How are you feeling after your Hysteroscopic Myomectomy?

Thought I should finally start a “How are you feeling after…” post about my first fibroid procedure. From FibroidSecondOpinion.com:

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a technique that can be performed only if the fibroids causing the symptoms are within or bulging into the uterine cavity (submucosal). This procedure is performed as outpatient surgery without any incisions. Anesthesia is needed because the surgery may take one to two hours and would otherwise be uncomfortable. A small telescope, the hysteroscope, is passed through the cervix, and the internal uterine cavity is seen. A small camera is attached to the telescope, and the view is projected on a video monitor. This magnifies the picture and also allows your physician to perform the surgery while sitting in a comfortable position. The surgery can then proceed more rapidly.

For more information:
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy (FibroidSecondOpinion.com)
Hysteroscopy (WebMD)
Myomectomy (Wikipedia)

My Hysteroscopic Myomectomy was outpatient, under general anesthesia, and caused very little pain. Since I had never gone through surgery before, I was freaking out some over the idea of general anesthesia but it all worked out well. Of course, I don’t remember any details from the procedure itself but the recovery was not that bad. The nausea from the drugs bothered me more than any pain or bleeding. You can follow my story in excruciating detail through the Related Posts at the end.

If you have a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy experience, thoughts, or questions, please leave a comment here.

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Related Posts:
Is there such a thing as minor fibroid surgery?
No longer freaking out over my fibroid surgery tomorrow
Memories before my myomectomy
Memories directly after my myomectomy
Does anyone have a hysteroscopy experience to share?

Just what are your uterine fibroid tumor treatment options?

Been blogging here for a number of months on the medical decisions I made to finally address my uterine fibroid tumor problem. I consider myself fortunate because a number of women have decided to share their choices as well. It’s now time to string some of the Forum “threads” together and assemble a post that lists fibroid treatment options.

I’ll start with some general information from the MayoClinic.com Uterine Fibroids Decision Guide. Visit the site for treatment details including what to expect, common concerns, and pros and cons. I’ll also include links to related posts on this site for each of the options.

Does anyone have a dilation (dilatation) and curettage (D&C) experience to share?

From the original visitor question: (Click the link to view the entire comment.)

Tameka:…the doctor said that the fibroids sizes were relatively small compared to my uterus size. She was concerned about the size and wondered if I had more fibroids than the sonogram or something else. She recommended a D & C to see what else is going on? Has anyone every had a D&C during their fibroid experience?

I’ll leave a couple of links. Visit Wikipedia for general information and additional medical references including a D&C guide by the World Health Organization. Here’s a quote from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:

D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. Dilatation (“D”) is a widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus. Curettage (“C”) is the scraping of the contents of the uterus. The vaginal canal is held open by a speculum, and the opening to the uterus (cervix) may be anesthetized. The cervical canal is widened using a metal rod, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the canal into the uterine cavity. The inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped away, and the tissue is collected for examination.

Dilation and curettage (Wikipedia)
D and C (Medline Plus/ US National Library of Medicine)

If you have a D&C experience or thoughts/questions, please leave a comment here.

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Related Post:
I just call it The Gator

UPDATE: My condition three months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization

I postponed this update until after my period so you would get the most up-to-date information. Looked over my 2-month update before writing this and just realized that I lost track of a period. I vaguely remember having one at the beginning of the month but really didn’t write much about in my composition notebook. I had several other things going on at the time. Incredible how my periods now are in the background. I attended a dinner with my husband on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed myself (can’t beat that good food + great company combo). It’s incredible that I don’t have to rearrange my life anymore. My periods and these dang fibroids are no longer a major focus. Wow.

Details of my most recent period:

Friday, October 27, 2006: Cramping and spotting starting that morning. Bleeding became heavier as the day progressed but still not that much more than spotting. Ended up taking a total of four 200mg over-the-counter Motrin during the whole day. (This was exactly the same as my last update.)

Saturday, October 28, 2006: Cramps were more painful (still moderate) and the bleeding slightly heavier. I would characterize the bleeding as light to moderate. This was a five 200mg Motrin day. I took the extra Motrin so I could enjoy the food (and company) at the dinner.

Sunday, October 29, 2006: Light cramps and light bleeding (slightly more than spotting). No Motrin.

Monday, October 30, 2006: No cramping but light spotting most of the day.

I am feeling well. Haven’t noticed very much of the weird calf/ankle/foot swelling on my right side but, then again, I haven’t been working out very much. Yes, I’ve been a bad geek. I really need to get back on track with my exercising. Want to start talking about fibroids and weight gain and subsequent weight loss. It’s coming. I promise.

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Related Posts:
How are you feeling after your Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Two weeks after my Uterine Fibroid Embolization
My condition one month post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition two months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition four months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition five months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Has anyone needed a second uterine fibroid surgery or procedure?

