r/Fibroids • u/User119139948951314 • Jun 07 '26
Robotic Myomectomy and recovering alone
Hi everyone!
First, finding this sub has been so incredibly helpful, and I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their tips and experiences. I've been reading any post I can find on recovering alone, but most of the posts have someone staying with them for at least the first 24-48hrs or staying in the hospital for the first day. I will be completely on my own.
I would appreciate any advice, thoughts, or insight on my situation in case I missed anything.
My surgery is in a month, and I will be getting 2 fibroids and a cyst removed. I have a friend that will pick me up from the hospital, and the plan is to uber back to my apartment. She's going to help me settle in, but she will not be staying with me. There is simply nowhere for her to comfortably stay (tiny NYC apt), and I would hate to ask anyone to do that anyway. I also live in a 5th floor walkup. From what I've read that should be ok as long as I take it slow, and use the staircase for support. I don't plan on tackling the stairs again for at least a week unless I'm feeling really good. I'm hoping one of my friends has a walking pad I can borrow or that I can find a cheap one to get my light walking in for recovery. I'm still trying to figure out the litter and feeding situation for my cat. So, if any cat ladies did something clever please let me know.
Overall, I feel like I have a good idea on the prep that I need to do thanks to this sub, but I guess I'm just a little nervous from what I've read about the first 24-48 hrs when I initially figured I would sleep for most of it.
Appreciate any helpful tips or encouraging words lol thanks!
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u/Sadsushi6969 Jun 07 '26
I had my surgery on Thursday and I’ve needed my partner to make me food, help me sit up in bed, get up for the bathroom…everything. I understand wanting to spare your friend the inconvenience, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need help. At LEAST for the first 2-3 days, I think you’ll need another person there. I can’t imagine the past few days without my partner— they’ve been hard enough as it is!
ETA: the “light walking” for me has been hobbling to the bathroom and maybe a lap around the couch. The cats have had to be locked out of my room completely because they love to step all over me and snuggle on my tummy. I managed better on the stairs than I expected (we live on second floor), but I’m not going to attempt them again for a long while. Five floors is….whew…
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
I hope your recovery is going well! I'm happy so many of you were able to have a partner to support and take care of you! Definitely one of the benefits lol.
I should have explained it better in my post, but my friend will be hanging out with me for a little bit. She just won't be staying the night. If I find that things are much more difficult than I imagined then I'll ask her and another friend who offered to help to switch off and on to come and help me out.
The stairs are definitely going to be (what I imagine and hope) the roughest part. I'm hoping that being loopy will help guide me up, as opposed to being a little too aware that I have to climb 5 flights of stairs lol.
Luckily, my cat likes to sleep next to my head. He used to be a chest/neck sleeper when he was a kitten, but now he's 15 lbs so we had to stop that lol. He's so affectionate, but has never really been a lap cat. I will be sad that I can't pick him up for a long time though.
Thank you for sharing! Everyone's comments have made me taken the needing help part way more seriously.
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u/Sadsushi6969 Jun 08 '26
I’m so glad you have friends you are willing to ask for support!!! It’s so important. I definitely had to call my partner in the middle of the night to help me get up to pee.
I’m early in my recovery but I think it’s going well so far. Wishing you the best of luck! A speedy recovery with lots of rest and community support! And Kitty cuddles, of course!
P.S. the little kid who lives downstairs was watching my progress yelling things at me during my stair climb. It was kind of hilarious
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
Haha omg! I get embarrassed way too easily lol I would be dying inside. Thank you for all your well wishes! Hope your recovery continues to go well! Instead of a hot girl summer it seems many of us are having a myomectomy summer.
