Jean
I’m 45 years old and have had a long history of uterine fibroid tumors. I had my first myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids) at age 33, with a second, identical surgery following at age 38. Both surgeries required general anesthesia, several days in the hospital, and the recoveries were quite painful, with an abdominal “bikini-line” incision, approximately 8 inches long. The recuperation time was a total of six weeks.
Last year’s annual check-up with my gynecologist again brought the news that the fibroids had returned and were growing. An ultrasound confirmed this. Since the fibroids were not particularly symptomatic at that time, my gynecologist asked for me to return six months later, and we would take another look at them. During that six months, the bleeding during my periods increased significantly, and I began to notice a constant heaviness (commonly referred to as “bulk” symptoms) in my lower pelvic region.
Anticipating the news I expected to hear from my gynecologist (most likely his suggesting a hysterectomy), I began researching uterine fibroids on the Internet, to see if there was anything new in the way of treating them. I was intrigued by the information I found on a relatively new procedure called Uterine Artery (Fibroid) Embolization, and was very pleased to see that it was being performed in San Antonio by Dr. John Thomas with the South Texas Radiology Group.
As I suspected, my gynecologist did recommend a hysterectomy. It’s difficult to explain why I felt so adamantly opposed to a hysterectomy. I guess the short answer is I didn’t see the necessity of such surgery when fibroids were the only problem. I told him I wished to explore UFE. I was very surprised to learn that none of his patients had ever undergone the procedure – from my research, it seemed an innovative and sensible treatment for fibroids.
The next week, I spoke with Dr. Thomas on the phone, and he very patiently answered numerous questions I had about the procedure. I decided to meet with him in person and grilled him with more questions. Satisfied with his answers, and our both being comfortable that I was an appropriate candidate for the procedure, we scheduled the UFE for the following week at Methodist Hospital.
Accompanied by my sister-in-law, I arrived at the hospital early in the morning, and after a brief check-in procedure at Radiology Registration, I was taken to be prepped for the UFE. Prepping included the standard medical history, drawing blood, and getting the all-important IV begun in my forearm, as well as getting the urinary catheter in place.
The nurses at Methodist were great - extremely capable, with senses of humor that put one at ease. Check any sense of modesty at the door, and you’ll be fine.
It was then time for the procedure, and just beforehand, a final ultrasound of the uterus was done to have a baseline for future reference. I won’t go into the specifics of the UFE procedure, (which you can read elsewhere) other than it was painless for me. I felt very conscious and alert the entire time - so much so, that I kept asking for more sedation, not realizing until I spoke (and heard my slurred speech) that I had plenty already.
Last year’s annual check-up with my gynecologist again brought the news that the fibroids had returned and were growing. An ultrasound confirmed this. Since the fibroids were not particularly symptomatic at that time, my gynecologist asked for me to return six months later, and we would take another look at them. During that six months, the bleeding during my periods increased significantly, and I began to notice a constant heaviness (commonly referred to as “bulk” symptoms) in my lower pelvic region.
Anticipating the news I expected to hear from my gynecologist (most likely his suggesting a hysterectomy), I began researching uterine fibroids on the Internet, to see if there was anything new in the way of treating them. I was intrigued by the information I found on a relatively new procedure called Uterine Artery (Fibroid) Embolization, and was very pleased to see that it was being performed in San Antonio by Dr. John Thomas with the South Texas Radiology Group.
As I suspected, my gynecologist did recommend a hysterectomy. It’s difficult to explain why I felt so adamantly opposed to a hysterectomy. I guess the short answer is I didn’t see the necessity of such surgery when fibroids were the only problem. I told him I wished to explore UFE. I was very surprised to learn that none of his patients had ever undergone the procedure – from my research, it seemed an innovative and sensible treatment for fibroids.
The next week, I spoke with Dr. Thomas on the phone, and he very patiently answered numerous questions I had about the procedure. I decided to meet with him in person and grilled him with more questions. Satisfied with his answers, and our both being comfortable that I was an appropriate candidate for the procedure, we scheduled the UFE for the following week at Methodist Hospital.
