I wanted to share my recent experience so that others who are going to have this surgery or are thinking about it know what to expect. Sorry it’s so long. Feel free to ask questions.
I had laparoscopic hysterectomy with in bag morcellation primarily to treat fibroids in a private hospital. They also found endo and ovarian polyp along the way.
Treatment options:
After being diagnosed with fibroids, I basically worked through the treatment options on the Mayo Clinic website. I spoke to multiple surgeons and UFE specialists.
My initial preference was UFE but decided against it due to complexity and uncertain outcomes. Due to the size and location of my fibroids, my treatment would have required medical menopause, then UFE and potentially surgery.
MRgFUS was not an option due to large fibroid size. Myomectomy was also ruled out due to high risk of haemorrhage. One surgeon refused to do it. Another said they would but risky.
Hysterectomy appeared to be the most straightforward option. I felt like there would be no surprises.
Pre surgery:
I was admitted 2.5 hrs before surgery.
The first hour was spent with my support person in a waiting area, then I was wheeled into a pre-op bay by myself.
I told the anaesthetist that I was scared. She offered multiple options to help me. I chose sedation first, then anaesthesia. The anaesthetist and nurse wheeled me into a tiny pre op room. The IV went in and I drifted off to sleep.
Post surgery:
I felt like I was being woken in the middle of a deep sleep at 3am. Someone put the fentanyl release button into my hand and wheeled me to my room.
I had an IV for fluids and medication, catheter and air pumps for leg circulation. No pain but I was really anxious. The nurse gave me medication to help me relax, held my hand, massaged my legs and helped me to breath. I slept afterwards.
1DPO:
The catheter and IV were removed the next morning. I also peed for the first time. No pain but gas moving around my stomach was uncomfortable. The nurses encouraged me to fart which I managed to do … a lot. The gas discomfort subsided by night time.
My pain medication was tramadol, Nurofen and Panadol. I also had movicol and gas medication.
The surgeon visited and told me they had to remove one ovary along with everything else. I asked for HRT. They said to wait and see if I’ll need it. So far, I haven’t felt any menopausal symptoms but will stay vigilant.
I got up and walked in the corridor twice.
2DPO:
I was discharged from hospital with tramadol, nurofen, Panadol and movicol. I haven’t felt the need to use the tramadol yet.
3DPO:
I had my first bowel movement. It felt normal.
One of my incision dressing looked funky. It was after hours so I called the free government nurse hotline. The nurse told me to change the dressing and clean with water.
Conclusion:
It’s now 6DPO and I’m feeling good. I’m able to move normally (including my abs) but am avoiding sitting upright and bending. My energy levels have fluctuated from day to day.
My overall experience was uneventful. I never felt any pain, not even the dreaded shoulder gas pain that I was worried about.
Things that helped me:
Talking to my GP after my specialist consultations and obsessive googling. They helped to put the medical info, risks and complications into context.
My family staying in the hospital overnight. I needed a lot of help and emotional support the first 24 hrs.
Setting multiple alarms for pain meds. I read this tip on reddit. It’s a must do.
“Moo” or hmm to poo and pee. The vibration helps my body to relax.