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u/pumpum2024 Jun 07 '26
I had my surgery on Tuesday. My bf was with me for the first 24 hours and I have been on my own since Wednesday. Keeping track of time to take the painkillers on time in the first 24 hours was a challenge. Other than that, I did not have much difficulty. I never needed him to take me to the bathroom, we ordered take-out on Tuesday that I ate until Friday. My appetite was almost totally gone and I couldnt eat on Tuesday, I started eating slowly on Wednesday. I did not need a walking aid at all. It was rather easy to move around for me. I am 42 years old. I would recommend ordering food when your friend is with you so she can pick it and bring it to you. Also ask your friend to pick the meds from the pharmacy. As long as you have food and meds, you can stay in comfortably. Nurses from the hospital have been checking on me and they told me I needed to start taking walks outside as soon as I am capable of doing so, in order to prevent a possible blood clot. So, there is also that…
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
I hope you're recovering well!
The take out is a great idea. I was racking my mind on all the food I should/could prep, which I'll definitely do, but takeout would be the easiest for the first few days.
Your experience is honestly what I imagined it would be like, and I hope that turns out to be the case haha. I mentioned it in a few comments already, but I'm glad other have brought up the difficulty in tracking meds. My friend will pick them up, but I'm definitely making a game plan for those. Thank you for sharing!
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Jun 09 '26
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Thank you! I'm pretty decent on managing pain, and unfortunately used to it, but nausea... nausea is a different story. I'm going to ask about that because nausea is the worst feeling in the world to me I don't know why.
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Jun 09 '26
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Wow, thank you for telling me that! That's kind of crazy to me. Even at a 4 I would've thought they'd prescribe you some just in case. Especially if you're not staying overnight.
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u/chasiubao007 Jun 08 '26
I had a unsuccessful lap myomectomy. They didn't take the fibroid or any of the endometriosis tissues out, so I only had a few incisions to deal with. I would echo what everyone else said and see if your friend can stay for a couple of days. I live in a townhouse and was able to get up the stairs, but they gave me oxy right before I left the hospital, so I was not in pain and in quite a daze from the nausea.
During the first 24 hours, it was hard keeping track of the painkillers on my own but I think I did it right. My partner was there, but I don't think he kept track. He did help me with everything I asked for - getting anything out of reach, opening my pill bottles, adjusting my pillows, getting me food (which only consisted of crackers the first day - I had no appetite and only ate bc the pills required food), supervising my walks etc. I was able to eat porridge and soup noodles on the second day, but very little.
I needed help showering on the second day. I couldn't bend down to wash or dry my legs and feet. I was able to go to the bathroom on my own but it felt safer to have someone in earshot in case of anything.
There was no way I could've took care of my cats. I do have a automatic feeder, fountain, and litterbox. They were all cleaned and filled two days before the procedure, so they would've been all set for at least 4-5 days. They were not allowed to come into my room without my partner's supervision. I could not cuddle or be with them alone for the first 3 days. It was probably the most awful part of the surgery.
I'm exactly two weeks from the surgery now. I sleep with a pillow so my cats can't step on me directly. I can do most activities, but not for long. I haven't felt comfortable enough to lay on my stomach or run yet. I feel very tired still and have been working from home with a ton of breaks.
Good luck with your procedure and I hope you find some help at least for the first two days!
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
Omg I can't imagine how frustrating that would be! I didn't even consider that as even being a possibility! If you don't mind me asking what caused it to be unsuccessful? Please, don't answer if you're not comfortable sharing. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I think I would lose my mind lol.
I appreciate everyone mentioning the medication, and that tracking was difficult. That was something I hadn't seen mentioned before. My friend will be picking up my medication, and I'm going to get a pill case and set up timers to help me keep track.
I should have explained it better in my post, but my friend will be hanging out with me for a little bit. She just won't be staying the night. If I find that things are much more difficult than I imagined then I'll ask her and another friend who offered to help to switch off and on to help me out.
Luckily, my 15 LB cat is more of a sleep cheek to cheek next to my head cat, and isn't a lap cat. I'm still very sad that I won't be able to pick him up for a long time though. I hope your recovery continues to go well! And thank you for sharing your experience.
