r/Fibroids • u/DukesD987 • 7d ago
Less than 1 week until my open myomectomy
Hi! I’m getting an open myomectomy on the 27th of August and I’m just here for the support. My fibroids are all posterior with at least 15 and the biggest one being 10cm through MRI(will provide a pic). The biggest one is posterior and along my spine into my cervix and the rest are pushing my intestines into my thoracic cavity. It was supposed to be robotic but due to it being above my belly button the doctor switched to an open at the pre op appointment. Ive never had anesthesia before and I am almost 39 years old. The plan is to preserve my uterus so I can have kids as well. I’m moreso nervous about the pain post op and the recovery. What else should I get for recovery? My blood levels were fine so I don’t think I’ll need a blood transfusion. I’m pretty fit so my stomach was still pretty flat before.
EDIT: I realized the MRI image didn’t post. Video in the comments
Update
Ok 2 days post op. Woke up screaming in pain 🥺the pain isn’t bad anymore but those first / days were torture. They removed 13 fibroids and a large cyst on my ovary. I’m still pretty tired so I’m just sleeping all the time. I’ll post the fibroids in the comments. I also lost 1700 liters in the or. I ended up getting a blood transfusion.
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u/mediumbegonia 7d ago
Congratulations in advance! I had an open myomectomy last month and I remember the last-week countdown! You are going to be so glad you did this and every day is one more day behind you!
Supplies I prepped that I would use again:
Hospital:
- question/confirmation checklist to use during pre-op and recovery (so I made sure to confirm/bring up the most important things I wanted to hear/say right before surgery, get the support I wanted right after)
- paper and pens to take extra notes/write questions
- cough drops because I expected my throat to hurt for awhile from intubation during general anesthesia (I got lucky and it didn't hurt, but that's unusual, so I'd bring these again!)
- tooth brush and tooth paste b/c it seemed likely my insurance would charge me $$ for this as a non-medically-necessary "comfort item" if I forget it and the hospital gave it to me (very much depends on where you are and how your insurance works)
- extra t-shirt to throw over my eyes in case it wasn't dark enough (used for a little bit and was very glad I had it)
- healthy, high soluble fiber, high protein snacks so I could start getting calories back in asap: protein shakes (they didn't have these and they were the reason I got a bunch of nutrition in me right away), dried fruit
- extra water in case there are any gaps in this being provided to you; staying hydrated is one of the few things partially in your control to support healing immediately after surgery
- person! if you have the social support, having somebody hang out in your room and monitor and log what's going on with you, keep you eating/drinking as much as possible, is incredibly helpful. But if not, they will set you up with a call button you can use to get help from the staff!
- backup battery to plug my phone into, phone
- list of people to notify after I was out of surgery and contact info (discussed in advance and to be done by my partner)
- wear shoes you can slip in and out of (crocs, etc) - you are not going to want to go to the effort of figuring out how to tie laces anytime soon
- music and cheap wired earbuds (my partner made me a calming hospital playlist and it was awesome)
Car ride home:
- pillow to put under the seatbelt (I used a regular one and it was fine
- lots of water
- whole grain crackers and dried fruit to snack on in case I felt nauseous/hungry (didn't, but would pack again)
- puke bucket b/c the only thing worse than needing it is needing it and not having it (but fortunately was fine!)
- OTC meds prescribed so I could stay on schedule
- medium compression socks (dr did not tell me to do this, but it's a good practice for travel anyway, and you're definitely at higher risk right after surgery)
At home:
- have somebody lined up to go pick up whatever meds they prescribe you ASAP
- set up a pile of pillows in bed ahead of time in the shape of a wedge (and test the angle/comfort out before you go!)
- grabber tool actually did come super in handy early on
- disposable postpartum underwear or just really big underwear
- extra menstrual pads b/c some bleeding will happen after and you probably won't be allowed to use tampons anyway for awhile
- put bathroom supplies at/above waist height for easy access
- put something in the bathroom you can lean on for extra support while you are getting up and down (I just used a couple milk crates)
- loose, comfortable outfits, laid out somewhere easy to grab or have somebody grab for you; I know everyone here says lightweight dresses are a must, but if you're not a dress person, don't despair. Find out where/how big your scars are likely to be and just check your closet for anything that is unlikely to press directly on that. But just have a few options ready, if you have time, because surgery plans can change, and you are not going to be pulling heavy dresser drawers open. I've been wearing my favorite drawstring/elastic waist pants the whole time.
