Re: Myomectomy on Monday. Terrified! What should I do to prepare for surgery?

[Guest guest]

Try to stay as positive as possible. I dreamed up so many different

scenarios and reasons as to why my surgery would be different and why

I'd suffer, but honestly, it's the best thing I have ever done for

myself. I no longer have to worry about having a tumor in me,

whether it's growing, whether it will will cause me pain today, etc,

I am now living fibroid free and am so happy i did it. Even though I

ended up with the " worse " surgery for my scenario (doc attempted

laparoscopic but had to do a 5 inch cut anyway due to the placement)

I feel great. I walked the same day of my surgery, 4 hours after

waking up. I think that this is very important. The more you walk,

the faster you'll heal. I'm amazed at how my body has been recovery

wise. Today I am 3 months post myo (8.4.03) and am doing well. I

went on rollercoasters 4 weeks post myo.

There is definitely life after myo, and you will be so happy to have

this behind you. I promise! :-)

Good luck, we'll be thinking of you.

> Hello everyone and thank you to those of you who responded to my

post

> in August. These last few months have been terrible and this group

> is truly wonderful and has helped me tremendously. Thank you!

>

> My abdominal myomectomy is scheduled for this coming Monday,

November

> 10 at UCLA with Dr. DeCherney. I am terrified of surgery.

>

> What should I do to prepare?

> What should I expect before/during/after the surgery?

> Is there anything I can do to help diminish the scar either

pre/post-

> op?

>

> I am nervous, terrified, and have been having nightmares these last

> few nights. Logically, I know I have to have the surgery. I am just

> hoping someone can tell me anything to calm me down and help me

> prepare, both physically and emotionally, for the surgery.

>

> I can't wait for a " fibroid-free " life again, although I honestly

> can't remember what that was like!

>

> Thank you,

> Charlene

[Guest guest]

Hi Charlene,

I think you'll feel much calmer after pre-op appt.

I'm having my abdominal myo on 11/26 so can only tell you that I was

were you are worry or fear wise just last week and now I'm at the

point of looking forward to how cool it will be too have this surgery

over and done with. Also looking forward to some down time in the

hospital and having people be extra nice to me:)

I wasn't given any specific for before surgery instructions yet but

have quit smoking (hard in time of stress!)Physically- I'm practicing

just walking around the house and not bending (not easy)and doing

regular stuff..like gardening, raking leaves. In general I'm avoiding

foods that I tend to eat too much of or that give me gas.

I like books and audio books when I need to relax, just regular

novels work for me...takes my mind off all things stressful.

I hope you get some good replies. I'm more worried about having a

flabby tummy after myo than the scar which in my case is going all

the way across.

You will be fine:)

Best wishes,

Jan

PS- I hired a person today to do my vacuuming, shopping, etc. and

this womens daughter has had 2 myo's and is fine and was just a bit

sore afteward...first live person I've met who even knew what a

myomectomy was.

[Guest guest]

First, relax, it isn't as bad as what your imagination can dream up.

Close your eyes and guide yourself through surgery and recovery as

being a positive thing. Hey, I think the technical term is " guided

imagery " Whatever. It does work. I ran and finished 4 marathons

several years ago and I did not consider myself a runner. I went to

classes and we closed our eyes and the teacher told us to listen and

envision everything he said about the course and he mentally guided us

through the course. Then he told us to practice that in addition to

physical practice. That mental stuff affects you physically.

Be happy you will be fibroid free. I'm so glad not to have the

pressure on my bladder! Hopefully you have done your homework and you

are comfortable with your doctor. My abdo myo was Oct 21, tomorrow

will be 2 weeks and I'm able to walk around, bend down, I have a big

purple bruise and I'm still a little bloated/swollen, but hey, it has

only been 2 weeks. I'm even able to put my tennis shoes on and tie

them (this is progress from last week).

You will bleed after the surgery, but it shouldn't be anything more

than a normal type period. Everyone is different. My period was

supposed to start the following week and I think it started right

after surgery. After 5 days of a regular type period with no

clotting, there was a day or two of spotting and then nothing!

I never had surgery or had been under general anesthesia. Everyone at

the hospital was very professional, I was calm, had a good attitude,

even joked with the doctor if I could take the fibroid home in a jar.

I never knew what hit me in the surgery room, they wheeled me in,

someone said " We are going to give you a nice leg massage here " and

they put those blood pressure type cuff things on my legs and that is

all I remember!

