I am one week post- UFE

[Guest guest]

I had my uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) one week ago today. I had multiple

fibroids making my uterus the size of an 18 week pregnancy. I am 52. I had

heavier periods than before and some constipation and frequent urination. I

opted for the UFE because it looked like it would take care of the problems with

the least invasion and fastest recovery and no loss of organs.

The procedure went well, it took about 45 minutes. I was conscience but very

druggy. I didn' t feel anything, no problem there. The doctor occasionally

talked to me, asking me to hold my breath (for pictures? I never asked). I

could respond but was generally sleepy.

I did feel a fair amount of pain for several hours immediately after the

procedure. It felt like bad menstrual cramps. It was not as bad as labor.

They gave me pain medication but I was pretty uncomfortable for a while. The

pain was also not as bad as the pain of getting out of bed after a C-section. I

was on a morphine drip for the rest of the day and that night and was OK because

of that. I was on a clear liquid diet. I barfed once. I was able to get out

of bed to go to the bathroom. I mostly slept.

I went home the next day. For the next 4 days I had what felt like pretty bad

but not awful menstrual cramps. I was uncomfortable but it was certainly

liveable. My procedure was on Wednesday. By Monday the pain was gone. For the

past three days I have felt tired, feverish in the evening, my uterus feels a

bit swollen and tender, but I don't have the cramps. Today, one week after my

procedure, I went back to work part time then went grocery shopping.

I won't know how well the UFE will reduce the size of my fibroids for a while,

it might even take 6 months. Too bad about that part. But I am glad I had it

done, glad I picked it over other options.

Just thought I'd share about my experience.

Betsy