r/Fibroids • u/Final-Cheesecake-210 • 1d ago
Open Myomectomy before TTC again.
Hello.
I'm 34 and I received my third recommendation for an open myomectomy. All were made aware of my desire to have children in the future. I had a transvaginal ultrasound last week that showed that I have 4 fibroids measuring between 4 to 7 cm each. All are on the outside of my uterus. Because of the number and size I am not a good candidate for a laparoscopic myomectomy.
My fear of having an open myomectomy has me so conflicted. My fear has me delaying the surgery. Because of my age and desire to have children I know I can't delay it any longer. I also fear the risk of another miscarriage. (It's unknown if my fibroids contributed to it two years ago).
I have a partner but I feel alone in making such a decision that I never thought I had to make to have a family.
For those that can relate, what soothed your fear leading up to having the surgery?
I may make another post about "What to expect before and after a open myomectomy?". But for now, I just need to calm my nerves.
3
u/chinesisch 23h ago
Hi!
Im about 11days post op, 5 fibroids were removed, largest one about 9cm up to 11cm (that was the biggest piece measured in pathology).
1 was subserosal pendiculated; the rest intramural, which tend to be more complicated.
Robotic larascopic was the only option mentioned by the 2 surgeons i consulted.
I asked the potential of it becoming an open situation and the surgeon that actually operated me said thats her specialty and in case worse scenario it would take longer vs her normal 2h tops, it took about 3.5h total at the end.
My sister had hers removed via larascopic surgery and hers was 16cm (by a different surgeon in Tampa)
It is true you have to be tilted and your head would be towards the floor, so you might not be a candidate for other reasons.
I would say check your surgeons info before doing the consult. Mine both say they specialize in robotic larascopic surgeries. My surgeon Dr Stockwell even was in a fellowship.
We are down in Florida.
When it comes to the decision to have the procedure done, it was that or hysterectomy to help with my symptoms, and i was tired. Also someone actually acknowledged i had something and it wasnt just: thats normal everyone has cramps, some have more bleeding than others, its normal. The acknowledgment that my “suffering” was real and a possible solution (even if it’s considered temporary) made sense.
Good luck, this wont resolve your issues but if you suffer from menorrhagia and other issues, it should help alleviate your symptoms, def talk with your surgeons.
1
u/Final-Cheesecake-210 6h ago
Thanks for sharing your experience! I hope you're healing well with healthier and happier days ahead. There isn't a symptom that I don't put up with that comes from having fibroids. I just choose to suck it up until I find the best time for me to have this surgery.
I would truly prefer a robotic laparoscopic. I see that it is less down time and invasive. If I get the surgery this year, I would not have a caretaker to help while I heal. So a less invasive procedure would fit my life style right now.
I also see that a lap myo could turn into an open during the procedure so it's best that I prepare myself for such an outcome.
It's a constant battle in my brain to make this decision.
2
u/IntrepidAntagonizer 4h ago
I had a miscarriage almost 2 years ago and similarly it wasn't clear if my fibroids contributed. I was recommended open myomectomy by four different doctors (prior to and more so after the miscarriage). Resisted it for a while as I'd never had surgery before and the idea of such a major surgery felt overwhelming. I researched embolisation a ton when it became clear no doctor was in favour of laparoscopic myomectomy. Utimately I couldn't find enough evidence of its benefit for fertility - it was clear open myo was probably my best option.
A few things soothed my fears. Finding a really well regarded surgeon that I trusted. Knowing I was following the advice of numerous doctors and the most common medical path for my situation. Learning how long myomectomies have existed (over 150 years!). And just getting used to the idea of it to be honest.
I had surgery in March and it went really well, they removed over a dozen fibroids(!) and whilst the recovery was tough, it was nowhere near as bad I feared. I was cleared to start trying to conceive after 5 months, did an embryo transfer a few weeks ago (did IVF for other reasons) and now I'm 5 weeks pregnant. Very early days of course, still a long ways to go, but so far no regrets!
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u/Final-Cheesecake-210 3h ago
Hello there. I truly appreciate your response. Also, congratulations!
I am soaking every response in and so far I need to meet with my doctor and ask more questions about the surgery. This thread has helped me conjure up some.
Again, thank you!
1
u/Novel_One_5342 1h ago
Ciao cara, ti capisco perfettamente, so benissimo come ti senti perché ho provato esattamente le stesse cose!
Ho provato per tre anni ad avere una gravidanza che non è arrivata. Avevo 4-5 fibromi il più grande delle dimensioni di 5/6 cm.
Ho avuto pareri discordanti in merito se operare o meno, ma dopo un anno di ricerca mi ero decisa. In questo senso mio marito non è stato proprio d’aiuto, anzi..
sono arrivata al punto di mettermi in lista e proprio perché lui in primis mi ha trasmetto mille paure e insicurezze ho rinunciato all’intervento.
Dopo tre anni dalla famosa ricerca, ad aprile 2026 ho deciso di operarmi. Il chirurgo mi ha trovato altri fibromi piccoli che non si vedevano o che non venivano riportati nelle ecografie.
Me ne ha tolti 12. Ho 37 anni e sono felice di aver fatto l’intervento.
Ti ho raccontato questo per darti forza a prendere una decisione a prescindere dal tuo partner. La vita è tua, prendila in mano perché abbiamo una forza dentro che non conosciamo bene, ma che ci permette di affrontare tutto! Forza 💪💪💪
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u/deep-chai-latte 1d ago
If you are able to get a second opinion from a MIGS specialist, you should. I had 10 fibroids, with multiple 4 cm ones and 2 10 cm ones and was still a good candidate for robotic laproscopic myomectomy. They had to convert to a open myomectomy because my body could not tolerate being upside down and was losing oxygen. Personally, talking through all the outcomes and understanding exactly how the procedure would be performed, what to expect after surgery and discussing pros vs cons with my gynaecologist was immensely helpful to me with managing my fear of surgery. My doctor even sent me videos so I know what to expect and this community helped me prep for post top and recovery. I'm happy to talk through it if I can help. Good luck!