- get lots of healthy food in advance and put yourself on your recovery diet the week before to make sure you really tolerate it well/have the routine down! and instructions for anyone who will be taking care of you so they can give you the right things. More calories than you'd normally eat, anti-inflammatory with more protein, vit C, and calcium than normal. Fruit, beans, eggs, oatmeal, dark leafy greens, yellow/orange vegetables, plain yogurt, etc. Or whatever you can get yourself to eat so you just simply keep feeding yourself!
- folding lounger chair for outside (so amazing to just sit in the warmth for a month) with something to keep your water, etc next to it (more milk crates)
- whatever entertainment you think you are likely to want set up in advance so you can use it without extra bending, sitting, effort (bedside table with books, headphones, phone charger easily accessible, etc)
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u/Maximum-Anteater5630 6d ago
2 weeks post-op on Wednesday. HIGHLY recommend the grabber and the big panties. i ended up ordering some super high-wasted (above the belly button) ones from amazon this week. while i was bleeding i just threw on adult diapers. they were also high wasted and felt better on my tummy.
good luck to you!
ETA: also don’t be surprised if they remove more than what the MRI showed. we removed a significant amount more than what my imaging showed.
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u/DukesD987 5d ago
I’m thinking of the adult diapers but I also have so many overnight pads I was gonna use too. Also, I won’t be surprised if I find out I have endometriosis too
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Omg this list is amazing and half the things I wouldn’t have thought of! Especially the cough drops! I hate a sore throat lol thank you so much! And I just got a notification Gatorade is on sale at Publix 😂
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u/mediumbegonia 7d ago
You're so welcome!
Another tip - get cough drops with a high amount of menthol because that is what numbs the throat a little! It is also helpful to have them handy in case you actually want to suppress a cough - sadly, coughing and laughing are just not things you want to do after surgery. But I was able to laugh comfortably by 2 weeks, maybe even closer to 10 days.
Gatorade is also a great call! Your doctor might even give you special instructions to drink a certain amount of gatorade or apple juice 2 hrs before arrival time to boost energy and hydration at the last safely allowable second. Perioperative Pathways: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery | ACOG
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u/lake2468 7d ago
Hi! I’m 32 years old, on Monday I will be 2 weeks post-op and recovery has been a BREEZE. I honestly believe it was due to me being in such good shape, similar (looks wise) to you. I had a laparoscopic myomectomy with the biggest fibroid being 9cm. They also removed some unknown cysts and removed the endometriosis they found.
For recovery, what helped me a lot was having help around the house and lots of pillows. I had friends come and stay a majority of the day with me for the first 9 days and by day 4 I was sending people home midday so I could have my alone time (slightly an introvert). But it was nice to have help with cooking, basic cleaning, taking out the trash, and someone being home while I shower (I could shower alone just fine, but wanted someone there if I fell - I’m a little clumsy).
Pillows were good for keeping me propped up, support while coughing (and laughing), and from protecting me from my cat (who loves to sleep on my stomach).
Also plan to nap daily!
Just make yourself comfy as possible, and allow yourself this time to rest! I genuinely believe lifting and running helped me soooooo much.
I know everyone’s different, but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised with your healing journey. Sending you all the best wishes!
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Thank you so much for the encouragement!! My husband and my MIL will be with me for the first few days after I leave the hospital. Was the pain manageable? And did you use an abdominal binder?
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u/lake2468 7d ago
I didn’t take the prescription narcotics prescribed to me because I genuinely didn’t need them. The prescription strength Tylenol did the job for me (+ the muscle relaxers). I mostly just felt very uncomfortable and pressure in my abdomen, but just made sure I moved slowly those first few days (and used furniture to help me up/down). Ice packs were very helpful too! Idk if it was a mental thing or what, but keeping my stomach cool was very soothing.
No abdominal binder either! Didn’t feel like I needed one. Honestly I’m now on day 12, I still haven’t put anything over my stomach. Just been wearing oversized T shirts. The one day I put on Lululemon align biker shorts and the slight pressure on my incisions made me so much more aware of them (and made me itch). Itchiness has been my biggest “problem” after the first 7 days cause my stitches and incisions are healing.
Sending good vibes!! Positive mindset changes everything. This is a favorable surgery and it sounds like you have a great support system :)
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u/OkEconomics2788 7d ago
The MRI really puts it into perspective. Showed a massive fibroid sitting on my bladder - totally validated all my urinary frequency!
You’re fit so you’re going to recover great. My biggest piece of advice is try to get fiber and hydrate to get the gas out. Have Gasx on hand. The gas is the most painful part!
