Fibroid surgery Tips for a Speedy and Safe Recovery

Fibroid Surgery Recovery Tips​

Recovering from a fibroid operation whether it was a myomectomy or a hysterectomy means that the women has to take care to ensure that she heals properly. Here are some tips will help the firm during recovery:

• Follow Post-Surgery Instructions
• Manage Pain and Discomfort
• Rest and Activity
• Care for Your Incision
• Diet and Hydration
• Bowel and Bladder Care
• Emotional Well-Being

Post-fibroid Surgery Care​

Adherence to the following measures may also be of relevance as a post-operative care for patients who have undergone fibroid surgery. Regardless of the type of surgery undertaken, a myomectomy or a hysterectomy call for the following steps to encourage proper healing.

• Ensure one takes prescribed medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics.
• Make sure to attend all the follow-up appointments as recommended to check on the recovery process.
• However, during the first few weeks, you should ensure that you get adequate rest.
• Walking is an exercise that has been recommended as one of the ways of facilitating blood circulation, therefore, it is good to take short walks at least once in a day with an aim of preventing formation of blood clots.
• No lifting, bending or any other heavy work, strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks (As advised by the doctor).
• Rest for a few minutes before slowly returning to their routine but stop if they get a stitch.

Diet after Fibroid Surgery​

It’s important to maintain a healthy diet when recovering after fibroid surgery. Below is a nutrition plan that you should consider taking after surgery to help in your recovery and healing process:

Hydration – Drink Plenty of Fluids

• One should consider drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily as well as ensure they take enough water as this helps in healing.
• Drink coconut water for electrolytes.
• A cup of ginger or chamomile tea contains natural ingredients that assists in digestive procedure and alleviate the feeling of bloating.
• Do not consume sodas, alcohol, or caffeine-based products as they lead to loss of body fluids.

Fiber-Rich Foods – Prevent Constipation

• One of the negative effects of pain medications and lack of physical activity are constipation, therefore it is recommended to take:
• Fruits: Papaya, peeled apple, pear, banana, Fig and prunes.
• Vegetables: Carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, bottle gourd, beets.
• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread.
• It is advisable to minimize consumption of such vegetables as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables that cause the production of gas in your stomach.

Iron-Rich Foods – Recover from Blood Loss

• Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur if you lost blood during surgery- ways to increase your level of Vitamin B12 include:
• Vegetarian sources include cooked spinach, lentils and dates, raisin and sesame seeds.
• Non-vegetarian sources: Chicken, fish, eggs.
• It is advisable not to consume tea/coffee while you are eating because it reduces iron intake.

Protein for Healing and Tissue Repair

• Vegetarian sources: Paneer, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, almonds.
• Non-vegetarian sources: Chicken, fish, eggs.
• Milk substitutes; almond or oat milk if no dairy is allowed on low carb diets.
• Do not take foods that are heavily processed or foods that are fried together with the baking soda, as they cause the body to inflame.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Reduce Swelling and Pain

• Turmeric (with black pepper) – Natural anti-inflammatory.
• Ginger – Helps with digestion and nausea.
• Flaxseeds & walnuts – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Green leafy vegetables – Packed with antioxidants.

Fresh, Break-Fast Foods (First Few Days Only)

• Khichdi (lentils + rice + veggies) – Gentle on the stomach.
• Dal soup, vegetable broth, bone broth – Among soups which are able to warm up and nourish 
• Smoothies (banana + almond milk + flaxseeds) – Quick energy boost.
• It is also advisable to reduce the intake of foods such as spicy foods, fatty foods, and foods that are fried in deep fryers.

Exercise after Fibroid Surgery​

Exercise after fibroid surgery should be eased in order to prevent the reopening of the already healed surgical wounds. The time taken depends on the type of surgery done and other related factors that the hospital’s team may recommend.

• Laparoscopic/Robotic Myomectomy: This can be resumed in 2-4 weeks and patient should be fit to go in 4-6 weeks.
• Open Myomectomy or Hysterectomy: Recovery is relatively slightly longer where women should engage in delicate exercises after 6-8 weeks and normal activities after 3 months.

First Three Days (No Activity)

• Short walks – It is recommended that one should begin with 5–10 minutes of walking daily and gradually increase it.
• Deep breathing exercises – It will enhance a flow of oxygen to the lungs hence enhances relaxation.
• Leg Movements in Bed – Prolongs prevention of formation of stiff muscles and promotes blood circulation.
• Ensure that one does not lift any heavy materials or bend repeatedly or twist while at work or even at home.

