* - YouLookFab Forum

Barbara Diane

Sorry to hear about your surgery. Not fun, but after you recover you should feel much better. And make sure you take time to really recover and heal.
Fun about your hair.

9 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Oh my goodness. Looks like you're in it for the long haul. Enjoy your Vegas trip for sure!

9 years ago

Anonymous

Oh, thats a blow Una. But it really will be worth the relief from all your health troubles once you heal.

Quite right that you should get the hair compliments...it's fab!

9 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I wonder if there is anyway to shrink the fibroids before surgery. I can't remember if I ever asked you about the possible (not necessarily medically proven) link between caffeine and fibroids. I don't know if you drink tea/soda/coffee, etc. or eat chocolate. If you do, it may be worth stopping completely for a while if you have some time leading up to surgery. It can't hurt.

http://www.livestrong.com/arti.....ids-worse/

http://shrinkingfibroids.blogs.....d-tea.html

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Una, what a drag. That is disappointing. However...once again, I believe recovery times vary and you will feel so, so, SO much better once this is done. I hope that is some comfort, at least.

9 years ago

carter

Veteran

Ugh. Well, there's really no question about WHAT to do, right? I definitely understand the scheduling issue, especially since you're so active. How long will you be unable to climb, etc after the surgery? Could you be ready to enjoy an active Summer if you do it now? Will the fibroids continue to grow if you put it off until later in the year?

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's a tough one Una, and sugery is no fun. But you will feel like a NEW person once the recovery process is behind you. How about asap in time for Summer hiking and activity?

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I think I'm going to have to put it off till after the summer because the recovery sounds like it takes several weeks (time in hospital, two weeks out of work, several weeks to return to normal energy), and between my work schedule and summer travel plans, nothing will work out. It's not going to be pleasant but I will survive...

texstyle, we talked about a few of those options but with the fibroids as large as they are, it may be that I would need the surgery anyway. Thank you for the links!

9 years ago

Echo

Veteran

While the surgery isn't any fun, I am glad that you are at least clear on what the issue is and how to proceed. I had an abdominal hysterectomy, too, and while I wouldn't want to hike immediately afterwards, the recovery wasn't as bad as expected. Most doctors can do it through a c-section type incision (so a straight line across the natural fold in the lower abdomen) and not have to use a vertical incision, so that helps make healing a little easier. I'm wishing you the very best!

9 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

That's too bad. Maybe just knowing there's an end date to your problems will make you feel better.

9 years ago

Colette

Veteran

Una, that really stinks. I'm in the same boat. I went for a second opinion in December with a surgeon that specializes in all fibroid treatments to see if I had any other options and I do not. He said I would be in the hospital for two nights with recovery anywhere from 2-6 weeks. I've been putting my surgery off for years just dealing with the symptoms. But a few weeks ago it all changed and I've been very sick, every day. Thank goodness for loose/stretchy pants and tunics!

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Colette, I am so sorry you are that sick! I am still able to limp along with my current symptoms but my doctor reminded me that the fibroids will continue to double in size regularly. He suggested looking into another procedure that cuts off blood supply to the uterus - that would alleviate but not get rid of symptoms but be much less invasive. Was that suggested for you?

And yes, I am heartily sick of stretchy pants by now but would be lost without them.

9 years ago

Gail

Veteran

Gosh sorry to hear that surgery is your only option. Is there anyway you could have it right away ? I know that for me it would be like a dark cloud hanging over my head . If you could have it really soon you may be up and running , so to speak, by the end of May then you could really enjoy the summer.

9 years ago

Nadya

Veteran

Sending you good thoughts, Una. And your hair IS fabulous!

9 years ago

Colette

Veteran

I'm not a candidate for UAE. Is that the procedure you are referring to?

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Yes it is - I just looked it up. I'm not sure it will help me either. I've been reading the Hyster Sisters site.

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Una,

I can only respond based on my own experience. I also had 'open' surgery. My fibroid was too large to remove any other way.

