Wellness

[Effie54]

I had open abdominal (laparatomy) surgery to remove fibroids; open myomectomy 6 weeks ago. My doctor told me the recovery was 4-6 weeks. I'm finishing the 6th week of recovery and still feel a lot of pain in the area (uterus) where the fibroids were removed (abdominals feel fine). Its a tugging, sore, discomfort after walking or moving about. I was wondering if anyone who has had this surgery had a recovery time longer than the doctor anticipated. I must add that I'm 60 (I did not want or need a hysterectomy), and recovery is not that of a 20 year old. But the doctor keeps saying its fine. Any thoughts? (Thank you!)

[dex]

If you feel that you are not healing keep pressuring your doctor to check it out.Maybe you have something else going on.

[hayseed00]

Always be your own health care advocate, if you feel something isn't quite right go see your MD and stand your ground till you're satisfied.

[RedTop]

To me, 4-6 weeks sounds like an estimated recovery time if you are expecting to return to a sedentary desk type job.   8-12 weeks sounds more appropriate for recovery from an open abdominal surgery.   I absolutely would not expect to be totally healed, or pain free, at 6 weeks postop.   

[embgm]

Many years ago I had an ovary and an ovarian cyst removed. I did get adhesions which did cause pain for a very long time. Adhesions are scar tissue that forms after a surgery. Sometimes they ached terribly felt like a pulling feeling inside. Doctor said if you have surgery to remove these scar tissue more scars can result. Thus nothing was done about them and eventually the pain didn't come back. Ask your doctor about them. Em

[meem120]

Everyone is different.  It’s only an estimate. 6 to 8 weeks is the norm.  It takes however long it takes.  No hard and fast rule.  Don’t push yourself.  

[Effie54]

You are absolutely right! I went to my surgeon yesterday for a post-op and she said "usually" women heal (much younger than I) around 6 weeks, but not fully healed until 3 months. Thank you so much! 

[Laura14]

@Effie54  I am so glad you are recovering well.  This post is very timely.  My mother just found out she has what is apparently fibroids and polyps and will need an outpatient OR surgery to remove them.  It sounds like it might be similar to what you just had.  Thank you so much for sharing.    

Best wishes for a continued good recovery!  

[Effie54]

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@Laura14 wrote:

@Effie54  I am so glad you are recovering well.  This post is very timely.  My mother just found out she has what is apparently fibroids and polyps and will need an outpatient OR surgery to remove them.  It sounds like it might be similar to what you just had.  Thank you so much for sharing.    

Best wishes for a continued good recovery!  

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Hi Larua,

Sending hugs to your mom! Sometimes recovery takes time, but she'll be fine afterwards.