Hey my friends!
I cannot believe it has been a year today that I had my vertical open myomectomy. I remember that day so well. I was not nervous, but anxious to get the surgery over with. I had such bad menstrual symptoms and just wanted to relieve the pain.
My surgeon gave two options of the type of pain medications I could get. I could get the morphine drip that I could push the button to dispense every 8 minutes. Or I could get an epidural, which would give continuous relief. Although I have heard negative side effects with an epidural, it was a no brainer choice for me. To be without pain for a couple days makes it all worth it.
Many people have asked me how my health is since the surgery. So I decided to do a short Q&A together of the most frequently asked questions.
How long did it take to completely heal after a vertical open myomectomy?
It took about 5 months to feel completely healed. My energy returned to 100% and I was able to go back to a normal exercise routine.
Was the surgery successful?
I would say the surgery was 80% successful. Because I still want to have a baby and therefore keep my uterus, the surgeon couldn’t remove one of the fibroids. The fibroid was attached to my uterine lining and if removed would mean having to get a hysterectomy.
Although all of the fibroids couldn’t be removed, those that were causing major issues were.
Do you regret having the surgery?
I don’t regret having the surgery, as it was necessary. I was losing too much blood and my iron was basically undetectable in my body. The only regret I have is not having the surgery sooner. The fibroids would not have grown as large as they did, which could have avoided my having to get a vertical scar.
How do you feel a year later?
I feel good overall. My hemoglobin levels have been back to normal. However, my iron is still too low.
I recently had my ultrasound done to check on my uterus. The fibroid is still there of course, but hasn’t grown. There are two extremely small fibroids lurking around my uterus. They could have already been there, but were undetectable. And lastly, my endometriosis is still causing some issues.
Although I do feel a difference with my scar, it’s still very much visible. I can now start using a fading cream. I’m crossing my fingers and toes that the cream will work.
If you are suffering with uterine fibroids and/or endometriosis and would like to ask me anything, feel free to ask me in the comments section. I am not a medical professional. I’m a woman who has been suffering with this for over 15 years and have dealt with a lot. I can probably answer those questions you may have or point you in the right direction.
Hope to hear from you all.
As always my friends, stay healthy and safe 💋
N A Waterman Talks About... 