Pics below: I had a hysteroscopic and laparoscopic myomectomy for uterine fibroids on August 11, 2022 and wanted to share my experience. My fertility specialist found 4 fibroids during an ultrasound, one which was in the area of implantation, ultimately preventing pregnancy for the past 12 years with my husband. I was referred to the surgeon who then explained the surgery in detail (4 incisions needed, the biggest fibroid about the size of a golf ball, a morcelator instrument needed for some of the fibroids to be removed) and suggested the myomectomy for fibroid removal, and I agreed to proceed.

There are no guarantees the surgery will result in pregnancy, but the possibility of eliminating the harsh monthly cycle symptoms and pelvic pain, is enough for me to make the decision.

I was instructed to wash myself with a surgical soap 3 showers prior to the surgery. I arrived at the hospital, and was asked to wipe myself down with antibacterial wipes once again to prevent infection during surgery. I was taken to the operating room, and before I knew it, the general anesthesia had already taken its’ course. I woke up about 3.5 hours later in the recovery room. I remember not being able to control the shaking and tremors (apparently this is very common after anesthesia). I was extremely cold, and the hospital staff had multiple blankets on top of me, along with hot air being blown under my hospital robe. I would rate the pain immediately after surgery at an 8 out of 10 at the incision sites, but the nurses were extremely attentive to my needs, and kept me medicated until the pain subsided. After the pain subsided, I was taken to my hospital room to rest. My specific surgery required an overnight stay at the hospital.

The doctor later provided pictures of the fibroids that were removed (actually removed 5 vs the original 4 that were planned) and he also found endometriosis which he surgically removed while he was in my uterus.

I was discharged from the hospital the next day after lunch, and was instructed on how to take care of the Jackson Pratt drain that was attached to one of my incision sites, to drain the fluids (mostly blood) from the incision site.

The recovery at home for the first couple of days has been painful, specially when getting up and laying down for bed time. My husband has been my support system this entire time helping me shower, go to the bathroom, feeding me, etc. I felt out of breath every time I would walk from the living room to our kitchen the first 3 days. I was given prescription pain medication, but only took it one night and decided to stop after it gave me hallucinations, tremors, and overall not feeling like myself. I continued to manage the pain with OTC Tylenol. I came to the conclusion that most of my pain was a result of gas pressing up against the incision sites and area of surgery. Not fun!

The 3rd night I noticed an infection developing next to the incision site, and immediately called my surgeon. The very next morning I went to the surgeons office, and the infection was nothing serious, just an allergic reaction to the surgical tape. My incision sites were also re-dressed during this appointment. During this same appointment, the surgeon decided I was ready to remove the drain and drain stitches. This was not a pleasant experience, and was extremely painful, but I got through it. I am feeling much better now, the 4th day after surgery. I feel like I’m regaining my energy, and been able to get up on my own, and do things for myself.

I’m hoping this surgery will make way for my husband and I to conceive in the next couple of months (we can start trying again in 2 months). If not, at least I took care of fibroids that would continue to grow, and continue to cause pain. I’ll be back to let you all know if we were able to conceive or not. I’m keeping a positive outlook, and hoping for the best.

Pic: Shortly after surgery

1 week after surgery, with drain removed