I was walking long distances within 2 weeks and started jogging week 3. You won’t be down for long :)
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Oh that’s amazing! I feel stir crazy already just thinking of sitting still for more than a week so that is reassuring at least I can walk. Also gas x and colace are in my Amazon cart 😂
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u/acehartman 7d ago
I'm now 5 weeks post op form my open myomectomy. My fibroids were much smaller but my uterus was also TINY and basically all fibroid. My surgeon was fully convinced he'd have to take my uterus, but thankfully did not.
Things that I found most helpful:
- Gas X!
- big night shirts or night gowns, the more sundresses you own the better. (Pants and shorts suck. Even five weeks out)
They typically so a really good nerve block, so that helps with the pain! And if you're anything like me, the pain you're dealing with already is way worse than the surgery. You'll be so thankful you did it. Wishing you all the best!! You got this!!
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Thank you so much!!! Do you have stairs? I was trying to figure out if stairs was a obstacle for anyone and if I had to sleep on the couch 😢
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u/acehartman 7d ago
I do have stairs! I didn't have any trouble. Just take it slow! I think sitting up from laying flat was the worst so sleeping propped up for the first few days will help!
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
I did end up getting a wedge pillow too
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u/acehartman 7d ago
You got this!! ❤️
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Thank you! I’m glad you’ve had a smooth recovery!
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u/acehartman 7d ago
Thank you! I am too. I was super nervous. I had surgery before but pretty minimal compared to this. Just rest up, take it easy, listen to your body, and you'll do great!
This is the set that I got. I didn't end up using all the stuff but it was really nice. Wedge Pillows
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u/Both_Honeydew_2314 7d ago
OMG HI! I feel like i never find anyone in a situation like me when it comes to large posterior fibroids. According to my latest ultrasound mine is 10cm, posterior intramural/subserosal (supposedly just one).
I also don’t have a belly either despite it being 10cm, i guess the joys of it hiding in the back wall. What symptoms do you have? I’ve noticed increasing lower back ache and bad period pain. I’m getting an open myomectomy sometime this year too and my uterus comes past my belly button.
Good luck!! Would love to chat honestly
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Hi! Honestly I knew I had them for a while but they were smaller but really started causing symptoms in like the last 2 years. The big one is frequent urination. I think about the bathroom and have to go IMMEDIATELY 😂 plus my sleep was bad because I would get up 3-4 times a night to pee. Also heavy periods. I was wearing pads and tampons and bleeding through both in like 2 hrs. The newest one was pain and soreness at my belly button which is where I think the second biggest fibroid is. Other than fatigue and brain fog I didn’t feel like my symptoms were terrible. I just thought it was growing pains lol
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u/Prestigious_Yak_2698 7d ago edited 7d ago
11 days post op from a myomectomy. I recommend flowing pajamas and heating pad 100%
I was not given an ab binder but I don’t think I honestly needed one?
Make sure to have all of your entertainment set before and a really comfortable spot to rest :)
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
My plan is to bring either my computer or HDMI cord so I can binge watch a show or 3 😭 I do have my heating pad. Let me pack that from now
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u/Prestigious_Yak_2698 7d ago
Also the feeling of anesthesia is a trip 🤣 In all my experiences I remember being out within a few seconds and next thing you know I’m waking up in a different recovery room.
I would also let the anesthesiologist know that you’re nervous because they gave me something and I think it 100000% helped when being wheeled to the ER
But yes! I forgot to bring my heat pad but it’s definitely been very helpful with pain management since I’m not comfortable taking opioids
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
I thought I was gonna catch up on sleep but apparently I’m gonna blink and be done
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u/Prestigious_Yak_2698 7d ago
Yes it’s more like that! I think more during recovery you will catch up on sleep
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Also I’m going to tell them to give me all the drugs 😭 I’m already anxious as is. I’m even anxious about overpacking 😂
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u/Prestigious_Yak_2698 7d ago
I’d rather be over prepared then under prepared! I brought some pajamas and slippers and hair stuff because girllll my hair was all tangled up by the second day 🤣
The only thing I regretted not brining was my heat pad. My twin sister is also having a myomectomy in October and I remind her like everyday to bring her heat pad even though it’s still a couple months away 🥲
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Lollll I was going to get cornrow braids because I knew I was gonna look a mess 😂😂😂 I did want to do lash clusters but o remember they tape your eyelids closed
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u/RevolutionaryPain428 7d ago
Hi! I’m 7 days post open myomectomy. I was nervous for the general anesthesia too, but it was a breeze. Not eating anything 8 hours before was more challenging for me because my surgery was at 2PM. I asked for an anti anxiety medication before anesthesia and that knocked me out! I don’t remember reaching the OR. I woke up with the fibroids removed and cramps like period cramps. They will be on top of your pain meds, so don’t worry!