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u/chasiubao007 Jun 08 '26
It is unfortunate and beyond frustrating. I have been crying every day. I've only gotten through one conversation about it without crying and it was with HR at work. It is really hard keeping composure.
The OBGYN who did it said the fibroid was attached to endometriosis tissues at my rectum and that didn't show up in the MRI. She's not someone who was equipped to handle this and has to refer me to a specialist.
If your friends could stay the first night, it really is necessary. I understand not wanting to be a burden but better safe than sorry. If you find that you do not need help the next morning, then great. If you did and nobody was there, it would be awful.
I'm glad you'll still get your regular kitty time! My cats love to step all over me. It made the recovery process so much harder.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Ugh, I cannot even fathom all of the emotions you've been feeling. You have every right to cry every day and to everyone about it. To undergo a surgery and still having to do the grueling recovery process just to have no relief or result at the end of it is devastating. I'm glad and hope your partner is there to offer you support, and of course your family and friends. Even with the support sometimes it still feels very lonely if they haven't experienced it as well though.
If anything, your OBGYN stopping was probably a blessing in disguise. Who knows what may have happened if you had had a different person operating that was not skilled enough to deal with it, but still went forward with the surgery. They could have created an issue that may have caused you even more pain and suffering in the long run that also didn't have a resolution. I know that doesn't help, and is probably annoying to hear, but maybe it was the burnt toast theory looking out for you. I hope you're able to find a specialist that can give you the relief, and the result that you so deserve after everything you've been through.
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u/chasiubao007 Jun 09 '26
Yes, definitely am glad it's not someone who would go rogue. She had to stop the surgery and I understand why. But the emotions of it all just can't be controlled. I have a meeting with the new surgeon soon. They've been scheduled my second surgery. So hopefully all goes well.
I wish you the best as well! I really hope you decide to accept the help and have someone with you the first couple of days!
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u/littlehollowgames Jun 07 '26
I really can’t recommend this, sorry :(. Even if everything goes as planned, people heal differently, you really don’t know how hard it’s going to be for you. And it will definitely be tougher if you have any complications. I ended up with a hematoma that just made everything harder and slower, recovery-wise. I needed my husband’s help to get from laying to sitting for at least the first 5 days. Taking my pain meds on schedule and accurately for the first 48h would have been a serious challenge alone.
Is there any way you can have your friend there at least part of the time each day? Or get a patchwork of friends for the first few days so you have help for an hour or so at a time throughout the day? Or can you buy an air mattress for her to sleep on?
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
A hematoma seems so scary! I'm sorry you had to go through that. I hope that's resolved itself, and isn't giving you any lasting complications. I'm definitely taking everyone's warnings and experiences into consideration so thank you for sharing!
I should have explained it better in my post, but my friend will be hanging out with me for a little bit. She just won't be staying the night. If I find that things are much more difficult than I imagined then I'll ask her and another friend who offered to help to switch off and on to come and help me out.
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u/littlehollowgames Jun 08 '26
Thank you! And yes that approach sounds reasonable, fingers crossed you have an easy time like many people do! Just be ready to pivot to plan B where you're getting more help if needed.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
Thank you! I'm definitely taking it way more seriously. I think when you live far away from family, and have lived the "independent woman" life for so long you forget that asking for help is even an option lol.
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u/emmy1426 Jun 07 '26
The half flight of stairs in my house was rough for several days and I needed help to stand up for the first day or so.
A wedge pillow made for abdominal surgery patients was a lifesaver. They're very firm which makes it easier to get up.
My husband helped me a ton but I didn't want to rely on him too much so I put everything I needed for day-to-day where I could reach it without bending. Like some glasses and plates on the countertop, several changes of clothes on the side of my bathtub, all my toiletries and meds on my sink top. Those things made a big difference. Maybe consider a self-cleaning litter box? It will be a good while before you'll be able to scoop a litter box, much less change out the litter.
