Fibroid removal surgery

Gertrude · Dec 3, 2020

Hi all. After various tests, have found out that I have two 5 cm fibroids, on the outside of my uterus. The positioning of the fibroids means they will have to be removed via open surgery, not keyhole.

I am feeling pretty terrified about this and have been reading up on the procedure and also about the risks involved. I've been through many operations before, which all had risks, but I am feeling particularly anxious and worried about this one. Not sure if I want to go ahead with it and whether all the possible risks are worth it, although the thought of living with the horrible side effects of the fibroids is stressing me out too.

Has anyone else had this surgery? How was it? Any complications?

Thank you!

FlipFlop0706 · Dec 3, 2020

Oh bless you. My mother had multiple fibroids (2 large ones and 6 smaller ones) and has had multiple operations (myomectomy etc) to try and get rid of them. She had lived with them for 10 years and was told menopause would shrink them but (I don’t want to scare you here) but hers just grew.

Last resort was a total hysterectomy which she had done three weeks ago but fortunately this was done through keyhole surgery not open surgery so I’m afraid I can’t offer you much advise on that but just to say that although it’s major surgery, there is a risk with all surgeries if you research them enough. When we were told she needed a hysterectomy, the list of risks was huge (bladder issues being the biggest risk) but our surgeon was like “if these happen, I can fix them” which was very reassuring. She had the op under general anaesthetic and was out in two days.

It’s a big op so you are bound to be worried but I think your doctor wouldn’t have suggested it for you unless they felt it could benefit you. Have you discussed your concerns about the surgery with your doctor? Maybe they can put your mind at rest a bit?

My mother is three weeks post op and honestly not having fibroids anymore has already had such an impact on her life. Her fibroids caused a hernia so she has felt 9 months pregnant for the last ten years, since the surgery she’s lost 7 inches off her waist! She’s more mobile now even three weeks post op and glad she’s now free from the issues that fibroids can cause. The hysterectomy was the easy part! Recovery is harder.

I’m sorry I can’t offer you more advise on open surgery, but didn’t want to read and not post. I think it’s just a case for you of weighing up the operation objectively and discussing it more with your surgeon. Try not to over analyse the risks as it will naturally petrify you! The outcome of being “fibroid free” way outweighs the scariness of the operation once you are on the other side of it all!

All the best X

Gertrude · Dec 4, 2020

Thank you for your message!

Oh wow, so your mother had a lot of them. She must have been in a great deal of discomfort? Good that she has had her op and it went well. How is her recovery going? I have been reading that recovery can be very slow.

I'm feeling quite frustrated at how long my GP took to refer me to a gynecologist. I was told my symptoms weren't anything to worry about and the horrible bloating was most likely food related. But she didn't refer me for a food allergy test either! I also look pregnant most of the time, it's pretty embarrassing and I rarely dress the way I'd like to these days. My periods are also so so heavy now and last about eight days. I am 35 but would have expected for my periods to be getting lighter, not heavier as I get older.

My specialist was actually surprised that I'm not in more discomfort and pain as one of the fibroids is squashed up against my bowel, which is very uncomfortable. She has been reassuring and said the likelihood of something going wrong is slim, but still possible. I asked her would she have it done if she was me and she said she would.

I am definitely leaning more towards just going ahead with it. As you said, the outcome of being fibroid free and not have these horrible symptoms, outweighs the scariness. I should just stop reading up about it so much.

Thank you again for you message! I really appreciate you taking your time to reply. xx

Medusah80 · Dec 4, 2020

I had laparoscopic myomectomy at age 34, mine was to try and help me carry a pregnancy but sadly it didn’t work out that way.Anyways the procedure was a success ,overnight stay, recovery took 6 weeks only because my job is quite heavy, the best thing was my period going down to 3 days of light bleeding and zero dysmenorrhea.
My sis had hers done open surgery last Xmas, 8 weeks recovery, no complications, the scar she has is a small bikini line cut . She is over 40 and her family is complete so she went for a total hysterectomy.
My advice would be not to compare people heal differently, our pain threshold is different but myomectomy is the way forward.
All the best
M x

Kindred_ · Dec 4, 2020

I had an abdominal myomectomy in 2019. It was my first operation and needless to say I was absolutely terrified. I was 28 at the time and had just met my OH. I was so embarrassed to tell him, I was scared it was too much recovery time to put him through and my surgeon could not reassure me that I would be able to have children after. Being at the age where I was thinking about my future and having kids, it was a tough decision to go through with it.

