UPcoming hysterectomy 9/6 and fibromyalgia

Hi everyone! im 33 and have my surgery (vaginal) scheduled for September 6th, to remove my uterus and cervix. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 3 years ago after being misdiagnosed 7 years ago with arthritis. For the past 3 years I have had unbearable pain, resulting in countless emergency room visits and doctors appointments. Finally, I had laparoscopic surgery in May of this year to basically get a look inside and see what was going on. She found Adenomyosis, scarring from hemorrhaging, and a few other things. My concern is that my dr told me that I would feel fine in about 4 days and it took me 2 weeks or so to really feel better, and it through me into a fibro flare up. Now my dr is telling me that I would probably feel better with in a week after the hysterectomy. I had my own doubts about that and complied with the fibro I'm really afraid of my pain level afterward. I guess my question is, has anyone here dealt with the post op that has fibro, and if so could they give me an idea of what kind of pain/ eecovery time I might be looking at? I know everyone heals differently, but I don't feel like the information my dr is giving me is the norm. Thanks!!

So glad you found us! I can understand your concern and have included an article - Fibromyalgia and Hysterectomy - that may help you! I am sure other sisters will also be by to share their similar experiences.
Good luck and

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynds1633 Hi everyone! im 33 and have my surgery (vaginal) scheduled for September 6th, to remove my uterus and cervix. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 3 years ago after being misdiagnosed 7 years ago with arthritis. For the past 3 years I have had unbearable pain, resulting in countless emergency room visits and doctors appointments. Finally, I had laparoscopic surgery in May of this year to basically get a look inside and see what was going on. She found Adenomyosis, scarring from hemorrhaging, and a few other things. My concern is that my dr told me that I would feel fine in about 4 days and it took me 2 weeks or so to really feel better, and it through me into a fibro flare up. Now my dr is telling me that I would probably feel better with in a week after the hysterectomy. I had my own doubts about that and complied with the fibro I'm really afraid of my pain level afterward. I guess my question is, has anyone here dealt with the post op that has fibro, and if so could they give me an idea of what kind of pain/ eecovery time I might be looking at? I know everyone heals differently, but I don't feel like the information my dr is giving me is the norm. Thanks!!

Hi Lynds.

Everyone's recovery will be different but I'll share my story. I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for about 10 years.

I had an emergency appendectomy 6 weeks ago. At that time they found a large mass on an ovary. Two weeks ago I was supposed to have an LAVH but once inside there was a mess of adhesions so I ended up with an abdominal surgery instead with a large vertical incision. Surgery took over 4 hours.

13 days later and I'm doing really well. I still have some pain but it's manageable. I stopped the narcotic on day 8 and started driving on day 9. I'm getting around quite well now.

This may sound ridiculous but I feel like this has all been a gift to me, because I'm learning to really be self compassionate with myself, pain included. I feel like the FM has responded positively to that attitude.

I listened to "preparing for successful surgery" by Belleruth Naparstak for 10 consecutive days ahead of time and I can't recommend it highly enough. I think it made a huge difference. I also see an energy healer and have found that very helpful.

I hope it goes really well for you!

I had a different type of Hysterectomy (TLH/BSO) but I also have Fibromyalgia. I was worried about the same things. However, I found that being off work for several weeks actually seemed to help my Fibromyalgia pain. My left shoulder and both knees are trouble areas. I had severe Endometriosis and a more involved procedure than the average patient. I was on pain medication until week five post-op, which is not typical. But I am also a slow healer. Along with helping the post-surgical pain, the pain medication seemed to help keep the Fibromyalgia pain at bay. I had some complications after I attempted to return to work, so I was off for a total of 14 weeks. Overall I was surprised that I didn't have a flare during recovery. It just waited to flare until I returned to work. Good luck!