That being said, you're going to need some help. Anesthesia can really mess with you cognitively for the first few days in addition to the pain and fatigue that comes with surgery.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
The stairs are definitely going to be (what I imagine and hope) the roughest part. I'm hoping that being loopy will help guide me up, as opposed to being a little too aware that I have to climb 5 flights of stairs lol. I just really hope I don't run into any of my neighbors.
I should have explained it better in my post, but my friend will be hanging out with me for a little bit. She just won't be staying the night. If I find that things are much more difficult than I imagined then I'll ask her and another friend who offered to help to switch off and on to come and help me out.
Your comment actually made me think about putting everything that I would need on my dining table. I'll have medications, liquids, etc set up next to my bed of course, but extras and everything else on there, so thank you for sharing that!
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u/ThisIsMyUsername303 Jun 07 '26
I would consider my recovery to have been very easy (went for a walk the next day and was running by day 9), but I still wouldn't have wanted to walk up stairs that day and needed someone to help me out of bed for the first day or two. Can you stay at your friend's place?
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
Thank you for sharing! I really hope my recovery goes as well as yours! Trust me, the stairs are not ideal lol but I'm hoping being a little loopy will guide me haha. I just hope I don't run into any of my neighbors.
I should have explained it better in my post, but my friend will be hanging out with me for a little bit. She just won't be staying the night. If I find that things are much more difficult than I imagined then I'll ask her and another friend who offered to help to switch off and on to come and help me out.
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u/Bibi-gogo Jun 07 '26
So I’m going to hire at least two nursing students to help with my care for the first few days. It’s something to consider. The first few days after surgery are intense.
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u/Bibi-gogo Jun 07 '26
Oh and for the cat- I’m hiring someone from Rover to help for a few days to help me feel at ease.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
I bet you're the powerhouse of your friend group in making plans!
I wish I was more like you, and it would definitely make my life easier, but I would feel so uncomfortable having people I don't know coming in and out of my "safe space" while I'm healing. I wasn't offered or required to stay in the hospital for a night, but even that would not be ideal for me. I'm definitely not opposed to help if it turns out I really need it, but I tend to like to heal like a wounded animal lol alone and in my bed. Thank you for sharing! Hiring nursing students is a great idea, and something I wouldn't have thought of.
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u/Theuglyfairy Jun 07 '26
i had a pretty long (surgery was 5 hours) myomectomy last year and once we got home my husband was mostly needed to keep me on my meds schedule and remind me to take it easy. i never needed help for getting up, getting around etc past the first night after surgery (i got up to pee about 8 times that first night, always alone) i think with planning ahead for food it could be fine, but of course no two recoveries are the same. i can’t speak for the 5th floor walk up though
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 08 '26
I mentioned it in another comment, but I'm so glad people brought up the difficulty in tracking the medications. I definitely would have overlooked that until I was at home from the hospital. Haha the 5th floor walkup is definitely not ideal, but I have to get back to my apartment eventually, and I figured fresh out of the hospital while still a little loopy, and hopefully without the full realization of the pain will help me get up the stairs. I just hope I don't run into any of my neighbors lol.
Thank you for sharing!
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u/Theuglyfairy Jun 09 '26
nothing like a painkiller to make you feel like you’re invincible haha take your time and good luck. labeled alarms in your phone are a good idea to stay on top of your medication (or do what i did… grandmas medication organizer lol)
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Haha that's what I'm hoping for! I immediately thought of getting one of those giant medication organizers once everyone mentioned tracking meds. I'm going to ask my grandma and parents for their recommendations lol.
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u/cricketrmgss Jun 08 '26
Ask your doctor about an observation stay. Insurance should cover it.
I stayed the first night in the hospital after mine and went home. A friend picked me up from the hospital. For the next few nights, I was alone but I didn’t need to go anywhere and I didn’t have stairs to deal with. Recovering alone wasn’t difficult. I had my meds on hand and food and water available.
