2/19 ab. myo - suggestion for pain control

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My name is Cindy, I am 35, and just had an abdominal myo on

Thurdsay. I had one large fibroid removed - it was on the outside of

my uterus, on a thick stalk, and on the back. It was about the size

of a grapefruit or so and the Dr. said it was wrapped around my

bowels. This same fibroid adhered itself to my bowel & obstructed it

14 months ago when I was 8 months pregnant (it was the size of a

small basketball then!). My daughter was born via emergency

c/section & the adhesions cut. My Dr. recommended having it removed

before having any more children so that the same thing hopefully

doesn't happen again.

I am feeling pretty good today, just tired. I wanted to share with

you my suggestions for pain control post myo (in the hospital).

After my surgery I was put on a morphine patient controlled pump. I

had a terrible time coming out of the anesthesia (coulnd't wake up)

and was in recovery for almost 4 hours. I finally told them to take

the morphine out since it was making my ears ring, making me

nauseated, and I just felt awful (other family members have a hard

time with these types of drugs, too). My brother is a pharmacist and

recommended a drug called Toradol which works like Motrin but is much

stronger and can be given either through IV or as a shot. I HIGHLY

recommend this drug...it completely takes away the pain but doesn't

mess with your head like morphine and other drugs like that can. I'm

sure it isn't for everyone, but if you are leary of drugs & Motrin

works well for you for other conditions, it's worth at least

discussing with your Dr.

The other advice I can offer is to get up and walk as soon as they

let you in the hospital...it not only helps you start to feel better,

but moves all that awful gas around. For me, the gas pains were way

worse than the incisional pain. Of course, take it easy, but getting

moving is really important. Also, use the spirometer to open your

lungs as often as recommended - it's tough at first, but gets easier

the more you do it.

I am now 4 days post myo and am taking 600 mg of Motrin before bed

and that's it for pain. I feel pretty good, but am tired and taking

it very easy. I lay down a few times a day and have been going to

bed much earlier than usual. I am also very fortunate to have great

family support (my husband has been great, and my parents are staying

with us for a couple of weeks) caring for my 14 month old daughter, 2

dogs, 2 cats & house. I know everyone is different, but to those who

have not had their ab. myo yet I just wanted to share my experience.

~Cindy