I think relaxing helps greatly with your recovery. It may be hard,

but just think of the positives. I seriously had no pain, just

cramping, like menstrual cramps, right after surgery (I also turned

this into a positive " thank goodnes the fibroid is out and I have my

uterus because I know that is what is cramping " ) That was quickly

relieved with the Morphine drip. I was able to get up the next day

and walk. While uncomfortable, I really felt no pain.

Do a search on this site like " hospital " or " list " etc. as some people

have made a great list of what to bring to hospital that will be

helpful. Bring a portable CD player and headphones of your favorite

music (and lots of batteries) to listen to while you are in the

hospital to relax. Maybe you can find a CD of ocean waves or sea

sounds or something like that to calm you. I, myself, had a hypnosis

CD that had 2 tracks I used every day--one for relaxation and one for

sleep. It really worked for me!!

Make sure to walk a little every day and probably a few times every

day, walk around the living room in circles for 10-15 minutes if you

are afraid to leave the house. Keep the circulation going--very

important.

Avoid eating anything the night before that will will cause gas

(brocolli, onions, beans, etc.) and avoid those types of foods the

first week when you are done with surgery. Also avoid straws right

after surgery and carbonated drinks as you will swallow air and that

could add to the gas. Fortunately, I was able to burp up a lot after

surgery. I think it is from the anesthesia. If you have a good

anesthesiologist you shouldn't have a problem.

Bathing - I had staples and a big gauze pad taped over my incision

area so I could not take a shower until the staples were taken out in

a week. They give you a non-rinse cleaning solution in the hospital.

You can also use baby wipes to clean yourself off, but you cannot get

that bandage wet. I was able to wash my hair by myself in the sink,

so I got by until the staples were out.

Scar - don't worry too much about it. My sister had a C-section 8

years ago and I looked for her scar and couldn't even see one--I was

amazed! I think some people recommended rubbing Vitamin E or some

kind of cream in that area. However, I can barely stand to touch that

area as it is very sensitive after week 2 so I'm not rubbing anything

there. Also, the doctor cut along what is a natural crease for me

there so I think the scar will be very minimal. I wasn't planning to

model bikinis anyway!! Be glad they do a bikini cut. My mom had 2

C-sections and back then it meant a cut straight down from her belly

button to the hairline and her scar looked awful.

Good luck on your surgery. Really, don't worry. I was a big baby

when it came to all of this, but keeping a positive attitude got me

through.

> My abdominal myomectomy is scheduled for this coming Monday, November

> 10 at UCLA with Dr. DeCherney. I am terrified of surgery.

>

> What should I do to prepare?

> What should I expect before/during/after the surgery?

> Is there anything I can do to help diminish the scar either pre/post-

> op?

>

[Guest guest]

First, relax, it isn't as bad as what your imagination can dream up.

Close your eyes and guide yourself through surgery and recovery as

being a positive thing. Hey, I think the technical term is " guided

imagery " Whatever. It does work. I ran and finished 4 marathons

several years ago and I did not consider myself a runner. I went to

classes and we closed our eyes and the teacher told us to listen and

envision everything he said about the course and he mentally guided us

through the course. Then he told us to practice that in addition to

physical practice. That mental stuff affects you physically.

Be happy you will be fibroid free. I'm so glad not to have the

pressure on my bladder! Hopefully you have done your homework and you

are comfortable with your doctor. My abdo myo was Oct 21, tomorrow

will be 2 weeks and I'm able to walk around, bend down, I have a big

purple bruise and I'm still a little bloated/swollen, but hey, it has

only been 2 weeks. I'm even able to put my tennis shoes on and tie

them (this is progress from last week).

You will bleed after the surgery, but it shouldn't be anything more

than a normal type period. Everyone is different. My period was

supposed to start the following week and I think it started right

after surgery. After 5 days of a regular type period with no

clotting, there was a day or two of spotting and then nothing!

I never had surgery or had been under general anesthesia. Everyone at

the hospital was very professional, I was calm, had a good attitude,

even joked with the doctor if I could take the fibroid home in a jar.

I never knew what hit me in the surgery room, they wheeled me in,

someone said " We are going to give you a nice leg massage here " and

they put those blood pressure type cuff things on my legs and that is

all I remember!

I think relaxing helps greatly with your recovery. It may be hard,

but just think of the positives. I seriously had no pain, just

cramping, like menstrual cramps, right after surgery (I also turned

this into a positive " thank goodnes the fibroid is out and I have my

uterus because I know that is what is cramping " ) That was quickly

relieved with the Morphine drip. I was able to get up the next day

and walk. While uncomfortable, I really felt no pain.

