Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids

[ZiaMcnab]

I'm just wondering if anyone can help me feel a bit less anxious about this procedure, which I've been booked for next Wednesday (10th June). It's all come up rather suddenly! I've suffered from ridiculously heavy periods for years & years, was finally diagnosed with "tons of" fibroids 3 years ago and was told to have a mirena coil inserted, which I did in February 2022, and I've basically not stopped bleeding since then! It's a lot less heavy the majority of the time, and I do get the odd day off, but it's still having a pretty significant impact on my life.

I was quite surprised to be told the only potential solutions were to try this hysteroscopic resection or have a full hysterectomy back in October last year. I asked for some time to think about it, and the gynaecologist said he'd book me in for a follow up appt "within 6 weeks", but that never materialised. I chased them via my GP in February this year and got confirmation the next day I'd been booked in for a follow up but it wasn't scheduled till 24th June. Given that, I assumed once I told the gynaecologist I wanted to go for the resection, I thought I'd have ages to wait, but they called me 2 days later to book me in next week!

I haven't had any surgery since I was 18 (I'm 47 now!) so it's a bit daunting anyway and I've been told I need to be collected and have someone stay with me for 24 hours after the procedure. However, my partner is a police officer and is scheduled to work an early shift (so leaving the house at about 6am) on the Thursday. If anyone's had this procedure, can you tell me do you think I'll be ok on my own from that early the next day (my surgery is booked for 9am but will most likely be late, you know the NHS!) until at least 4pm, or should I ask my partner to take the day off, if they'll let him?

tldr: If you've had hysteroscopic resection of fibroids surgery, would you recommend having someone with you for a full 24 hours after or were you fine after a few hours?

Can anyone help a nervous mumsnetter please?!

Because of the advice you've been given I'm presuming you are having it under a general anaesthetic? It's really that you need to get over and why you need someone with you rather than the procedure.

I had polys rather than fibroids removed and am having a follow up biopsy under GA next week. I felt fine if a bit drowsy for the afternoon (mine was first thing) but otherwise fine and didn't need anyone to look after me. I presume they suggest it as some people can have a delayed reaction, is there anyone who could come round in the morning?

I had exactly this in 2016 under general anesthetic. My then bf had to pick me up but I was feeling ok the following day, just a bit sore and drowsy. Camp out on the sofa, flask of tea, packed lunch and keep your phone on you if you feel relatively ok the following day.

I had a tiny bit of bleeding after but within a few days, certainly within the week, I felt miles better.

Good luck 🍀

Please don't worry too much about the procedure. I had same in March at short notice and I was in theatre by 10am. I was really worried about the general but it was absolutely fine and over before I knew it. I think you definitely need to be taken home afterwards (looking back, I was still off my box from the anaesthetic!) but I really do think I could probably have been back at work the next day (don't do that though). My husband was back in work the next day so I was on my own and was fine. As pp has said, is there anybody that could look in on you or give you a call perhaps?
Honestly, things have improved 100% since having this procedure!

Thanks so much, all, that's all made me feel a lot better. My partner is still trying to get the day off work but, if he can't, my mother-not actually in-law will pop in to make sure I haven't expired half way down the stairs when getting up to relocate to the sofa!

I've already taken the sensible precaution of booking next Thursday off (as sick leave, not holiday!) and currently plan to work from home on Friday but will see how I go, although from what you've all said, I should be fine to do that by then.

Thanks again, all, I feel so much better and am excited about what comes after!