MY-omectomy

[Guest guest]

Hi group,

I'm back from Philly and a myomectomy with Dr. Glassner. Have not been on line

for more than a week but some messages have been transferred via phone via a

brand new assistant and I think some things might have gotten muddled.

In any case, despite various discussions here, we ended up flying, not driving

from Florida. A good choice all in all. The flights were on time and airport

hassles were minimal. The flight up was supposed to be half full (USAIRWAYS),

but they combined another flight and so it was oversold. My seat was broken and

pitched forward and horribly uncomfortable. The idea of going home in those

tight seats afterward convinced us to cash in some frequent flyer miles for

first class. A brilliant choice! Big wide seats, very comfy, meal service,

etc. Worth the miles. I had a wheelchair on the way back which was a

necessity, even though I was able to walk a bit. First the changed the gate 3

times, and Philly is huge, plus I was rather nauseated that morning for some

reason. I was better off the day before.

Here was my schedule: Flew to Philly on a Friday morning and saw Dr.

Glassner for the first time that afternoon. Patients who have had previous

abdominal surgeries often need a 3 day colonic prep, but since I had a " virgin "

belly, this was not necessary. I stayed with friends nearby and we went to

museums, musical performance, religious services, lots of nice restaurants over

the weekend. I had a lot of back pain and other aches due to the fibroids, and

some anxiety since the doctor had not been able to visualize an ovary and there

was a mass--but he was 99% certain it was yet another fibroid. (Which was the

case.)

The doctor felt I had more fibroids than originally diagnosed but saw no problem

removing them with a simple midline incision. I had several doctors scare me

with the high probability (for me due to my ancient age--57 tomorrow--) of

malignancy of the fibroids and/or ovaries, but he thought this unlikely. Even

so, since I have a friend going through ovarian cancer now and I am at the most

common age and the cancer is 1 out of 55 women vs. 1 out of 1000 or more tumors

for the fibroids I decided to add to my operative permission that if an ovary

looked worrisome he could do a frozen section and if it was a problem continue

with a full hysterectomy and staging of cancer. I must say the doctor did not

much this and would have been happy to close me up and review the options later

as well. As it turned out, none of this was required.

Monday I had some pre-op tests, but because I had a recent EKG and chest x-ray

this only included blood work. I then met someone from the anesthesia team. He

tried to discourage an epidural, but when I explained my reasons he didn't

disqualify me right then.

I had a great dinner, fasted after midnight except for morning meds with a sip

of water, appeared at the hospital at 9:45 and went into surgery about 10:15.

When I met my next anesthesiologist, she was very negative about the epidural.

She discussed how high the pulling sensations would be etc., but then, when she

reviewed the meds I take including a lot of ibuprofen in recent months to stay

comfortable with the fibroids, plus other meds, she ruled out the epidural

because of the risk of bleeding in the dural space which could have serious

consequences, like paralysis. At that point I was on the operating table and

warned her that I was the world's cheapest drunk and not to give me too much of

anything. (She wasn't listening!)

My husband was told that surgery would last about 2 hours, but in less than an

hour I was done. They removed one orange sized fibroid (I thought it was going

to be larger) and a cluster of smaller ones with 2 cuts in the uterus and about

a 4-5 " incision at the pubic line. Hardly any pubic hair was shaved and there

is a lot of bruising, so I can't say for sure how long it is. Nothing else

looked wrong. I spent the next 3 hours in recovery, worrying my husband. If I

can get silly on 1/2 glass of wine, their cocktails wiped me out. I had some IV

pain meds and a catheter, and woke up " wasted " but not miserable.

More details about recovery if anyone wants them. I spent 2 nights in the

hospital. My Blue Cross of Florida supposedly accepted full assignment from

hospital and doctor, but no bills yet or hassles to discuss. I had a private

room, ordered by the doctor, so supposedly I don't have to pay extra for that

either. I was not thrilled with nursing care (couldn't even get a blanket) and

needed my husband, the sainted nurse and pal. My local friend is a

nurse-midwife and she checked on me too. As per my wishes, we went to a hotel

for the last 2 nights in Philly, rather than to the nurse's house. We wanted

privacy and not to be a burden, and that was a good choice for us.

The doctor did not visit again in the hospital. I was seen by his resident

briefly, but would have preferred to see him. Surgery was on Tuesday, went to

the hotel Thursday about noon. On Friday, my nurse-midwife friend checked the

incision which looked far more bruised than a normal cesarean and she wanted me

to have it checked before travel, so I called the doctor and insisted on a

visit. I am glad I did because he said he made a really small incision and did

a lot of work outside the uterus which resulted in a lot of bruising which would

get worse. Glad to hear it was normal. Also needed that closure. I think that

appointment should have been set in stone for someone traveling the next day.