Anyway after all the worry and stress, over a year later I can honestly say it changed my life. I had 11 fibroids removed, 2 were over 10cm. They had to leave a few small ones sadly as the operation took over 4 hours and they couldn’t take any more out. My periods are back to normal, I am no longer chronically anaemic, I don’t suffer with a rock hard painful stomach everyday. The scar is barely noticeable, even my boyfriend(who was incredible throughout it all) says he barely notices it! And the numbness is almost gone!

i had a water slight infection after surgery but I’m prone to this anyway so that was easily sorted. That was only the only complication I had and it was very minor.

it’s a very worrying thing to go through but your health is so important and this will only improve your life

I hope this reassures you!

Gertrude · Dec 4, 2020

Medusah80 said:
I had laparoscopic myomectomy at age 34, mine was to try and help me carry a pregnancy but sadly it didn’t work out that way.Anyways the procedure was a success ,overnight stay, recovery took 6 weeks only because my job is quite heavy, the best thing was my period going down to 3 days of light bleeding and zero dysmenorrhea.
My sis had hers done open surgery last Xmas, 8 weeks recovery, no complications, the scar she has is a small bikini line cut . She is over 40 and her family is complete so she went for a total hysterectomy.
My advice would be not to compare people heal differently, our pain threshold is different but myomectomy is the way forward.
All the best
M x

Great to hear that your surgery was a success but sorry that it didn't out to help you carry your pregnancy. xx

Amazing to hear that your periods are normal now! That is the main thing (other than the bloating) I am hoping will be fixed. I have had so many moments where it's been so heavy, I've leaked. Very embarrassing!!

You're right that I shouldn't compare my expected healing time to others, too much. But I do feel very reassured to hear about your and your sisters successful procedures. Thank you!! x

Kindred_ said:
I had an abdominal myomectomy in 2019. It was my first operation and needless to say I was absolutely terrified. I was 28 at the time and had just met my OH. I was so embarrassed to tell him, I was scared it was too much recovery time to put him through and my surgeon could not reassure me that I would be able to have children after. Being at the age where I was thinking about my future and having kids, it was a tough decision to go through with it.

Anyway after all the worry and stress, over a year later I can honestly say it changed my life. I had 11 fibroids removed, 2 were over 10cm. They had to leave a few small ones sadly as the operation took over 4 hours and they couldn’t take any more out. My periods are back to normal, I am no longer chronically anaemic, I don’t suffer with a rock hard painful stomach everyday. The scar is barely noticeable, even my boyfriend(who was incredible throughout it all) says he barely notices it! And the numbness is almost gone!

i had a water slight infection after surgery but I’m prone to this anyway so that was easily sorted. That was only the only complication I had and it was very minor.

it’s a very worrying thing to go through but your health is so important and this will only improve your life I hope this reassures you!

So great to hear that your surgery was a success too. The ones you had removed were large! You must have been in so much discomfort? Will they keep an eye on the ones you didn't have removed with regular scans? So good to hear that your periods are back to normal!!

Lovely that you have a supportive partner, it really helps to have someone understanding doesn't it? I'm also very lucky that my boyfriend is good like that. I talked him through what it might be like afterwards and he's not at all phased by it.

You're right! Health is very important and this will hopefully improve my life. I feel so bloated and drained all of the time, which makes me feel far older than I am. Hopefully having the op will fix this.

Thank you for your message. It has definitely reassured me and makes me feel less anxious about the surgery.

You are all so kind with your words xx

Kindred_ · Dec 4, 2020

Yeah I was in lots of discomfort but I actually put that down to the coil so I left it for a while. My periods were torrential, again I thought it was the coil. It was until I noticed a hard lump near my pelvis that I got it checked and had scans etc.

I began to think feeling drained and tired was just who I was but it’s the fibroids zapping everything out of you. They completely messed up my hormones, I was losing my hair, unable to fight off a normal cold, just generally a sickly person.

the leaking was definitely embarrassing. Feels good to go out for the day and not have to take spare clothes ‘just in case’

It will honestly be such a relief when it’s all done. The first week of recovery is tough but your boyfriend will support you through it

then it’s onwards and upwards xxx

1001 others · Dec 5, 2020

I've had two operations to remove fibroids (one in 2002; the other in 2008). Absolutely no complications, aside from needing a few more days off work than anticipated (I continued to feel groggy and sore for a lot longer than my doctor indicated). Both of my procedures were keyhole, so relatively simple. Years later, I do have a lot of sensitivity in around my tummy button, but it's more an annoyance than a complication.