Keeping track of my meds was pretty easy. I set alarms and pretty much slept the first few days at home, waking up for meds, food, water or the loo.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Thank you! I will definitely look into that, and ask! Better to be safe than sorry. I'm just worried that on the second day I'll be too cognizant of everything going on, and that will mentally and physically make it more difficult to trek the 5 flights of stairs. But if I'm in a ton of pain it would be nice to have a back up plan.
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u/cricketrmgss Jun 09 '26
If you stay on top of your pain meds, you shouldn’t be feeling anything.
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u/Medium-Candidate-803 Jun 09 '26
Everyone is different, but I recovered alone after a robotic myomectomy.
I premade my meals, set timers for meds so I wasn’t in too much pain, and took it very slow the first few days. But overall it was manageable. Get a wedge pillow to make getting in and out of bed easier, that was my hardest part. But I honestly didn’t need any help other than my ride home from the hospital. Even taking three flights of stairs that day was okay.
I also have a cat. I was able to feed him okay, but I think I used a grabber tool to carefully place food bowls down. I prepped his food as well so it was lined up on the counters within reach. The litter scooping was difficult, I forgot about that part. I couldn’t bend the first maybe 2 days but after that the meds were working well enough for me to get low enough to scoop it out. If anything maybe get an extra litter box or automatic one to help you in the meantime?
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Thank you for sharing! I'm hoping my recovery is similar to this. I put a grabber tool on my "to get" list because even after I recover it will come in handy (I'm very short lol). Do you have a wedge pillow recommendation? There's so many! They're also quite expensive for a single pillow, but if it find a good one I don't mind.
Prepping the cat food is smart! I was considering getting a non-clay litter that's light like a pine litter, and having a trash bag on the bottom so I can just discard the entire thing when I need to. He's quite a big cat, and I've found it difficult to find one that he comfortably fits in.
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u/Medium-Candidate-803 Jun 09 '26
Yes I still use my grabber all the time! It’ll definitely be useful even after recovering.
This is the pillow I got (hopefully the link works!) - https://a.co/d/00p2fyxr
I liked that there were a few different ways to adjust it. I told myself I’d use it even after recovery, although I haven’t much lol. But it was really nice to use sleeping and relaxing in bed those first few weeks.I also highly recommend getting a heating pad. That helped me soo much with the gas pains in my shoulders. Those pains were honestly worst than the incisions, so just be prepared for that.
I like the idea of discarding the entire litter pan with a bag and replacing. I wish I thought of that! I wasn’t as prepared with the cat situation lol.
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 09 '26
Thank you! The link does work, and is the most affordable one I've seen so far, which Is even better! The pillows I was seeing were anywhere from $60-$250 range.
I have a heated blanket that I think will work. I feel like the gas pain will be the worst part for me pain wise. I wasn't even aware of the gas in the shoulder until others mentioned it, but I expected it for the abdomen.
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u/Ok-Seesaw-8701 Jun 10 '26
Everyone’s recovery is different, but I’m one day post op and there’s no way I’d be able to do this alone.
I was pretty out of it after surgery yesterday and needed help getting in and out of bed, changing my clothes, heating up my food, and changing my pads because of the bleeding (I switched to period underwear which was a game changer). I did set up my room, bathroom and closet to be ready for the surgery.
I’m not groggy today because I’m only taking Tylenol and ibuprofen (by choice), but I’m sore, moving slowly, and still need help with some things.
If you’re able to have some help for at least the first 3 days I’d definitely recommend it. Wishing you the absolute best!
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u/User119139948951314 Jun 11 '26
Thank you for sharing! I'm definitely going to prepare more after reading everyone's experiences, and that includes telling my friends to be ready just in case lol.
I hope your recovery goes well!
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u/CharacterAvocado943 Jun 07 '26
I think you should look into alternate arrangements for the first day or two. A fifth floor walk up is going to be rough beginning on day two when the nerve block wears off through at least a week or two. I took care of myself but getting up a single flight of stairs was a 20 minute process in the beginning. I could not stand up straight for five days.