Felt so good afterward (Thursday) that we went out to lunch. Then back to hotel

for a nap. But my husband got food poisoning and the prune juice cocktails had

just kicked in.) It was a bit touch and go (pun intended) for a while, but he

recovered. Whew!

But when I woke up Friday feeling sick to my stomach, I worried about a flu. It

is so easy to get sick in a hospital environment and I was not pleased with the

sanitation at Lankenau Hospital which is a top-rated suburban one, so I was

concerned.

I am planning a week in bed or on the couch, with brief forays to the computer

(1 hour twice a day max for now) and if I said anything weird blame it on the

percocet. I am taking less than 1/2 the allowed dose plus Ibuprofen.

The big news is that ALL my back aches, side aches, front aches are GONE. Just

like that. Of course I have incision pain, and I am a bit shaky from anesthesia

and the pain meds. I hate to sleep on my back, but made it to my side for a few

hours last night with the help of a heating pad and lots of pillows.

And, curiously, my migraines seem to be either gone or in the background. Won't

know until I stop the pain meds. The doctor said my fibroids were

deteriorating, and if anyone knows more about what that means, please advise.

This may have something to do with my hormone/migraines issues.

Happy to answer any private questions. Thanks for all the help and support

here!

More later.

Gay Courter

gay@...

[Guest guest]

Gay,

Congrats! Well done.

I beg to differ about Lankenau but I am comparing to very run-down Candian

hospitals.I found it very clean and pretty well-run,anyway that is an aside.Good

recovery!

Best,

Bonnie

Gay Courter wrote:

> Hi group,

>

> I'm back from Philly and a myomectomy with Dr. Glassner. Have not been on

line for more than a week but some messages have been transferred via phone via

a brand new assistant and I think some things might have gotten muddled.

>

> In any case, despite various discussions here, we ended up flying, not driving

from Florida. A good choice all in all. The flights were on time and airport

hassles were minimal. The flight up was supposed to be half full (USAIRWAYS),

but they combined another flight and so it was oversold. My seat was broken and

pitched forward and horribly uncomfortable. The idea of going home in those

tight seats afterward convinced us to cash in some frequent flyer miles for

first class. A brilliant choice! Big wide seats, very comfy, meal service,

etc. Worth the miles. I had a wheelchair on the way back which was a

necessity, even though I was able to walk a bit. First the changed the gate 3

times, and Philly is huge, plus I was rather nauseated that morning for some

reason. I was better off the day before.

>

> Here was my schedule: Flew to Philly on a Friday morning and saw Dr.

Glassner for the first time that afternoon. Patients who have had previous

abdominal surgeries often need a 3 day colonic prep, but since I had a " virgin "

belly, this was not necessary. I stayed with friends nearby and we went to

museums, musical performance, religious services, lots of nice restaurants over

the weekend. I had a lot of back pain and other aches due to the fibroids, and

some anxiety since the doctor had not been able to visualize an ovary and there

was a mass--but he was 99% certain it was yet another fibroid. (Which was the

case.)

>

> The doctor felt I had more fibroids than originally diagnosed but saw no

problem removing them with a simple midline incision. I had several doctors

scare me with the high probability (for me due to my ancient age--57 tomorrow--)

of malignancy of the fibroids and/or ovaries, but he thought this unlikely.

Even so, since I have a friend going through ovarian cancer now and I am at the

most common age and the cancer is 1 out of 55 women vs. 1 out of 1000 or more

tumors for the fibroids I decided to add to my operative permission that if an

ovary looked worrisome he could do a frozen section and if it was a problem

continue with a full hysterectomy and staging of cancer. I must say the doctor

did not much this and would have been happy to close me up and review the

options later as well. As it turned out, none of this was required.

>

> Monday I had some pre-op tests, but because I had a recent EKG and chest x-ray

this only included blood work. I then met someone from the anesthesia team. He

tried to discourage an epidural, but when I explained my reasons he didn't

disqualify me right then.

>

> I had a great dinner, fasted after midnight except for morning meds with a sip

of water, appeared at the hospital at 9:45 and went into surgery about 10:15.

When I met my next anesthesiologist, she was very negative about the epidural.

She discussed how high the pulling sensations would be etc., but then, when she

reviewed the meds I take including a lot of ibuprofen in recent months to stay

comfortable with the fibroids, plus other meds, she ruled out the epidural

because of the risk of bleeding in the dural space which could have serious

consequences, like paralysis. At that point I was on the operating table and

warned her that I was the world's cheapest drunk and not to give me too much of

anything. (She wasn't listening!)