From a recent comment asking about a second fibroid surgery:

Nicki Too: I had an abdominal myomectomy 3.5 years ago. Does anyone have any information about whether a laparoscopic hysterectomy is an option for women who have had a prior AM?

Decided to start a discussion. I’ll include myself here since I wanted a UFE but needed a hysteroscopic myomectomy first to “shave down” two submucosal fibroids that were bothersome. You can read more details of my experience by clicking the related posts at the end.

Let’s pick from Column A/Column B.
So, if you had one of these:

1. ablation
2. D & C
3. any myomectomy
4. UFE/UAE
5. ExAblate (MRgFUS)
6. other surgery or procedure not listed

and then one of these: (or thinking about it)

1. ablation
2. D & C
3. any myomectomy
4. any hysterectomy
5. UFE/UAE
6. ExAblate (MRgFUS)
7. other surgery or procedure not listed

Leave a comment. This would include a second dose of the same surgery (i.e. two myomectomies). Also, don’t worry about the span of time between (one month, ten years, or anything else). If you had a second procedure, are considering this, or if it’s just on your mind as a distant possibility, post your thoughts.

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Related Posts:
Let’s talk about your uterine fibroid treatment options
I’ll take Uterine Fibroid Embolization for $200, Alex
Fibroid doctors spring into action

UPDATE: My condition two months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization

This update is over a week late. Sorry for that but I’ve been busy trying to keep up with comments and making posts on the Forum. I’m definitely NOT complaining. It’s wonderful that everyone is posting questions, answers, thoughts, and funny moments.

So, how was my second period? Another question mark. I was a little nervous because I had to attend a funeral that Saturday. Last period, I stayed in the house and hovered near the bathroom. This time, I needed to be away from home for a few hours. Tense in the beginning. Sometimes, I revert back to the mindset of having to KNOW where the bathroom is located and a quick escape route. Once I realized that I wouldn’t just spontaneously hemorrhage all over the pew, I knew it would be okay.

Here is the timeline:

Friday, September 8, 2006: Cramping and spotting starting that morning. Bleeding became heavier as the day progressed but still not that much more than spotting. Ended up taking a total of four 200mg over-the-counter Motrin during the whole day.

Saturday, September 9, 2006: Cramps were less painful but the bleeding slightly heavier. Decided to wear the “tampon + pad” combo just to be on the safe side. No problems. Noticed one small clot but the bleeding I would still characterize as light. (I think my previous episodes before treatment of passing liver-sized clots and bleeding as though I had been cut in half with a chainsaw have now slightly screwed my perspective.) This was a two 200mg Motrin day.

Sunday, September 10, 2006: Cramps and bleeding early in the day. Both tapered off by that night. Only needed two 200mg Motrin on this day as well.

Today, I’m feeling well. Still have that weird swelling in the calf, ankle, and foot on my right side. Off and on. It goes down overnight and is fine the next day. It’s worse when I work out. Alas, the perfect excuse NOT to exercise. Sigh. So yeah, I’m good. I feel positive and I owe that to my support system including this site. Thanks for sharing what you share. I laugh, and cry, and feel quite human. This from someone who considers herself, at least, half Vulcan.

Thanks Aly Fibroids for giving me a nudge to get this update posted. Now back to the other 20 things on my list that I’m trying to post.

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Related Posts:
How are you feeling after your Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
I’m really starting to think my wiring is kind of screwed
Two weeks after my Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Gosh…my period turned out to be a question mark!
My condition one month post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition three months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition four months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UPDATE: My condition five months post-Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Does anyone have an experience with ExAblate (MRgFUS)?

From the original comment on the ExAblate (MRgFUS) procedure:

Ruth: I’ve been investigating ExAblate as a potential candidate for over a year now, and finally had my consult at Virtua in NJ, with a 2nd opinion at Weill-Cornell in NYC. I really want to hear from anyone who has had this procedure…

Other comments: (Click the link to view the whole comment or the off-site link for more info.)

aiyin: Here’s an alternative procedure for zapping those pesky uterine fibroids. Unfortunately, it is so new my gynecologist never heard of it … http://www.universitymri.com/imageguided/fus_faq.html

Ellen: I am hoping that I will be eligible. Three SEDATED hours in an MRI, belly-down, while they blast the fibroids with ultrasound.

aiyin: Here’s more about ExAblate:
http://www.uterine-fibroids.org/index.html

The Related Post at the bottom contains information I gathered from a TIME magazine article as well as a few links to the ExAblate (MRgFUS) site.

[Edited to add the ExAblate toll-free number (US): 1 866 EXABLATE (1 866 392 2528). Thanks Randee!]