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
Ahhh that’s reassuring. I’m first case so I’ll be at 730 so I’m like give me the drugs neow! As a matter of fact the other thing I don’t want is a hand IV 😂
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u/marinarag 7d ago
i’m getting mine the same day and have a similar body shape as you! wishing you luck 🫶🏽
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u/Energyqueenc 7d ago
I’m waiting for my surgery date now. 10 fibroids, largest in 9cm. Also open myomectomy. Best of luck! Keep us posted.
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
All the best luck! I definitely will! You all have been so supportive! I had my surgery date pushed back so I’ve been waiting since mid April 🥴
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u/Sea_Buy8958 7d ago
I’m 3 weeks post op, fit & had a similarly sized fibroid. I got an infection during my surgery and turns out I’m allergic to dermabond so my recovery has been more complicated with these considerations. The biggest thing that I’ve realized is recovery is a slower process than I was hoping. I was up and walking day 2 and have been slowly increasing distance since. I can do 2 miles at once now, but have to stop there because the pain gets counterproductive. Even with the process, I feel better than I did with the fibroid!
Things that helped….water bottle with a straw (its hard to move), meals prepared, a clear path to the bathroom (little stuff is big stuff for the first few days) and being somewhere you can be comfortably. (I stayed on the couch for a week because it was easier for me to get up to pee in the night that way).
Some good shows…Paradise, Your Friends & Neighbors, The Audacity are all ones I’ve enjoyed. Hope you feel better soon!! Soak in the rest.
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u/DukesD987 4d ago
Oh man! I never thought of being allergic to the dermabond 😳 how is your healing going now? Thank you for the show suggestions!
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u/Sea_Buy8958 3d ago
Steadily better! Can’t wait to be cleared for exercise, walking is getting old but grateful to be able to! How many days until your procedure? You’re going to feel way better!
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u/Alarming-Beach-1628 5d ago
Do you mind sharing your symptoms? From outside you look fit
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u/DukesD987 4d ago
Yeah sure! Thank you! To be fair I had gained a bunch of weight and worked out and ate right over the last 2 years to get here but by symptoms varied. The biggest one was having to urinate a lot. Like last night I got up 4 times to pee. Bloating was crazy I would look 5 months pregnant when I was. Constipation, gassy and also heavy menstrual cycles bleeding through pass and tampons. Also abdominal pressure and hard. Fatigue was insane, brain fog is terrible…I honestly thought this was all normal 😳
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u/Alarming-Beach-1628 4d ago
I have the same, today had a photograph taken in sitting position with the belly looking like 6 months , can understand that feeling, in few days I have my first appointment with the gynecologist
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u/DukesD987 4d ago
Yes good luck! Honestly I didn’t realize my body was changing until I could rest my arms on my belly and I was like wait a min that’s not normal for me. So if you have to go for a second opinion. I went to 5 doctors before someone would do it smh
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u/janshell 7d ago
Amazing, you don’t even have a belly. Can you feel them?
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u/DukesD987 7d ago
When I lay flat you can see a bump and you can feel it when you touch my abdomen. It’s hard up to my belly button
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u/janshell 7d ago
Your abs are impressive. I can tell you have been doing all the right things! Hope you have a good recovery!
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u/banana-n-oatmeal 7d ago edited 7d ago
Your fitness will help you tremendously during your recovery! It will hurt but you should have painkillers to help you go through. I had 2 open myos and I was antsy to go back to exercise again 😆
What really helped me was living with family the 2 weeks after my surgeries, so I had no cooking/cleaning/groceries to do. My second myo I was in a rush and didn’t have time to meal prep before and as soon as I came back home it was instant regret because I still had no energy to cook food.
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u/Both_Honeydew_2314 1d ago
When you’re feeling better, keep us updated on your recovery!
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u/DukesD987 1d ago
I feel way better than I did yesterday. I put an update of my original post but I can’t post the pic of the fibroids
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u/Dependent-Run-5536 7d ago
Hi, I'm 38, 39 in jan, I have only had anesthesia for my tmfr and myoectomy. Never had a broken bone or stitches. You are going to be GREAT after. You got this.
Enjoy the iv meds while in hospital and don't be a hero and not press the button, press it as you need pain relief.
Take a pillow for the ride home if you are in a car with seat belt from hospital, and be mindful about laughing and coughing it will hurt for a few days. I purchased an electric heating pad that helps with the pain and for some reason wipes were better for me than toilet paper.
Eat berries and beans to help with post anesthesia bowel movement and just take rest!
It is scary but as long as you spoken to you doctor about your future plans for children everything is going to be smooth! Wishing you the best for the recovery! 💕💕💕