>

> My husband was told that surgery would last about 2 hours, but in less than an

hour I was done. They removed one orange sized fibroid (I thought it was going

to be larger) and a cluster of smaller ones with 2 cuts in the uterus and about

a 4-5 " incision at the pubic line. Hardly any pubic hair was shaved and there

is a lot of bruising, so I can't say for sure how long it is. Nothing else

looked wrong. I spent the next 3 hours in recovery, worrying my husband. If I

can get silly on 1/2 glass of wine, their cocktails wiped me out. I had some IV

pain meds and a catheter, and woke up " wasted " but not miserable.

>

> More details about recovery if anyone wants them. I spent 2 nights in the

hospital. My Blue Cross of Florida supposedly accepted full assignment from

hospital and doctor, but no bills yet or hassles to discuss. I had a private

room, ordered by the doctor, so supposedly I don't have to pay extra for that

either. I was not thrilled with nursing care (couldn't even get a blanket) and

needed my husband, the sainted nurse and pal. My local friend is a

nurse-midwife and she checked on me too. As per my wishes, we went to a hotel

for the last 2 nights in Philly, rather than to the nurse's house. We wanted

privacy and not to be a burden, and that was a good choice for us.

>

> The doctor did not visit again in the hospital. I was seen by his resident

briefly, but would have preferred to see him. Surgery was on Tuesday, went to

the hotel Thursday about noon. On Friday, my nurse-midwife friend checked the

incision which looked far more bruised than a normal cesarean and she wanted me

to have it checked before travel, so I called the doctor and insisted on a

visit. I am glad I did because he said he made a really small incision and did

a lot of work outside the uterus which resulted in a lot of bruising which would

get worse. Glad to hear it was normal. Also needed that closure. I think that

appointment should have been set in stone for someone traveling the next day.

Felt so good afterward (Thursday) that we went out to lunch. Then back to hotel

for a nap. But my husband got food poisoning and the prune juice cocktails had

just kicked in.) It was a bit touch and go (pun intended) for a while, but he

recovered. Whew!

>

> But when I woke up Friday feeling sick to my stomach, I worried about a flu.

It is so easy to get sick in a hospital environment and I was not pleased with

the sanitation at Lankenau Hospital which is a top-rated suburban one, so I was

concerned.

>

> I am planning a week in bed or on the couch, with brief forays to the computer

(1 hour twice a day max for now) and if I said anything weird blame it on the

percocet. I am taking less than 1/2 the allowed dose plus Ibuprofen.

>

> The big news is that ALL my back aches, side aches, front aches are GONE.

Just like that. Of course I have incision pain, and I am a bit shaky from

anesthesia and the pain meds. I hate to sleep on my back, but made it to my

side for a few hours last night with the help of a heating pad and lots of

pillows.

>

> And, curiously, my migraines seem to be either gone or in the background.

Won't know until I stop the pain meds. The doctor said my fibroids were

deteriorating, and if anyone knows more about what that means, please advise.

This may have something to do with my hormone/migraines issues.

>

> Happy to answer any private questions. Thanks for all the help and support

here!

>

> More later.

>

> Gay Courter

> gay@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Gay,

Thanks for sharing your story. It's great to hear that everything went well and

that you're recovering okay.

May I ask what size and types of fibroids you had?

I, too, am considering a myo - but have been told by three local doctors that -

due to the size (20 weeks) and , perhaps, more importantly the type of fibroids

(one monster is in the uterine lining and close to a major artery) - a

hystectomy would be likely. I don't know whether to believe them or simply chalk

their opinions up to lack of experience.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any additional details. Robyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I'm back from Philly and a myomectomy with Dr. Glassner.

Gay, I'm gald it all went well for you. Sounds like flying was the right

choice. Good luck with the recovery!

Alison

[Guest guest]

Hi nne ~

My name is , and I'm new, new, new to this group or any group, for

that matter. I was diagnosed with fibroids earlier this year, which suprised

me, because I had no symptoms. And I'm told that they can be indeed

painless, and because of that, many MD's feel that the statistical number of

women is actually much higher than the numbers suggest. But I

digress...First of all, get yourself a new doctor. Now. I'm also a

registered nurse, and I have NEVER heard of doing something invasive

(biopsy) BEFORE something non-invasive (ultrasound). It just doesn't make

sense. Also, to investigate further (after both the biopsy and the us, in

your case), should mean an MRI or CT scan, FIRST, before more surgeries.

Sounds like this doc you're seeing may be a little knife happy. In any case,

bleeding for twelve days and twice a month is not healthy for you. You may

be anemic (you'll feel tired all the time) and your iron stores will be low.

