driving as I have everything I need at home and I can ask for people to pick up anything from the shops if needed. I live close to the shops anyway so it will give me an aim to walk to and back. I can always stop off for a coffee break in the middle. Trying to keep positive and think of as many ways I can stay independent as I know there’s not going to be anyone around during the day, even on the first week home. Making prepared meals and freezing them sounds a good idea, as I can just defrost and reheat making things easier for myself. Then I’ve got less washing up to do too. As long as I’ve got help on the end of the phone, I might be ok? 
    • CelMac56905
      CelMac56905 m74474

      Posted

      Sounds like you have a great plan already. You will be just fine. May God bless you!
    • m74474
      m74474 CelMac56905

      Posted

      I’ve been struggling so much with walking due to the pain in lower back and pelvis. Before I knew I had a fibroid I had time off work for 5 weeks because of the back pain and lack of mobility. Since then I went back to work on shorter shifts. However between Christmas holidays and continuous back and pelvis pain I’ve not managed a whole week in work. I was sent home from work last week before I started my shift because I couldn’t even stand up long enough to walk down the corridor. I’ve not been back in since because I am struggling to walk or even get about without holding into something. I’m considering getting a Drs note to cover me until I can get mobile again but feel that I’m just giving in too easily or not trying to push through the pain. I feel like I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Has anyone else had this problem? 
    • CelMac56905
      CelMac56905 m74474

      Posted

      I have experienced pressure and discomfort in my lower back, but not as extreme as you have described. I would definitely seek a medical opinion about the back pain.
    • teaandbiccy
      teaandbiccy m74474

      Posted

      HI  m7447, I have several large fibroids, the largest being 16cm. I have had really bad pain, and have had to be off work for about 4 weeks or so. I sometimes manage to go in, but am doing shorter days as can be so painful and generally exhausting. For example, although the weekend was fine, this morning I woke up to eye watering pain and so couldnt go in to work. That kind of pain also makes working from home difficult, as is hard to concentrate on anything. I finish up work at the end of the week before surgery, and its very frustrating because I have so many things I want to finish at work before my 8 weeks off following the open myomectomy. 

      You are not making a mountain out of a molehill: fibroids can be absolutely awful, so painful, and aside from that very hard emotionally to deal with. Fortunately my work have been very understanding, and given me all the time I need, I hope your work are being equally understanding. Don't feel bad for taking time out or for succumbing to the pain- I know how bad it can get. 

      Wishing you all the best,

      Teaandbiccy, Glasgow

    • m74474
      m74474 teaandbiccy

      Posted

      I’ve only just read your reply. I really thought I was being a wimp overnight things. But yes I can see how emotionally things can get overwhelming. I can be happy one moment, stroppy the next and even end up crying over silly comments. I do take things quite personal generally, but when you add in exhaustion, pain and discomfort into the mix, it does make a huge impact on things. I was shattered on Saturday and tried to get an early night, but due to the pain I couldn’t get comfortable and ended up not sleeping until early hours of the morning.  I am trying to carry on with daily things and so went to church on Sunday as usual. By the time the service finished I was already shattered and it wasn’t even midday. I decided to go for a light swim as being in water is the only time I am almost pain free. I figured it was a good way to relax. I even used the jacuzzi, steam room. Somehow this was even more exhausting and I ended up going home and had to leave plans for a family lunch. Even though walking and getting around is very difficult, somehow driving does not appear to be a problem. still being bale Tom drive is the most important link I have with being independent and still giving me the chance to get out and about. I don’t understand how driving doesn’t seem to be affected, but I’m very glad about it that’s for sure.
    • m74474
      m74474 CelMac56905

      Posted

      I’ve had my back looked at. This was done at the same time as having the fibroid diagnosis. I only had the results last week, but I’ve been recommended to have an injection in my lower spine. I’ve been told there’s pressure on the root nerves of my spine. This is booked in for early March, so hopefully I’ll be back on my feet again soon afterwards. I’m still waiting for a confirmation date for the Myomectomy. 
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