It's Gone!

I came home yesterday from the hospital sans fibroid! The surgery went well. It took longer than expected (5 hrs instead of 3) because it was bigger than they thought. Turns out that the fibroid was much bigger than my uterus itself. And, it was located completely in the top (fundal) wall of the uterus. It didn't penetrate into the cavity so they only had to cut through the outer lining of it. They are still recommending c-sections for future births because of how much they took out. But, the robotic procedure worked very well and I only have 5 tiny incisions instead of a giant one. I am quite sore but that's what prescription pain meds are for. I still can't pick Aaron or anything heavy up, which is the toughest part. A few weeks of rest and I should be back to normal! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

4 Months Pregnant?

Don't worry, I'm definitely not pregnant. Although the current size of my uterus has lead many medical professionals to think that.

So, I had an ultrasound at the beginning of January and the fibroid is just as big as it ever was. The consensus: get it out! Although there isn't much research stating that uterine fibroids lead to premature births, when my OB discuessed my case with a room full of collegues, they all agreed that mine did. I received a shot that day of Lupron to hopefully shrink the fibroid 30-50% and make for a less invasive surgery. Essentially, the shot stops estrogen production for 3 months, putting me in a medical menopause and giving me some pretty nasty hot flashes.

I had my pre-op history and physical a few weeks ago and my doctor said the fibroid feels smaller. So the plan is to start with a robotic myomectomy and move to a classic c-section incision if they need more access. With the robot, there will be 5 small 1cm incisions around my abdomen. In the one right above my belly button, they will put a camera. Instruments will be placed in the other 4 sites and the surgeon will be controlling them from a station in the operatory. Pretty crazy. They will then section the fibroid out and use something likened to an "apple corer" to free the fibroid up and suck it out one of the small incisions. If this wasn't being performed at DHMC I'd have reservations. If all goes well I could be back to work and my normal routine within 2 weeks. If, however, they can't get to it all with the robot, they will make a c-section incision along my bikini line. With that procedure, I will be off my feet for 6 weeks. I can't even pick up anything more than a milk jug.

Needless to say, we moved into my parents house for the next few weeks, since I won't be able to take care of Aaron. Today, I am on a strict clear liquid diet. And, I had to do a "bowel prep" with magnesium citrate. I even had to leave work early today because my terrible migraine turned into wretched vomitting because I can't take any medication for it. Fortunately, I am first on the schedule for surgery tomorrow so it will all be over soon.

I am praying the the robot works. But mostly that God is with me and the surgeon keeping us all safe! I will update soon.