In Recovery

It has been three days since my surgery and all I can say is that it's been baby steps towards recovery. Opening any part of the body is painful and causes supreme discomfort after the fact. My incision was made on my abdomen-a place that is required for virtually any sort of movement.

Basically, this surgery is quite similar to a cesarean section. A bikini cut is made along the abdomen and the fibroid is removed. My fibroid was 12 cm in diameter, and my best girl, who waited throughout the surgery with Scott, reminded me that it's comparable to the size of a baby's head at birth. Good lord I can't even imagine the shoulders. My doctor was surprised at it's final size, as its been growing at a considerable rate the past three years.

My procedure took about an hour and a half, and I stayed in the hospital for one night. I woke up with no appetite, even though I had not eaten in nearly 15 hours-nor had anything to drink, but I was extremely parched and was allowed to chew ice cubes.

About 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, I needed to move around to alleviate pressure that had built up inside me and had the worst dizzy spell I've ever experienced. Standing up for 30 seconds was as much as I could handle before my head went spinning, my ears closed up, and nausea overwhelmed me. A few hours later, a lovely nurse took me for the shortest, albeit felt like the longest, walk down the hall. It was extremely painful, as I felt like my organs were moving around and mixing up in my stomach, let alone the tender spot that shot shooting pains when I sat up and down. Scott returned around lunch time and took me on several walks as well, each a little easier than the last. With my progress Tuesday, my doctor felt I could go home, and I could not wait to get in my own bed.

I have always had the greatest respect for moms who deliver not only once, but multiple times. As I mentioned previously, this procedure is comparable to a c-section, and I have NO idea how I would be able to recover AND have a child to look after. I can barely deal with the cat let alone getting up and down to care for a child. I know they make it work, but wow. Women-you are amazing.

Food has been another obstacle in the past few days. I was allowed the ever popular Jello around 11 p.m. on Monday night, which was heaven sent as I still was only chewing ice cubes. I was able to have another cup that morning, accompanied by rice cereal and yogurt. Truly, I had no appetite though. Perhaps from the anesthesia, perhaps because my organs were moved around, I am not totally sure. I was offered a full lunch that I barely took a few bites of, and same for dinner. Since being home, it's been pretty much toast, tea, cereal, and soup. I am hoping my appetite will increase so that everything starts functioning properly again, but also trying not to stress over it as well.

Scott took some time off to be with me while I was in the hospital this week. He has been such a great caretaker, I can't even begin to thank him enough. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, has rang so true. I am so thankful to have him by my side, full of jokes when I need them, and an arm to help me around as well.

75% of women walk around with fibroids, unnoticed. Unless they cause problems, there is really no reason for concern. I needed to have mine removed because of complicating issues. If anyone who might read this has further questions about the procedure, I would be happy to answer them. It certainly is a lot more informative than 5-year-old forum boards and a doctor's second hand view.