As many of you in the EmpowHer community may already know, I have a uterine fibroid that is pressing on my bladder. Right now, I can only sleep sitting up. I have been existing on very little sleep for a while, and I know I need to do this. So, I am going in for surgery this week to get it taken care of. My uterine fibroid is between 5cm and 6cm in size and is partially subserosal and submucosal. Therefore, it is a little difficult to get to & having a myomectomy, which is a more invasive procedure, seems to be the better option for me.
I was also considering having a new procedure, called MRI-guided ultrasound. It is a rather new procedure that shrinks the fibroid using a laser. There is no cutting with this technique. It is not covered by my insurance, though. I think this is a really interesting option that patients and doctors should learn more about -- as well as insurance companies.
From what I have been told, the myomectomy is similar to a c-section is terms of recovery. I had a c-section with my daughter, so the doctor will go through the same incision area as my c-section. It is a general anesthesia procedure and the surgery should last about an hour and a half. I will be in the hospital for a number of days & then will be home.
I look forward to writing about my post-operative experiences when I am done. I am hoping that this will help others who need to have this same procedure.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment5 Comments
Thanks so much for all of your kind words & wishes. That really, truly means a lot!!!!!!
I just went in for my pre-testing this morning. That involved filling out some forms, talking with a nurse, urine test, getting blood taken, and an EKG. It wasn't too bad. I had never had an EKG before, so that was interesting & didn't take long at all.
I know that fibroids are pretty common. In fact, since I have talked about this to others I have learned that a lot of people I know have or have had issues with fibroids. I really hope my information can help others.
I was thinking about something interesting with all of this. Before this and my other surgeries, I have always told my friends and family what was going on. With this surgery, though, I was able to tell my EmpowHer online family, too. I thought about the fact that this is pretty cool. I now have another support system that I didn't have before.:)
August 18, 2009 - 11:30amThis Comment
Joanna,
August 18, 2009 - 8:47amThanks so much for writing about this. I hope the surgery goes smoothly and recovery is fast and easy. It is natural to have some anxiety about the whole thing, I know I would, but it sounds like you've got great information and have made a good choice for you. I wish you all the best, and am eager to read your updates afterward!
This Comment
Good luck Joanna! You know we are all thinking about you and sending you good thoughts for a speedy recovery. You are so brave and selfless to share what is going on with the EmpowHer community. Big hugs to you, Michelle
August 17, 2009 - 10:46pmThis Comment
Joanna:
You will do great. I know you have carefully weighted many options. We will you a speedy recovery and look forward to reading your post surgery posts.
Kelley
August 17, 2009 - 7:26pmThis Comment
Here's wishing you all the best for your surgery and a speedy recovery!
August 17, 2009 - 7:20pmThis Comment