Do a search on this site like " hospital " or " list " etc. as some people

have made a great list of what to bring to hospital that will be

helpful. Bring a portable CD player and headphones of your favorite

music (and lots of batteries) to listen to while you are in the

hospital to relax. Maybe you can find a CD of ocean waves or sea

sounds or something like that to calm you. I, myself, had a hypnosis

CD that had 2 tracks I used every day--one for relaxation and one for

sleep. It really worked for me!!

Make sure to walk a little every day and probably a few times every

day, walk around the living room in circles for 10-15 minutes if you

are afraid to leave the house. Keep the circulation going--very

important.

Avoid eating anything the night before that will will cause gas

(brocolli, onions, beans, etc.) and avoid those types of foods the

first week when you are done with surgery. Also avoid straws right

after surgery and carbonated drinks as you will swallow air and that

could add to the gas. Fortunately, I was able to burp up a lot after

surgery. I think it is from the anesthesia. If you have a good

anesthesiologist you shouldn't have a problem.

Bathing - I had staples and a big gauze pad taped over my incision

area so I could not take a shower until the staples were taken out in

a week. They give you a non-rinse cleaning solution in the hospital.

You can also use baby wipes to clean yourself off, but you cannot get

that bandage wet. I was able to wash my hair by myself in the sink,

so I got by until the staples were out.

Scar - don't worry too much about it. My sister had a C-section 8

years ago and I looked for her scar and couldn't even see one--I was

amazed! I think some people recommended rubbing Vitamin E or some

kind of cream in that area. However, I can barely stand to touch that

area as it is very sensitive after week 2 so I'm not rubbing anything

there. Also, the doctor cut along what is a natural crease for me

there so I think the scar will be very minimal. I wasn't planning to

model bikinis anyway!! Be glad they do a bikini cut. My mom had 2

C-sections and back then it meant a cut straight down from her belly

button to the hairline and her scar looked awful.

Good luck on your surgery. Really, don't worry. I was a big baby

when it came to all of this, but keeping a positive attitude got me

through.

> My abdominal myomectomy is scheduled for this coming Monday, November

> 10 at UCLA with Dr. DeCherney. I am terrified of surgery.

>

> What should I do to prepare?

> What should I expect before/during/after the surgery?

> Is there anything I can do to help diminish the scar either pre/post-

> op?

>

[Guest guest]

First, relax, it isn't as bad as what your imagination can dream up.

Close your eyes and guide yourself through surgery and recovery as

being a positive thing. Hey, I think the technical term is " guided

imagery " Whatever. It does work. I ran and finished 4 marathons

several years ago and I did not consider myself a runner. I went to

classes and we closed our eyes and the teacher told us to listen and

envision everything he said about the course and he mentally guided us

through the course. Then he told us to practice that in addition to

physical practice. That mental stuff affects you physically.

Be happy you will be fibroid free. I'm so glad not to have the

pressure on my bladder! Hopefully you have done your homework and you

are comfortable with your doctor. My abdo myo was Oct 21, tomorrow

will be 2 weeks and I'm able to walk around, bend down, I have a big

purple bruise and I'm still a little bloated/swollen, but hey, it has

only been 2 weeks. I'm even able to put my tennis shoes on and tie

them (this is progress from last week).

You will bleed after the surgery, but it shouldn't be anything more

than a normal type period. Everyone is different. My period was

supposed to start the following week and I think it started right

after surgery. After 5 days of a regular type period with no

clotting, there was a day or two of spotting and then nothing!

I never had surgery or had been under general anesthesia. Everyone at

the hospital was very professional, I was calm, had a good attitude,

even joked with the doctor if I could take the fibroid home in a jar.

I never knew what hit me in the surgery room, they wheeled me in,

someone said " We are going to give you a nice leg massage here " and

they put those blood pressure type cuff things on my legs and that is

all I remember!

I think relaxing helps greatly with your recovery. It may be hard,

but just think of the positives. I seriously had no pain, just

cramping, like menstrual cramps, right after surgery (I also turned

this into a positive " thank goodnes the fibroid is out and I have my

uterus because I know that is what is cramping " ) That was quickly

relieved with the Morphine drip. I was able to get up the next day

and walk. While uncomfortable, I really felt no pain.

Do a search on this site like " hospital " or " list " etc. as some people

have made a great list of what to bring to hospital that will be

helpful. Bring a portable CD player and headphones of your favorite

music (and lots of batteries) to listen to while you are in the

hospital to relax. Maybe you can find a CD of ocean waves or sea

sounds or something like that to calm you. I, myself, had a hypnosis

CD that had 2 tracks I used every day--one for relaxation and one for

sleep. It really worked for me!!