You do need to look further, but do yourself a favor, run, don't walk to the

phone book, and start shopping around. Ask a lot of questions. There is no

such thing as a stupid question when you are the customer. Do you have any

large university type hospitals in your area? That is sometimes a good

source of specialists. Or, look on the internet. You can look under some

search engines for local physician directories. Oh and before I forget, the

fact that you have so much trouble urinating seems to me like your fibrous

uterus may be putting pressure on either your bladder, urethra, or both. I

hope your doc (who ever he may be) addresses this, soon. You do not want

your kidneys to get involved in this.

Anyway, maybe you know all this. In any case, let me know how you make out.

I care. ~

Re: MY-omectomy

> Thanks for sharing your story Gay. I went for a biopsy yesterday

(I

> assume that is standard procedure). At any rate, in conversation with the

> Dr. he started to mention hormone therapy, and before he could get another

> word out, I said NO. I told him that I have been doing alot of research

and

> that I see no reason to undergo this treatment when it is only a bandaid.

He

> also evidentally didn't listen to me the last time I was there...he keeps

> talking about bleeding. Yes, I bleed...sometimes 12 days at a

> clip...sometimes two cycles in one month. I can live with that...what I

> can't live with is PAIN! So, after I said that..he was clearly annoyed

and

> told me that pain is a completely different issue, and that I would have

to

> undergo more testing which involves surgeries. Sarcastically he mentioned

> Yoga, and acupuncture. I will have an ultra-sound done on Tuesday..I am

sure

> the tumors have gotten alot bigger. Now correct me if I'm wrong...Tumors

> cause pain! I also have problems urinating in the morning. Sometimes it

> takes me a half hour in a hot bath to relieve myself. Not real good when

you

> are trying to get ready for work and put two kids on the bus.

> I am very upset! I will finish the diagnostic testing with Mr.

> Personality. I am in central New Jersey. If anyone can recommend a good

Dr.

> I would appreciate it.

> Thank you,

> nne

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bonnie, you are wide awake. I thought of Philadelphia two minutes

after I hit the send button.

Dr. Stanley West is a reproductive endrocrinologist. A reproductive

endrocrinologist specializes in microsurgery and in preserving the

uterus. They do more myomectomies than your usual gynecologist. The

gynecologists I saw all recommended a hysterectomy. Gynecologists

usually don't have the microsurgery skills to do complex myomectomies

successfully, so they recommend taking the whole uterus out which is

just snip, snip, snip. Myomectomies require microsurgery skills that

require extra training which most gynecologists may not have.

Donna Jung

> > To those of you in New Jersey,

> > Sounds like the doctors at Wood mostly recommend

> > hysterectomies.

> > Have you considered seeing a doctor in New York City? I live in

> > Hoboken, New Jersey, and I had my myomectomy in New York City

> > with Dr. Stanley West.

> > Donna Jung, 47

[Guest guest]

> Again, he suggested a hysterectomy...and when I said no, and that I

> had been researching, he came back with " some women's groups think

> that it is important to save the uterus, yours has already done

> it's job "

I don't suppose this doctor even wonders WHY some women's groups

think that it is important to save the uterus. Like what women think

about their own bodies doesn't count, only what their doctor thinks

counts. Good Grief!

Just my thoughts.

DeAnn

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

That's good to know about Dr.West.Dr.Glassner is also an infertility expert and

the other thing he

does when not in surgery is helping women have babies.About micro-surgery I do

not know if that

technique is superior or not to regular surgery,however,Dr.Glassner has done

many,many myos with a

very good track record ( he also has experience on very large uteri) -My

advice-see them both

Best,

Bonnie

Donna Jung wrote:

> Bonnie, you are wide awake. I thought of Philadelphia two minutes

> after I hit the send button.

>

> Dr. Stanley West is a reproductive endrocrinologist. A reproductive

> endrocrinologist specializes in microsurgery and in preserving the

> uterus. They do more myomectomies than your usual gynecologist. The

> gynecologists I saw all recommended a hysterectomy. Gynecologists

> usually don't have the microsurgery skills to do complex myomectomies

> successfully, so they recommend taking the whole uterus out which is

> just snip, snip, snip. Myomectomies require microsurgery skills that

> require extra training which most gynecologists may not have.

>

> Donna Jung

>

>

> > > To those of you in New Jersey,

> > > Sounds like the doctors at Wood mostly recommend

> > > hysterectomies.

> > > Have you considered seeing a doctor in New York City? I live in

> > > Hoboken, New Jersey, and I had my myomectomy in New York City

> > > with Dr. Stanley West.

> > > Donna Jung, 47

>

>

>