10 days post ab-myo w/Dr. in L.A.

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to post a little of my experience for those of you on the road to

myomectomy.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28th in Santa , Dr. Bill performed an abdominal

myomectomy for what we knew was a large fibroid with two probable other fibroids

visible on the CT scan I provided from previous GYN. The surgery was at noon,

and I was in my room by 5:00. The " ringleader " fibroid was the largest and was

on the outside of my uterus. Embedded inside, however, were many more...he

removed a total of 19 fibroids. I was provided with a PCA pump, and a new device

called " On Q " , which is a little fanny pack which holds a small bottle of

anesthetic which is automatically funneled into the incision site through teeny

tubes inserted at the time of surgery. This was to keep the immediate incision

site numb. The solution lasted about 3 days.

I lost little blood during surgery, I never got sick, and Dr. was there

for me throughout each day. I left the hospital on Friday (same day I had the

IV's and PCA removed) and stayed at the hotel for one night, so as to be close

by if needed, then returned home (2 hrs.) on Saturday morning. Before I left

the hotel, we removed the little tubes of the OnQ device, which had run out of

juice by then.

It is true that getting up the first couple of times is tough (and will be for a

while, but you will learn the best way to do it and it gets better), but just

keep remembering that it will all be over soon! The surgery was painful,

however with the PCA pump I could control, plus the other goodies Dr.

used, pain was managed as good as I have ever seen. My only complaint was the

hospital, which is why I wanted to leave on Friday. There was absolutely no

sleep to be had at that place. I am sure that this is the standard experience

in most all hospitals. In hindsight, I think I would have splurged and gotten

the private room. Another thing that I find comical now, is that it seemed like

the day shift left all of the " dirty " work for the night crew! Just as I would

try and doze off at about 9 or 10 p.m. after the night shift took over and did

their thing, the night nurse would insist that my bloody gown and sheet pads (I

was on my period when I went in for surgery) be changed. " Why? it's been like

this all day! "

Having faith in your surgeon means everything. I have been through many

surgeries in my life, and this is one I felt quite calm about going in. I knew

I was in good hands with Dr. .

My incision is about 8 " wide, and very thin. It is taped up (no stitches). My

follow up will be next week. The swelling has gone down some, but can tell it

is still swollen inside (he did a lot of work!), and it is sore to move around.

I have been able to walk around and even do a little picking up around the

house. My husband had to grab me by the arm and put me in the chair, I felt

good enough to putz around the kitchen and he was afraid I was over-doing it.

It is important to rest as much as possible. Honestly, I feel no more fatigued

post surgery than I have felt these past 2 years! Getting rid of the poachers

that were stealing my energy - plus the fact that I lost no blood during

surgery.

My stomach has never been black and blue, as some women report - proof that Dr.

takes CARE. What a concept, eh?

I only wish half of the other GYNs would subscribe to this practice.

Wishing the rest of you happy healing.

Rhonda