Make sure to walk a little every day and probably a few times every

day, walk around the living room in circles for 10-15 minutes if you

are afraid to leave the house. Keep the circulation going--very

important.

Avoid eating anything the night before that will will cause gas

(brocolli, onions, beans, etc.) and avoid those types of foods the

first week when you are done with surgery. Also avoid straws right

after surgery and carbonated drinks as you will swallow air and that

could add to the gas. Fortunately, I was able to burp up a lot after

surgery. I think it is from the anesthesia. If you have a good

anesthesiologist you shouldn't have a problem.

Bathing - I had staples and a big gauze pad taped over my incision

area so I could not take a shower until the staples were taken out in

a week. They give you a non-rinse cleaning solution in the hospital.

You can also use baby wipes to clean yourself off, but you cannot get

that bandage wet. I was able to wash my hair by myself in the sink,

so I got by until the staples were out.

Scar - don't worry too much about it. My sister had a C-section 8

years ago and I looked for her scar and couldn't even see one--I was

amazed! I think some people recommended rubbing Vitamin E or some

kind of cream in that area. However, I can barely stand to touch that

area as it is very sensitive after week 2 so I'm not rubbing anything

there. Also, the doctor cut along what is a natural crease for me

there so I think the scar will be very minimal. I wasn't planning to

model bikinis anyway!! Be glad they do a bikini cut. My mom had 2

C-sections and back then it meant a cut straight down from her belly

button to the hairline and her scar looked awful.

Good luck on your surgery. Really, don't worry. I was a big baby

when it came to all of this, but keeping a positive attitude got me

through.

> My abdominal myomectomy is scheduled for this coming Monday, November

> 10 at UCLA with Dr. DeCherney. I am terrified of surgery.

>

> What should I do to prepare?

> What should I expect before/during/after the surgery?

> Is there anything I can do to help diminish the scar either pre/post-

> op?

>

[Guest guest]

cs!

Well...this is cause for great celebration! The main thing is...your

imagination is much worse than the surgery will ever be...in other

words...you have already been through the worst of it. I think this is

true.

When you wake up you will feel empowered and relieved and each day will

be better and then your quality of life will be so good!

In an ideal world just before of the night before I would get a

massage or some guided imagery, perhaps hypnosis even, I would be with a

friend as I drifted off with all those lovely drugs they give you to

feel peaceful....

Post surgery, vitamin C greatly inhibits scarring. Check with your

doc to see if that is ok for you....the best of luck! gg

cs_barone wrote:

>Hello everyone and thank you to those of you who responded to my post

>in August. These last few months have been terrible and this group

>is truly wonderful and has helped me tremendously. Thank you!

>

>My abdominal myomectomy is scheduled for this coming Monday, November

>10 at UCLA with Dr. DeCherney. I am terrified of surgery.

>

>What should I do to prepare?

>What should I expect before/during/after the surgery?

>Is there anything I can do to help diminish the scar either pre/post-

>op?

>

>I am nervous, terrified, and have been having nightmares these last

>few nights. Logically, I know I have to have the surgery. I am just

>hoping someone can tell me anything to calm me down and help me

>prepare, both physically and emotionally, for the surgery.

>

>I can't wait for a " fibroid-free " life again, although I honestly

>can't remember what that was like!

>

>Thank you,

>Charlene

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Charlene,

I had my myo on Spet 23 and i doing very well..2 fibroids wre remov ed from me..

To prepare just get plenty rest before , you will need all your energy

after..try not to get too stressed out..think how you will feel a couple months

after surgery..this is all for the best..

Before surgery you will be anxious..this is normal , cant really do anything to

supress that..during you will be knocked out so no worries there..after surgery

use your pain pump when needed..i had a lot of nausea with my morphine pump so i

tried not to use it..or i had the nurse piggy back Gravol via IV to decrease my

nausea..that helped alot..

The best thing to use to diminish the scar is Vit. E capsules from any Rx

store..open the capsules and rub them over the scar...this helped me

considerably..Im a woman of colour and you can hardly see my scar thanks to the

Vit E capsules,, i also use Cocoa butter, this helps but takes longer to see

results...

Just think how close to a fibroid free life you will be near too..

My thouhts will be with you and prayer on your surgery day

Take care and best of luck!

[Guest guest]

Dear Charlene,

I understand your fear but the time leading up to the surgery is worse

than the surgery. Basically all I remember is them saying " you will be

out in about 20 seconds " then " we are done!! " If you start feeling

pain when you wake up, they are pretty liberal with the morphine.

