Preparing for an Abdominal Myomectomy Procedure Pt 2 (or, is it HOT in here or is it just me?)

Preparing for Op-Day

 

1.       Weight Loss

A few months before the op, my consultant advised me not to put on any more weight.

Studies show that remaining within a set variation of your ideal Body Mass Index (BMI), statistically reduces complications during and after an operation. While I permanently reside above my personal BMI, I was apparently just under the 'danger zone'.

I have never been on a diet, and have a real aversion to the idea. My plan after speaking to the specialist was to change something simple about my eating habits in order to maintain my current weight. If that resulted in me losing a little, even better!

That's where smoothie-making came in. I resolved to introduce more (alright - some!) fruit and veg into my daily diet. It worked a breeze, I dropped a little weight and gained a bit of energy in the process.

2.      Zoladex Injections

For three months prior to the op, I received Zoladex injections.

Zoladex implants prevent the production of certain types of hormones in the body. It is used to stop monthly cycles and hopefully shrink fibroids prior to surgery.

When to Take Zoladex

I had my first injection in the first week of my cycle three months prior to my op date, and a further two injections every four weeks.

I was also given Livial Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which I elected not to take. Call me hard-headed, but I didn't want to start medication to combat symptoms I hadn't even experienced. The side effects started approx. 3 - 4 weeks after the first injection and became progressively worse over the course of the last two months.

Suggestion: Zoladex injections must be taken within a very tight window, With timely GP appointments hard to come in the UK, make sure you book your GP appointments for injections well in advance, you can always cancel if your operation is rescheduled.


Zoladex Side Effects

Hot flashes!!  Imagine sitting in a huge pot on a low-to-medium simmer while in a meeting trying to remain professional and pay attention. It’s a MASSIVE distraction trying to ignore regular bouts of prickling fire in your chest, heat gradually creeping up to your hair follicles and visible sweat all over your face and hairline at random times throughout a working day.

Image:http://cocoafab.com/

Then there was trouble sleeping due to night sweats. Waking up burning.. Throwing off covers. Waking up FREEZING, scrambling to find the edge of the duvet and pull it up to your chin.. Far too much activity when there is another busy work day ahead next day.

I must admit I was blasé about hot flashes, "..what's so bad about a  bit of heat?", but facing the same symptoms in the future and knowing they may last for years, I could definitely see myself opting for HRT.

As you can imagine, disrupted sleep and managing hot flashes during the day contribute to a feeling of fatigue. 

I also felt thirsty all the time, I was nauseas in weeks 2-3 after the first injection and my whole body was itching all day, EVERY day, after my third injection.

Another side effect to mention was the emotional roller-coaster, sudden tears  - perhaps better described as sudden grief, with no basis and no letup was a shock. That stage lasted only a week but after a couple of rough days I was relieved to re-check Zoladex side effects and put my mind at ease that I wasn't having a minor breakdown!

Knowing I was going through a very short (3 month) tunnel with light at the end made the season bearable.

If you have been prescribed Zoladex for any reason, I would be interested to hear what side affects you experienced. Feel free to comment below..

Thanks for reading! Next post on this topic “Op day and Immediate Recovery”.

Further Reading

Body Mass Index (BMI)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

Zoladex

http://www.drugs.com/zoladex.html

Livial

http://www.medicines.org.uk/guides/Livial/Hormone%20replacement%20therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy