What to Expect After a Laparoscopic Myomectomy

More than 80 percent of women will develop fibroids by 50, so it seems reasonable to assume that the condition is thoroughly understood. Right? Not exactly.

Even though the vast majority of women will deal with these non-malignant tumors in their lifetime, little time and research has been dedicated to figuring out the cause of uterine fibroids and how to best treat them.

That’s why the White Dress Project was conceived, declaring July as Fibroid Awareness Month.

Many Women Don’t Know they Have Fibroids

Don that white dress that’s been sitting in your closet for months, tags still attached. That’s the idea behind the White Dress Project. Because fibroids can cause erratic, unpredictable and heavy bleeding, many women suffering from this condition are nervous about wearing white.

This Atlanta-based organization is working to increase awareness by using the white dress as a symbol of living a life free of the stresses of fibroids.

Uterine fibroids receive such little scrutiny that many women don’t even realize they’re dealing with a medical condition. And when women do seek medical attention, they’re sometimes told to wait and see if the fibroids grow to the point where they’re bothersome. Yet that approach means the tumors may grow and cause more health issues, from infertility and an increased likelihood of miscarriages to debilitating pelvic pain and anemia.

Treating Uterine Fibroids

Thankfully a hysterectomy is no longer the only treatment option for women suffering from fibroids. Myomectomy, a laparoscopic surgery, will remove the fibroids through a series of small incisions in the lower belly and keep the uterus intact.

For women dealing with fibroid symptoms who still want to have children, or don’t want to have a hysterectomy, myomectomy is a great option.

The Skinny on Myomectomy Recovery

Patients will be placed under general anesthesia during this surgery. Once the fibroids are removed from the uterine wall, the surgeon will stitch the muscles back together. Most women spend one day in the hospital recovering.

• No strain, no gain: Sex and strenuous exercise are off-limits for six to eight weeks post surgery.
• Walk it off: Walking, the day after surgery, is highly recommended. This activity will help build stamina and increase circulation.
• Zzzzzz: Many women experience fatigue following the surgery. Take it easy and let your body recover from the stress of a surgery.
• Blood loss: Supplements can help with iron deficiencies. Fergon or SlowFe and 1,000mg of Vitamin C can help rebuild.
• Dealing with pain: There will be some pain around the incisions. In addition, some shooting pains and cramping in other areas is normal. Some burning or pain during urination the first couple of days post surgery is also normal. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help alleviate this pain.

Do you think you may be a good candidate for a myomectomy? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ghozland to learn more about the procedure.