Usually I am not a proponent of taking narcotics. But in this case, it

helps you get rid of any pain so you can walk. And my surgeon was

insistent that I walk ASAP--meaning about 1 hr after surgery. So I was

up and about pretty quickly. If not for the morphine, I am sure it

would have been harder. His theory is (also my massage therapist's)

that walking around keeps the scars from forming right off the bat.

Imagine a cut, it will ooze and dry up. When you have cuts on your

uterus they oooze a bit and will attach to the other organs (tubes,

ovaries) that float above. So do the best you can ---yes, it is hard.

To walk as much as possible. I stayed the night in the hospital but

got up every two or three hours to walk. Also, if you can't walk right

away, don't worry too much you will have a chance to as the pain gets

better really quickly (it did for me).

I am sure you have heard to bring a change of cloths to the hospital.

I brought some of those nice face wipes from shisedo (you can get

other brands from the local drug store) so I could wipe my face

without getting up to the bathroom. I also brought bottled water since

what they give you is from the tap (my husband carried all of this).

Get underwear that go way above your belly button --- sometimes the

elastic can be bothersome.

Before surgery - try to strengthen your tummy and leg muscles as much

as possible. It makes getting around easier

.. I bought a yoga tape. I did not do this the first time and it made

getting up and down harder. I also used a relaxation tape and took a

walk in my favorite park the day beofore. If you are very, very

anxious, ask your doc for a scrip for anxiety meds. When I told my doc

I was a bit nervous (for my first surgery) he said he did not believe

in making anyone suffer so he got me some anti-anxiety medication. I

took it one night and it really helped. This time though, I got the

tape and felt a little calmer just because I had had surgery with this

doc before in the same hospital. It is much easier when you are

walking into the known and not the unkown. I also made sure I had lots

of bollioun cubes aroudn. If you have time make homemade chix stock --

or ask a friend who knows how to make some for you. This is a very

healing soup--b/c of the bone marrow, etc.

I wish you the best. I really changed after my surgery. I felt so

happy to have it all past me. It really feels like a small life triumph.

[Guest guest]

Charlene,

I forgot to tell you. I had 14 fibroids removed (range from 1.2cm to

4.5) and my appendix removed. I think the walking helped because i was

totally pain free and walking at a normal pace after five or six days.

Good luck!!!

[Guest guest]

Don't worry. It's likely not to be as bad as you're expecting.

If you're in pain or feel nauseous ask for something for that. Ask

about the morphine pump if you have one, and avoiding nausea.

Sitting/lying still helps pain to go away, resting the abdominal

muscles in a comfortable position. I had (burning and pulling)

sensations in the scar area with early walks, rather than pain

you'd need a pain killer for.

Drink plenty of water before and after surgery.

After surgery, wriggle toes, move your legs and ankles to help

your circulation, which is important. This why people say walk

about when you're up to that

Move slowly -> especially getting in and out of bed. Avoid pulling

on your 'stomach' muscles. Getting back into bed won't hurt too

much if you sit part way down the bed,carefully lift your legs on to

the bed and lower yourself down gently via your arms. Getting out

of bed was REALLY painful the first time. It's a good idea to have

a painkiller or press the morphine pump before trying that the

first time. Nurses reccommend a rolling motion. I personally

preferred hitching myself into a seated position in bed *slowly*

and then swivelling so my legs dangled over the edge to stand

up.

Have a magazine or low concentration book with you in case you

do feel like reading and are bored. I didn't feel fuzzy and did read

a bit.

Don't eat or have coffees etc. until the doctor says it's ok. The

person doing the rounds with the drinks trolley or food menu

doesn't know individual cases.

Take in some tissues too. Earplugs or headphones are handy if

you're next to someone in pain or who snores loudly, etc.

Nightdresses may be better for the catheter. Your whole

stomach area up to your belly button will feel bloated and tender.

It's normal for it to feel externally numb when you touch it. There

may also be coloured dye on it that washes off after the

operation. I found the most comfortable knickers were up to the

belly button!! In the first couple of weeks you might want to

consider a size bigger than usual.

Take in an extra top in case the hospital is chilly. I was glad I had

one or two.

_____

(For much more, see Smartgroups UK fibroids group Cat's myo

diary)

GOOD LUCK!!

[Guest guest]

I also found it useful to use my elbows and heels to put my weight on while

getting in and out of bed to take the pressure off my abdomen. The rolling

method didn't work as well for me, either.

[Guest guest]

I also found it useful to use my elbows and heels to put my weight on while

getting in and out of bed to take the pressure off my abdomen. The rolling

method didn't work as well for me, either.