Leave a comment if you have an ExAblate experience (pre- or post-treatment), questions, or thoughts.

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Related Posts:
New treatment uses sound waves to shrink uterine fibroid tumors
ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA

How are you feeling after your Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

(Tuesday, January 30, 2007) Decided to edit this post significantly. In my zeal to present different recovery experiences, I seem to have created a monster. Women are reading this post and becoming frightened over the UFE/UAE procedure. I’m obligated to try again. So, I’ll include my own recovery experience on this post to provide balance.

Note: Please realize that you are online. By its nature, the Internet will draw women having problems with fibroids and looking for answers. Women with great UFE/UAE recovery experiences probably aren’t searching online for fibroid information. I discovered this when looking for Lupron information several months ago. I was alarmed by the disproportionate number of negative Lupron experiences and decided to start a blog with a more balanced perspective. Hopefully, I’ve come close to that.

Does anyone have a hysteroscopy experience to share?

From the original visitor hysteroscopy experience question:

Anne Cagle: I’m having an exploratory hysteroscopy next week. Can anyone share their experience with the procedure with me? I am very nervous.

I found a couple of links with information about hysteroscopy. The Wikipedia link is pretty general. WebMD is more informative and includes this brief exam overview:

Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic and surgical procedure that makes examining the inside of the uterus possible without making an abdominal cut (incision). During hysteroscopy, a lighted viewing instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. Treatment can also be done through the hysteroscope during the same procedure.

Hysteroscopy usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia is usually used, although local or spinal anesthesia can be used instead. You should not eat or drink for at least 4 to 8 hours before having the test. A gynecologist or surgeon performs the procedure.

The uterus is filled with a fluid, such as normal saline or glycine. The hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus so the inner surface of the uterus can be examined. Hysteroscopy can locate the cause of bleeding for many women.

Hysteroscopy (Wikipedia)
Hysteroscopy (WebMD)

My experience occurred during a hysteroscopic myomectomy. It was outpatient, under general anesthesia, and caused very little pain. The doctor inserted the camera to see the fibroids that needed to be “shaved” down. I was nervous about the procedure, especially the general anesthesia part. You can follow my experience through the Related Posts listed at the end.

If you have a hysteroscopy experience or thoughts/questions, please leave a comment here.

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Related Posts:
No longer freaking out over my fibroid surgery tomorrow
Memories before my myomectomy
Memories directly after my myomectomy
I just call it The Gator

OR-Live brings fibroid surgery video to your computer via medical webcasts

Thinking about a procedure but you want to learn a little more? Well, welcome to the world of almost too much information. OR-Live allows you to view a myriad of moderated surgical videos. Archived broadcasts are categorized by specialty (in case you want to see non-fibroid stuff). Plan ahead and you can even catch a video live.

I used this site as part of my medical decision process. After seeing the Uterine Fibroid Embolization broadcast several months ago, I knew I had to have it. Glad I viewed the UFE previously since I remember nothing from my actual procedure.

Here’s the list:

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Robotic Myomectomy Enables Treatment of Uterine Fibroids While Preserving Fertility

[Abdominal Myomectomy - A Treatment for the Removal of Fibroids]

da Vinci® Minimally Invasive Robotic Hysterectomy (view live on September 20, 2006; visit the site and sign up for an email reminder)

Advanced Technique for Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

OK. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.

[Edited to add Abdominal Myomectomy video link. Thanks Val!]

Get your fibroids on the dance floor and do the robot

Glanced over some news feeds yesterday and noticed this headline under Yahoo! News | Uterine Fibroids:

Robot-assisted surgery removes fibroids but preserves women’s fertility

You know I love robots and other gizmos (because I’m a geek) so I had to click the link. The story revolves around Anna Crowder who needed a fibroid removed but still wanted to have a child.

New treatment uses sound waves to shrink uterine fibroid tumors

Stumbled upon a TIME magazine article as I wandered around the Internet looking for all sorts of fibroid information. It discusses the benefits of MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound). This non-invasive procedure simultaneously images, treats, and ablates targeted areas. Approved by the FDA in 2004, it is available at approximately a dozen US locations and is also performed worldwide.

Read the TIME magazine article: Giving Fibroids the Heat

Other informational links:
MRgFUS – Non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroid tumors
ExAblate 2000 MRgFUS system
ExAblate 2000 treatment centers in the US and abroad

[Edited to add the ExAblate toll-free number (US): 1 866 EXABLATE (1 866 392 2528). Thanks Randee!]

Can’t believe the small number of facilities offering this treatment. I hope it continues to steadily increase. We’ve got to spread the word on ALL options.

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Related Posts:
Does anyone have an experience with ExAblate (MRgFUS)?
ExAblate 2000 (MRgFUS) non-invasive fibroid treatment receives two new associated approvals by the FDA