I am just over 4 weeks post open myomectomy and was wondering how others have recovered. The scar is still swollen and sore which I expected however at times I get what I can only describe as sharp "stabbing" pains. These seem to be more from inside my body rather than from the scar. Is this normal? I'm not due to see my GP for another week so just wanted to check with others who may have gone through the procedure.
Hi ffion28
I'm 3 weeks tomorrow post op yay feeling good. My scar below the belly button is fine, mines just a bit puffy above the belly button where they joint it bk up cause I was cut from just above my button. If I do to much I get like a burning pain in my tummy similar to heart burn.
Oh and when I wee it's a little uncomfortable iv had it checked and there no infection but apart from that I'm feeling great so so glad the fibroids gone. Hope your recovery is going well?
Glad you are doing well. I get that burning pain too. Guess there will be some discomfort for a while. Have 2 small children so some days I think it's just doing a bit too much. Although trying to walk as believe exercise is good. Find I get very tired after my walks! You were cut vertically? Was that due to the size of your fibroid?
Yes it was vertically my fibroid weight just under 6 pounds!! Yes myself with 2 kids it was ok first 2 wk my mother in law stayed with us so I was able to get plenty of rest. The first day after she had gone just doing there breakfast I was tired, iv been to supermarket and I needed to sit down lol that was in wk 2 :-0 you feel like yh I can do this and then I find I just get extremely tired from doing a simple task. I may not be in much pain but the tiredness is definitely a issue. Hopefully it want be long until we regain our strength 100 cent.
Wow 6 pounds that is a lot! Bet you are relieved it has gone. Didn't get mine weighed, surgeon didn't offer. They found another one while operating so glad I got it done. Yes the tiredness is tough. Like you said feel as if ok then realise simple tasks are tiring. Supposed to be going back to work in 2 weeks but going to follow what the GP says which is probably phased return. Got to look after ourselves!!
Yh I requested a picture of it to which they thought was very strange lol so your having 6 wk off I told my manger 6 wk but I said it may be more depending on how one feels. Definitely not going to rush we need to remember that we had major surgery so we just need to stay in tune with our body's we will know when we are right.
I do wish you all the best I know for me the future is bright being fibroid free I'm soo happy I can already feel the benefits in my health onwards and upwards :-) take care!!!
Yes keep forgetting it was major surgery! When I talk to people they alway say must be like a c section but have never had one so not sure!! Yes all the best to you too.
Hi, I am almost 5 weeks since open myomectomy, bikini line incision to remove 8cm penducukated fibroid. Also had left ovary (which had a mass attached to it) removed at the same time. Gradually increasing my walking but get tired easily and take rests and sit down when out. My scar is getting better but I have what I can describe as a tugging sensation on my left and right groin area when I know ive done too much. Back to consultant on 30th with hopefully phased return to work the day after. I too have to remind myself it's major surgery because I want to recover properly.
Hi ffion28, I'd be interested to hear how you are at the moment. I took about 4 weeks before feeling more normal and began doing a little more walking. I had a degenerated fibroid that pushed the back wall of my womb out by about 15cm (so I am told) and another 3/4 fibroids removed. It is all a bit of a blur. By week 6 post op I began to feel back to normal and did a little more, slightly longer walks and lifting (nothing too major). I am now back to feeling really sore, my scarring has swollen up a lot since before and I am now experiencing similar discomfort as I did 3 weeks after my open myomectomy.
Although I did not feel much pain to indicate anything was wrong. I am almost 8 weeks now. Have my hospital post surgery check up tomorrow. I am sure this can't be right. I really want to be back to normal. My stomach is swelling still, I've been following all the physio stuff, but have seen a backwards step in my recovery and beiginning to have a really sore back and literally ump if my scar is touched, this didn't happen last week. Anyone else experienced similar? Appreciate your help.
Hi Bek I know what you mean. I felt as if I was getting better, going for walks, taking my son to school and pushing my daughter in the pushchair (probably not advisable but what else can you do?). However I am now 9 weeks post op and my stomach feels swollen and the scar is sore. I am currently part time at work and not sure if I have been pushing myself too much. Unfortunately I am a dance teacher so it's really difficult to judge what I can and can't do.
At least you have an appointment with your specialist and can ask questions. I have not had any follow up appointments or physio which I think is dreadful. I'm guessing our bodies are still recovering and will be for a long while. Let me know how it goes.
Been really good to read your experiences of surgery. I'm waiting for my consultant appointment to see what surgery I have have on a large 11cm intramural fibroid plus a few others. Did any of you have heavy periods before the surgery due to the fib's and how has the bleeding been post surgery. Thanks ladies !
Hi 2fibroidy,
Strangely my symptoms included initially late periods and then my period stopping, the consultant thinks it was my body's way of protecting itself. I am a bit of a mystery.
Prior to this though my periods were manageable (slightly on the heavier dude I guess) and generally lasted 6/7 days. Post surgery, my period was only 3 days, so wasn't even sure if it could be considered a period. Apparently everything is working ok and that seems to be it according to the consultant. Guess I can't complain about that. My periods are definately much lighter than before. So good news I guess.
Heavier side sorry not dude! lol, auto spell x x
lol. my periods are totally unmanagable at the moment - flooding, leaking, clotting ! so good to hear you are lighter then before !
From what I have read, most people seem to report good results. Less heavy periods.
Just so you know (although I don't know if you are private, I wasn't). 2 operations (1 emergency) lots of trips to hospital, I never once saw the consultant. I tended to see nurses or students and registrars. Have my post op follow up last week and was the first time I was actually able to talk to the consultant. Also take someone along for moral support, you may need it. My first ever appointment I didn't and I really needed it x x
Thanks Bek. at the moment i am on the NHS route, have my 1st gynae appointment next month (not even sure if it is with a consultant, probably just a registrar). I've already had one emergency admission for a blood transfusion that I went on my own to, that was scary enough , but this next appointment will take hubby.
Now 10 weeks post op and belly very itchy. Is this normal?
Hi. I am going through the same thing. I am about 10 weeks post op and the stomach swelling is back and lots of lower back pain. I have no idea why, I was finally starting to feel a bit better and now this. Did you got to the Dr and did they say why u were feeling like that? This has been an awful recovery. Any input would help. Thanks!
Hi I am now 19 weeks post op and now, finally, starting to feel normal. I overdid it at work about 5 weeks ago and wen I visited the GP he said I had strained the ligaments in my stomach. It was quite painful but apparently no long term damage. Just have to accept that the recovery from this operation is much longer than I anticipated, or maybe its just me! My scar can get very itchy and swollen and to me this is a sign that I need to rest. Find at the weekends stomach is much better.
What I find difficult is that I'm an active person and nobody in the medical profession is telling me what I can and can't do. Think sit ups are out of the question as seem to have no core strength. How should I develop my core strength and what is safe?
Erin have you been to the Dr? Any joy and are you feeling a bit better?
Hi ffion28
I'm 5 weeks, 3 days now. My scar is still abit swollen above my incision and I get stabbing pains too sometimes like period pains especialy when I stress myself too much. Don't worry it will go away. You can take paracetamol or ibubrofen when you feel d pains n lie down. Also be doing exercise like taking a walk.