4–6 Weeks (Gentle Strength & Core Activation)

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): These exercises would help the lady control her bladder.
• Seated or standing light stretching – flexibility which enhance flexibility.
• The low impact yoga, performing half of the poses, helps to table stiffness and stress.
• There is no engagement in any abdominal exercises or weight training exercises.

6–12 Weeks (Gradual Strength & Core Work)

• Low intensity cardiovascular: bound walking, cycling or swimming (if the wound is closed).
• Gentle core activation – Bridges, pelvic tilts, and seated core exercises.
• Light strength training – Small hand weights (2-5 lbs) for arms & legs.
• No jogging, running and activities that involve jumping or hopping.

3 Months & Beyond (Full Recovery & Active Lifestyle)

• So activities such as brisk walking or light jogging, swimming, dancing and similar activities can suffice for the low impact intensity exercise.
• Yoga and Pilates – build muscles of the abdomen and back, enhances the flexibility.
• Gradual return to the weights – The idea here is to start with lower weights and gradually progress through them.
• This means that any exercise which is painful should not be undertaken or any exercise which causes discomfort.

Fibroid Surgery Recovery Time​

The time it takes to heal from fibroid surgery depends on the type of surgery that has been carried out. Laparoscopic or Robotic Myomectomy takes 1 to 2 weeks while Abdominal Myomectomy / Abdominal Hysterectomy takes 8 to 12 weeks with return to works time of about 6-8 weeks.

Managing Pain after Fibroid Surgery​

Soreness and discomfort in the days after fibroid surgery is quite usual and can be minimized by employing a number of measures. The nature and severity of the pain depends on whether it was a keyhole surgery or an open surgery and the general recovery rate of the person that is concerned.

Medications for Pain Relief

• Pain relievers – Any over the counter drugs like paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen; Stronger and prescription drugs in some cases.
• Over the counter treatments and medications – You may take Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) in vain that will help with the mild pain.
• Laxatives are safe to use to avoid constipation which is a side effect of opioids and the patient should take a stool softener.
• It is best that you do not take NSAIDs if all advised by your doctor, most especially if you have bleeding problems.

Natural Pain Relief Methods

• Heating pad – It helps in easing the contraction of the muscles therefore reducing cramps and soreness.
• Light touch – Slightly rubbing the lower back may help reduce stiffness.
• Deep breathing exercises – This is an activity that can be used in relieving stress and ensuring that muscles are not tight all the time.
• Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile) – May help with inflammation and relaxation.

Fibroid Surgery Complications​

Fibroid surgery is not dangerous in general, but it is a surgery and therefore has certain associated risks. The type of surgery—myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (uterus removal)—determines the likelihood of complications.

• Pain & Discomfort
• Swelling & Bruising
• Fatigue & Weakness
• Constipation & Bloating
• Excessive Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood Clots
• Damage to Nearby Organs
• Adhesions & Scar Tissue
• Hormonal Imbalance

Returning to Work after Fibroid Surgery​

Patients are usually advice to take at least 2-4 weeks after they have been operated on to go back to work, depending with the nature of their work. Open abdominal myomectomy requires the duration of 4- 6 weeks while laparoscopic or robotic- assisted myomectomy takes 2-3 weeks. It is therefore clear that hysteroscopic myomectomy and surgery can lead to full recovery within a few days.

Fibroid Surgery Scar Healing

​Scar healing after fibroid surgery depends on the type of surgery used and rate of healing in the different individuals. Here's an overview:​

Types of Surgical Scars:

• Abdominal Myomectomy: Requires an incision that is made horizontally across the lower abdomen gives rise to a scar below the belt line. ​
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Is done through mini incisions at the umbilicus and is characterized by small scars that might be concealed depending on the type of clothes worn. ​
• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Done through the womb without any outside cuts thus no scars are seen on the skin. ​

Scar Healing Timeline:

• First two Weeks: The wound usual looks red, swollen or may be numb. ​
• The inflammatory phase (2 days to 2 weeks) is the process in which the body starts to heal the incision site, which might still be sore.​
• Maturation Phase (Several Weeks to Months): The scar becomes thinner, flatter and loses its color progressively. ​
• The destruction of the injured tissue and scar re-modelling and maturation may take up to 12 to 18 months after the surgery. ​

Scar Care Recommendations:

• Take Care of the Incision: The wound area should be cleaned according to your healthcare provider’s instructions so as not to get infected.​
• Sun rays: One should not expose the scar to sun light in order to avoid cases of color changes on the scar.​
• Treatment of the skin should also involve topical therapy: silicone gel sheets, creams for scars must be used. ​
• Skin to Skin Contact: Gently touching the part of the skin that has been scarred may help make the tissue softer and smoother.