Reply to Frab POST-MYO Expectations & Reality

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In a message dated 3/12/2004 9:17:49 AM Eastern Standard Time,

francesca@... writes:

I have finally had the myo - am now 16 days post - he removed a

tennis ball sized and a grapefruit sized fibroid from the top of my

uterus. There was another fibroid (small) at the bottom of the uterus

which he could not remove without doing a hyst. Roma - if you are

still on the list - how soon after the myo could you notice a

reduction in belly size?

Thanks

Wow, Francesca! You've certainly dug dug deep, pulled out, and dusted off a

really " golden oldie " post of mine! I'd say you've revived a RRR (Real Roma

Relic!!)--the famous " Frab " post!!

You should know that, at present, I am one year, and month past my myo.

Immediately after my myomectomy, even while in my hospital bed, yes, I was

aware of a reduction (flattening) in my " belly. "

(It's amazing what a 24-hour fast and the removal of 46 fibroids and some

adenomyosis can do to your shape!)

However, soon AFTER those first early days , I began to notice the appearance

of rather pronounced overall pelvic swelling, which all the Myo LOL (Ladies

of the List) will tell you is typical after ANY ab/pelvic surgery. No way I

could get into many of my normal pants/skirts, even though I was 46-fibroids

lighter AND MY WEIGHT WAS THE LOWEST IT HAD BEEN in my adult life!

As a matter of fact, not only was I swollen and bloated, I had a somewhat

infrequent post-op reaction--copious quantities of lymph had drained downward,

swelling my vulva to the point that my " private parts " looked about three times

their normal size.And because of that, I had to walk in a -esque

crotch-holding way for quite a few weeks...... If those reactions weren't

grotesque enough, I ALSO had a beet red allergic reaction to the adhesive tape,

plus dark, dark purple and black brusing from hip bone to hip bone! Ugh!

At the time, yes........I felt a little like St. Roma, the " Myo Martyr! "

In time, I'm happy to report, all of the above disappeared. Yes, there were

vague pains, and puzzling discomfort here and there for a few months. As,

recoveries go, I wasn't trying to set any new records for speed.

The fact is: When you're at home from surgery, it's hard not to agonize,

obsess, check

hyperfocus on your tender recuperating parts. I think we ALL do it to a

certain extent.

We've had major surgery, and we want to monitor the results! And damnit,

after suffering with those $^%^@#@ fibroids, we DO want results!!!!

The good news is that once most of us head back to work (at the 6-8 week

post-myo point), we usually turn a corner with respect to healing, and, while

not

FULLY recovered, we can see how very far we've come. And then back in the

workaday world, we tend to dwell on it less and less. And before you know it,

much time has passed--and you're really much better!! And yes, the swelling

continues to go down...for months!

Take it from any of us myo veterans. Sixteen days post-op is waaayyyyyyyyy to

early to make any assessments about your final shape. Waayyyyyyyyyyyyy to

early!!!!!

Remember Aesop's Fables: Think: SLOW and STEADY.

My suggestion: in the weeks to come, go and buy some pretty new outfits--but

ones that aren't constricting in the belly area. I was going to say: think

spring, but, I guess in South Africa, it's approaching autumn, no?

Get something pretty, and fashionable, but nothing constricting to make you

ever conscious of any swelling in that region.

Before you know it, it will be three months, seven months, and even up until

the one-year point you will be amazed at the fact that you may still see real

improvement.

So, think: SLOW AND STEADY, Francesca.

Needless to say, if you feel concerned about ongoing pain/discomfort be sure

to make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor. Any pain in that

region (including unrelated benign bowel and bladder discomfort, like IBS) will

exacerbate the " surgical " pain--and make it seem as though you're not

progressing as quickly as you'd like. Which can be discouraging.

I think the consensus on this list is to begin a walking program --as much as

you can tolerate, in the beginning, and gradually try to build up.

As a former competitive swimmer (even into adulthood), I was eager to return

to the pool at the four-week post myo point. I even bought a brand new skimpy

lycra Speedo, and was thrilled that the lycra compressed the myo swelling in a

gentle way--until the swelling went down on its on.

Again, I repeat: When I returned to the pool, I wasn't setting any records.

It didn't matter. I wanted to take it SLOW and STEADY.

I know it's often difficult, but do try to be patient with the pace of your

body's healing. And don't be afraid to report your concerns to your doctor.

And if you have specific questions of the LOL, fire away!

Hang in there, Francesca!

Best wishes,

Roma

..

--- In uterinefibroids , ARomaWithAView@a... wrot

> RE: MY TUMMY:Yes, my stomach did become flatter after myomectomy,

because the fibroidal distortion part of the belly is gone.

It's nice. Not a toned abdomen, at this point,

mind you, but sans that distorted look that some of us fibroidians know so

well.

Bear in mind, however, I still have what I think is typical hard

lump swelling around the incision, a so-called pooch. It is my

understanding that this area recedes in time.