I know it's a scary prospect, but just remember you are surrounded by professionals during the procedure - the anesthetist, nurses, the surgeon ... and think how great you will feel after the buggers have been removed.

Its_Me · Dec 6, 2020

I’ve had two laparoscopies to remove endometriosis and fibroids. My advice to you is to make sure you rest up afterward and don’t try to do too much too soon. I did this after my first one because I was like oh it’s just tiny incisions and caused myself all kinds of problems including busting a stitch and prolonged my recovery. But it’s what they’ve done inside thats sensitive and you need to give yourself time to heal. But don’t be scared you will be in good hands the surgeon will likely have done 100’s of the same procedure

Gertrude · Dec 7, 2020

1001 others said:
I've had two operations to remove fibroids (one in 2002; the other in 2008). Absolutely no complications, aside from needing a few more days off work than anticipated (I continued to feel groggy and sore for a lot longer than my doctor indicated). Both of my procedures were keyhole, so relatively simple. Years later, I do have a lot of sensitivity in around my tummy button, but it's more an annoyance than a complication.

I know it's a scary prospect, but just remember you are surrounded by professionals during the procedure - the anesthetist, nurses, the surgeon ... and think how great you will feel after the buggers have been removed.

Good to hear that your procedure went well! Annoying about the sensitivity, luckily you have no pain though. You're right, I'll be in safe professional hands and it'll be great to have them removed. xx

Its_Me said:
I’ve had two laparoscopies to remove endometriosis and fibroids. My advice to you is to make sure you rest up afterward and don’t try to do too much too soon. I did this after my first one because I was like oh it’s just tiny incisions and caused myself all kinds of problems including busting a stitch and prolonged my recovery. But it’s what they’ve done inside thats sensitive and you need to give yourself time to heal. But don’t be scared you will be in good hands the surgeon will likely have done 100’s of the same procedure

I have read a lot about how slow recovery can be, can't really do anything afterwards can we!? Busting a stitch must have been annoying and painful?
Glad your procedure went well though! I've also got a endometrial cyst, but have been advised to leave that for now and just keep an eye on it with regular scans.

I'm feeling far more confident about having the op, after reading everyone's positive experiences. So glad I posted xx

Lollyjane25 · Dec 7, 2020

Definitely go for it, I was told the recovery from the open surgery is just as bad as a hysterectomy, so turned one down. Now 5 years later I’m awaiting full hysterectomy as my largest fibroid measures 15cm and is causing me loads more problems. Have you been given any timescale? I was put on waiting list at beginning of April, so of course covid has kind of messed things up. Just want to get my op over and done with.

Gertrude · Dec 7, 2020

Lollyjane25 said:
Definitely go for it, I was told the recovery from the open surgery is just as bad as a hysterectomy, so turned one down. Now 5 years later I’m awaiting full hysterectomy as my largest fibroid measures 15cm and is causing me loads more problems. Have you been given any timescale? I was put on waiting list at beginning of April, so of course covid has kind of messed things up. Just want to get my op over and done with.

The recovery is rather daunting, I don't blame you that you turned it down. Did yours grow a lot in the 5 years? Sorry that you now have to have a full hysterectomy. Understand that you just want it over with, the waiting is horrible.

I am very very lucky to have private insurance through work, but even with that everything has been a lot slower than usual because of covid. I called my hospital this morning to let them know I'd like to go ahead with the procedure, so now just waiting for them to get back to me with a date. Already been told that it won't be until next year.

As much as I love being a woman, these kind of issues are so frustrating and I wish we didn't have to deal with them. xx

Lollyjane25 · Dec 7, 2020

I think the largest was 7-8 cm when I turned down the myonectomy, but back then my biggest issue was fertility and IVF, I had had a consultation at 1 clinic who refused to carry out the procedure (ivf) as they were worried it wouldn’t work, so I just went and found a different clinic. Managed to get pregnant with my little girl and perhaps contributed to the fibroid growing further.
It’s good you have the insurance, not something to look forward to but getting it over and done will be a relief, and avoid further issues. Just take time to heal afterwards and don’t rush your recovery. Good luck xx

Mumof2boys · Dec 7, 2020

I had fibroids and polyps removed this time last year,I'm on tamoxifen for breast cancer and don't think that's helping,my periods are so heavy,I'm sure they've come back.awaiting a pelvic ultrasound to see