I was in hospital for 5 days. I experienced a very minor complication - - it seems the assistant surgeon nicked one of my ovaries when they were closing (possibly when removing the clamp) causing an interrnal bleed. It was quickly sorted but I was feeling sore and wiped when I woke up. I was originally only expected to stay in hospital 2 days:) End result was I came out with one ovary not two as expected

I recovered well and quickly. The stay in hospital was actually great. I was so beautifully cared for and I was able to rest and get over the surgery. Having said that, I couldn't wait to get home I don't know if its the same everywhere, but here they are reluctant to let you go home until you have 'opened your bowels' which can take a few days depending on the situation Once I had been to the toilet (hope this isn't too much info) I was pretty much free to go home.

I had 6 weeks off work. I was probably pretty much back to normal by the end of week 3 - but still a little fatigued and ofcourse my surgical cut was still healing - but I figured there was no point pushing myself:) I made the most of the recovery time with girlfriends visiting, catching up on movies and programs I had been wanting to watch, reading and pottering around home. This may sound weird but it was one of the most relaxing and restorative periods I have ever had. DH and Master 13 (8 at the time) were fantastic and some helpful during my recovery time.

I would encourage you to trust your medical practitioners, make sure you feel you have all the info you need and make sure you have the appropriate support systems in place. I had a lovely mum from school bring my son home from school every day for those 6 weeks. DH did the morning school drop off. My job at the time was a senior management role, and I trained a very competent colleague who covered my role while I was away. My mum and my colleagues at work (I was on staff at my church) cooked so many meals that we didn't have to worry about cooking dinner for weeks:)

I am sure it will go well for you . And you wont believe how good you feel after i's all over xxx

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I am sorry you will need to wait so long to get this taken care of. I'm sure it would be such a relief to have it done and over. But at least this way yiu can plan and prepare.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Well, one thing, people are better at the old fashion kind of surgery, since it's been around longer. But that's quite a wait, true.

9 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

Things will work out.

9 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

My best friend had a similar experience to Deborah, except for the nicked ovary. My friend just schooled herself to think of her six weeks as a hiatus from her regular schedule and accepted the help offered by friends and family. According to her, the hardest part was after the first three weeks when, because she felt so much better than she had felt in ages, she had to be vigilant not to start back in with her regular activities. To keep her on track, her DH took her away on a holiday for the last week where the only thing she was allowed to do was carry her (light!) handbag.

9 years ago

Bonnie

Veteran

I'm sorry to hear this. My take is always to go ahead as soon as possible and get it over and get on with life. But, I can understand not wanting to miss a beautiful Alaskan summer.

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks everyone - at least now I KNOW what's wrong and can look forward to a solution. Your stories give me a reason to be positive. Although, Debs, six weeks? I was hoping to be out of work for no more than two weeks... I certainly would enjoy the lying about and visiting and watching movies, but 6 weeks is a long time for me. I recovered quickly from an emergency C-section so here's hoping it will be much the same.

Appreciate all the wisdom and experience here more than you know.

9 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Una 6 weeks seems to be considered standard recovery time afer surgery here but I do know that patients are encouraged to get moving and out of bed etc as soon as possible. My friend who had the same procedure but via 'keyhole' surgery was back at work after 2 weeks. 6 weeks is a long time, do you have leave owing at work? Or some holiday time?

9 years ago

deb

Veteran

I have had 5 open abdominal surgeries and really I was only out for about three weeks with each. Just do not lift anything. Two weeks after one of them I went on a cruise that had been scheduled and paid for. The stairs were a little difficult but other than that I was fine.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I'm sorry, Una. I'm sure you will feel so much better when this is over.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Oh Una, what a pile of news to receive. But 20% of your organ space?? That is quite unbelievable. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable you must feel. Knowing how fit and healthy you are, I bet the recovery time isn't as long as stated. As we all know, those are just estimates based on the average. You're better than average

I'd sure be tempted to just do it - and then get on with getting my body back together, but you know what works best for you and your schedule. It'll all be just a memory very soon . Hang in.

9 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I am sorry to hear this. But at least you know what the problem is and have access to great medical care. I am sure you will feel better when it's all done.

9 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Just do it. Your health is too important to screw around with. No one ever put 'she was a good employee' on a tombstone. Your owe it to yourself, and your family to be the best you can be. My concern is that if you put it off too long, you will become an emergency case...

9 years ago

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