Accompanied by my sister-in-law, I arrived at the hospital early in the morning, and after a brief check-in procedure at Radiology Registration, I was taken to be prepped for the UFE. Prepping included the standard medical history, drawing blood, and getting the all-important IV begun in my forearm, as well as getting the urinary catheter in place.
The nurses at Methodist were great - extremely capable, with senses of humor that put one at ease. Check any sense of modesty at the door, and you’ll be fine.
It was then time for the procedure, and just beforehand, a final ultrasound of the uterus was done to have a baseline for future reference. I won’t go into the specifics of the UFE procedure, (which you can read elsewhere) other than it was painless for me. I felt very conscious and alert the entire time - so much so, that I kept asking for more sedation, not realizing until I spoke (and heard my slurred speech) that I had plenty already.
After the procedure was completed, I was wheeled back to the same room where I had been prepped, and for the next hour or two experienced what I would term as moderate cramping. The self-administered morphine-drip was hooked up, and my thumb started punching the button. The nausea also began about then, and I experienced a brief episode of sweating, an apparent isolated “hot flash” caused by the sudden release of estrogen into my system from the embolization. I have had no recurrence of such an event.
I spent the afternoon in my hospital room, lying flat on my back, visiting with my sister-in-law, and punching my button (more so in anticipation of pain, than in response to it.) Realistically, I would rate my pain as only slight to moderate. I never ran any fever. The nausea continued until the next morning, and because of the nausea, I was on a clear diet the rest of the day and night (think of food you can see through – broth, Jell-O, and tea). The next morning, my IV and urinary catheter were removed, and I was finally able to get out of bed and take a shower. I honestly felt great (maybe a little hungry), and was released from the hospital as soon as I proved I could keep solid food down. Success with lunch!
There was absolutely no problem with climbing stairs the day after the procedure, and living alone, I had no problem taking care of myself – preparing meals and such. The level of pain never exceeded “slight”, and I was proud that I never felt the need to open the heavy-duty pain medication which had been prescribed. After two days, I felt good enough to drive and run short errands, and less than a week after the procedure, I was enjoying my favorite hobby, gardening, and lugging heavy bags of soil.
I spent the afternoon in my hospital room, lying flat on my back, visiting with my sister-in-law, and punching my button (more so in anticipation of pain, than in response to it.) Realistically, I would rate my pain as only slight to moderate. I never ran any fever. The nausea continued until the next morning, and because of the nausea, I was on a clear diet the rest of the day and night (think of food you can see through – broth, Jell-O, and tea). The next morning, my IV and urinary catheter were removed, and I was finally able to get out of bed and take a shower. I honestly felt great (maybe a little hungry), and was released from the hospital as soon as I proved I could keep solid food down. Success with lunch!
There was absolutely no problem with climbing stairs the day after the procedure, and living alone, I had no problem taking care of myself – preparing meals and such. The level of pain never exceeded “slight”, and I was proud that I never felt the need to open the heavy-duty pain medication which had been prescribed. After two days, I felt good enough to drive and run short errands, and less than a week after the procedure, I was enjoying my favorite hobby, gardening, and lugging heavy bags of soil.
It’s now three weeks after the procedure - my period I just had was pretty much back to normal, but was accompanied by some minor cramping for a few days. The nurse from Methodist called me a couple of times to see how I was doing, and I kept on reiterating to her how great I felt. Comparing the UFE to what I had gone through with the myomectomies, this had been a walk in the park.
I realize each experience with UFE is unique, and time will be the final judge on how effective it was. However, for me, I think of the alternative I was facing, and am very happy to have discovered this option.
-Jean
I realize each experience with UFE is unique, and time will be the final judge on how effective it was. However, for me, I think of the alternative I was facing, and am very happy to have discovered this option.
-Jean
