Myomectomy, any experiences?

[whereismywine]

So, 16 cycles of unsuccessful ttc under my belt and a laparoscopy in December revealed a large fibroid. Fibroid has been an elusive beast and hid in ultrasound but MRi has shown it to be subserosal, in the back wall and the size of a large plum/tangerine. It pushes outwards and is compressing my bowel and rectum. It has also shifted the uterus into a very retroverted position, adding the the compression and making the cervix very tricky to canulate, a bit like a right angle. The feelings of pressure and bowel cramps are horrible and affecting day to day life - so sadly the op is needed. Unfortunately, the consultant is adamant that this isn't causing our infertility and this is upsetting. I wouldn't imagine that sperm like a right angle but I guess this a bit silly.

So, I'm having an open myocmectomy in the next few weeks and a repeat dye test to flush tubes as this failed last time because of the cervical issues.
Tubes appear healthy.I was so hoping to just get pregnant as I don't want this! I'm scared it will end up as a hysterectomy, I know the risk is small but I keep dreaming of it. Sorry for monster long post. Just wanted experiences/successes/hand holding I guess? Do I really need 12 weeks off?

You might be able to get some answers to some of your recovery-type questions here

Thank you.

I had one in 2005 for large sub serosal fibroids and I think I went back to work at exactly 12 weeks and it was the right time, it is quite major surgery and you do need to give yourself time to heal gradually.

It was worth it though as I had DD in 2006 :)

Just ask me anything else you would like to know!

Also they didn't know if they were causing our issues with fertility but clearly they were!

Thanks fanjo! it is hard to see how mine isn't interfering when I see photos - it isn't a normal looking womb. I do have qs! Ignore any you dont want to answer
How long did it hurt?
How long before you could try again ( was sex painful?) and when did you conceive? And how long did you try before? Thank you so much.

Tried for about a year before, got lucky second month of trying after, cant remember how long waited..3-4 months I think..not painful

Got my appointment. Been waiting since December, promised May, its 24th July.

Fanjo, can I ask another q, did you need a c section?

no i didnt but it depends on each case and if they had to cut into the uterine wall

I had a myomectomy, not because I couldn't conceive but because I knew I had a large fibroid on the outside of my uterus and I wanted to get rid of it before I did conceive. I then went on to have two normal pregnancies and two normal deliveries. However, the exact same fibroid is now back, so they can regrow. I am now currently deliberating what to do about it. If you have any other questions, please ask.

Thanks emanon. Did it give you symptoms? I get a lot of pressure and bowel pain which I'm hoping will go away...how long was your recovery?

Bowel pain sounds more like endometriosis than ovulation pain.

No endo littlefish the lap confirmed that but the MRI showed the fibroid is compressing part of my bowel. Ouchy!

I'm really sorry whereis - I'm posting on another thread at the moment where the op has possible ovulation pain and I just muddled the two of you up when I posted .

Don't worry! In all of this rubbish total lack of endo is about the only thing Im certain of

No I didn't have any symptoms, apart from a couple of occasions (once in a very quiet room full of people) of embarrassing tummy noises. I am convinced this was due to the fibroid. I only ever felt the hard lump in my tummy, as I do now. Just feels like something that shouldn't be there. My recovery was fairly quick. It was about 13 years ago so things change (for the better!). I had a couple of nights in hospital and then I think the recovery was very much like that of a cesarean (not that I've had one). My advice would be to make sure you have a good gynecologist. I have found that they have experience in different areas of the female reproductive system and there are only a few surgeons that specialise in key hole surgery where the recovery is much quicker.

Sorry, I should have said that I wouldn't think you need anything like 12 weeks off. I can't remember how long I took off, but it was probably closer to 4 weeks. Please don't worry about the risk of a hysterectomy. It is a small risk but very, very unlikely.

I did need 12 weeks, but I had several huge fibroids (20cm) and a 10 inch incision

Got a cancellation so op in two weeks any hospital tips?

Hello
I am currently recovering from a laparoscopic myomectomy for two large fibroids. I was in hospital for five days, had a blood transfusion after and have had 4 weeks off so far. My recovery has been much slower than I thought it would be. I have been signed off for six weeks, however think I may have to have a bit longer off. Can walk short distances Eg the length of the supermarket before my stomach kicks off, but trying to increase that a bit more each day. Anyway am noticing the differences now - can put my shoes and socks on much easier without big lumps in the way. My stomach has shrunk and I have lost one stone in weight.

hello, sorry to resuccicate an old thread but I have this operation booked. I thought I would get the more minor/less invasive treatment...but as its a big mama- its surgery

any tips on how long you need to recover and stuff appreciated

Thanks ( have my DC so no fertility issues, but post operative childcare issues instead..)