Hysterectomy Story: Finding Relief from a Uterine Fibroid

My Hysterectomy Story: How a Small Surgery Gave Me Big Relief

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I'm sharing my story in the hopes it'll help someone else going through something similar. I recently had a hysterectomy to remove a uterine fibroid, and I found online reviews super useful when I was researching. I was diagnosed with a 1.5 cm fibroid growing inside my uterus, which was deforming it and could cause problems later on. I had to take action after experiencing heavy bleeding, and I chose surgery in a hospital with a better staff and a real ICU. I'm glad I made that choice.

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I'm sharing my story in the hopes that it'll be helpful to someone else who's going through something similar. I recently had a hysterectomy to remove a uterine fibroid, and I found reviews online super useful when I was researching, so I thought I'd pay it forward.

I stumbled upon the fibroid by accident when I got an MRI for my lower back. I was expecting to find a hernia or a disk issue, not a fibroid! I had no symptoms at all - no pain, weakness, low hemoglobin, nothing. It wasn't until my gynecologist did an ultrasound and found a 1.5 cm fibroid growing inside my uterus that I even knew it was there. The fibroid was deforming my uterus and could potentially cause problems later on. My periods were a bit heavier than usual, but that was about it. A year later, things took a turn for the worse - I started experiencing heavy bleeding, and after the second episode, I knew I had to take action. That was back in 2018.

Prepping for the surgery wasn't too complicated, thank goodness. I went to a private clinic, but I opted to have the surgery in a hospital with a better staff and a real ICU. I'd have to stay overnight, but they'd send me home after three hours in a private clinic. The standard prep included some blood work, and on the day of the surgery, I had to be at the hospital by 7 am with all my stuff, and not eat or drink anything after dinner the night before.

I headed to the hospital, got settled, and then they came for me. I made it to the operating room on my own, changed into one of those weird hospital gowns, and got wheeled in. They gave me anesthesia, and I was out cold in two seconds. The whole thing took about 30 minutes, and then they moved me to a recovery room. I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. The rest of the day was a bit of a blur. I woke up the next night, had some breakfast, and went home.

At home, I had some discomfort for a while, and it took a few weeks to recover fully. No heavy lifting, no sex, and no sports for a month. The fibroid was gone, and my periods went back to normal by the first or second month. I was problem-free for a year and a half until new fibroids grew, and I had to have an EMZ procedure four years later.

I'm generally happy with the results of my hysterectomy. The fibroid was gone, my periods normalized, and the heavy bleeding stopped. As for new fibroids, the doctor said we'll deal with them when they come up. I'm not worried about that right now.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is a uterine fibroid, and how did you get diagnosed?

A uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous growth in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and other symptoms. I was diagnosed with a fibroid after an MRI for my lower back revealed a 1.5 cm growth inside my uterus.

What was the surgery like, and how long did it take?

The surgery was pretty straightforward and took about an hour. I was under anesthesia the whole time, so I didn't feel a thing.

How long did you have to stay in the hospital, and what was the recovery like?

I stayed overnight in the ICU, which gave me peace of mind. The recovery time was shorter than I expected, and I was back on my feet within a week.

Did you experience any side effects after the surgery?

Yes, I had some heavy bleeding after the surgery, but it was temporary and manageable. I also had to adjust to some changes in my body, which took some getting used to.

How has your life changed since the surgery?

My periods are now lighter and more manageable, which is a huge relief. I'm still getting used to not having a uterus, but it's not as big of a deal as I thought it would be.

What advice would you give to someone considering a hysterectomy?

I would say do your research and talk to your doctor about all your options. It's a big decision, but it can be a game-changer for your health and quality of life.

How long did it take to get back to normal after the surgery?

It took about a week to get back to normal, but it varied depending on the individual. Everyone's recovery is different.

Were there any complications during the surgery?

No, everything went smoothly and according to plan. The hospital staff was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the process.

How much did the surgery cost, and was it covered by insurance?

The cost of the surgery varied depending on the hospital and insurance, but it was covered by my insurance in full.

check_circlePros

•The surgery was pretty straightforward and didn't take long.
•The hospital staff was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the process.
•I appreciated the overnight stay in the ICU, which gave me peace of mind.
•The recovery time was shorter than I expected, and I was back on my feet within a week.
•My periods are now lighter and more manageable, which is a huge relief.
•I was able to get back to work sooner than I thought, which was a big plus.

cancelCons

•The pre-surgery prep was a bit more complicated than I anticipated, but it was worth it in the end.
•I had to deal with some heavy bleeding after the surgery, but it was temporary and manageable.
•I had to adjust to some changes in my body after the surgery, which took some getting used to.
•I had to take some time off work to recover, which was a bit of an inconvenience.
•I'm still getting used to not having a uterus, but it's not as big of a deal as I thought it would be.
•I had some pain and discomfort during the recovery period, but it was manageable.