My Story · My Recovery

Living Through
Fibroids & Myomectomy

A real timeline, from the morning my stomach suddenly swelled, to the surgery, to everything that actually helped me heal, one year on.

Surgery day → one year post-op

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Please note: this page shares my personal experience only. It is not medical advice and isn't a substitute for care from your own doctor. Every fibroid case and every recovery is different. Always follow your own surgeon's or gynecologist's guidance first.

How It Started

Before the recovery, there was the diagnosis and the year it took to get here.

February 2025

The morning everything changed

I suddenly woke up with a swollen stomach and was in severe pain. I rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with multiple uterine fibroids, with the largest one being over 10cm. I visited 3 different hospitals and that's when a gynecologist finally explained the type of fibroids I had and everything I needed to know, including why I'd been dealing with heavy periods, bloating and constant discomfort all along. I was also informed that I had to undergo surgery.

The following months

Hoping for a natural fix

The thought of having to undergo surgery scared me, so I decided to try natural remedies first. I tried different herbs and teas people told me would shrink the fibroids and I changed my diet too. But three months passed and things got worse.

By June

When it got serious

Things got worse and one day I woke up unable to pass urine. My belly was swollen and tight and I was rushed to the hospital and had a catheter inserted. That's when I knew it was time to seriously consider surgery.

Choosing surgery

Deciding, together with my doctor

My doctor was always calm, kind and patient and let me ask as many questions as I wanted. We decided on a myomectomy to remove the fibroids. I was nervous, but also ready to finally feel better.

Surgery day

The operation went well

I had an abdominal myomectomy and the operation went well. I woke up sore, tired and full of emotions. I was in pain, but my family was always by my side and the hospital staff were so sweet, kind and patient with me too.

'My myomectomy didn't break me. It brought me back to myself.'

23 days post-op

The First Few Days

Nobody fully prepares you for this part. Here's what it was actually like.

I was in pain, bloated and eish, the gas pain was surprising. No one really warned me about the gas. Moving was slow, going to the bathroom was uncomfortable and I needed help just getting in and out of bed. If this is you right now: it's normal and it does get easier with time.

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Gas Pain & Bloating

This caught me the most off guard. Here's what actually helped.

✓Let that gas out, don't hold it in 😂. Holding it in only makes the pain worse.
✓Take slow walks, even if it's just to the door. Movement is what moves the gas along.
✓Sip warm or hot water regularly throughout the day. If the gas is so painful, tell your doctor and they will prescribe something.
✓Avoid fizzy drinks and cold meals, they made the bloating worse for me.
✓A warm compress on the belly can really help with the discomfort.
✓Gentle movement is your best friend, more than staying still.

Bathroom Tips

The part nobody talks about, but everyone going through this needs to hear.

✓Lean forward when peeing, it can reduce pressure.
✓Take your time and breathe through it. There's no rush.
✓If constipated, take more warm water or fruit rather than forcing anything.
✓When having a bowel movement, don't strain, just relax your muscles and let your body do the rest.

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What I Ate & Drank

Simple, gentle and iron-rich. This is what my body actually wanted.

🍵Warm water or teasipped all day

🍚Soft foodsporridge, soft nsima, fruits, soups, mashed potatoes

🥬Iron-rich mealsto boost blood after surgery

✕No spicy food, caffeine, or processed snacksespecially in the early days

Scar Care & Tips

Small habits that protected my healing skin.

✓Gently clean with cool water and a doctor-approved soap.
✓Avoid scented lotions or oils on the scar until it's fully dried up.
✓Avoid tight clothes and underwear that rub against the area.
✓Be patient with yourself, scars fade with time and it's a sign of your strength, not something to hide.

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Emotional Healing Is Healing Too

There were moments of fear, frustration and sadness. But also, moments of quiet pride. I let myself rest. I let people help me. That was healing too.

If you're facing this, you've got this too. One soft day at a time. You don't have to be brave every second, you just have to be gentle with yourself. Ask for help, breathe, or walk slowly. You're not behind. You're healing at your own pace.

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The Year in Milestones

Recovery didn't end at six weeks. Here's how it kept unfolding.

Day 23

Small victories, soft progress

Healing was going well and each day felt easier and stronger. I felt lighter, freer and hopeful again. This journey was unique and I was learning to honour my own pace.

3 months

Healed scar, back to work

At 3 months my energy levels were so much better, my normal period was back and it was light and not painful. I returned to work, exercise and my skin was no longer pale-looking.

6 months

Halfway to a year, felt brand new

My body felt so much different and brand new. I was no longer constantly tired or dizzy. I was not bloated or experiencing heavy bleeding or frequent headaches. It really felt great to be me again.

One year post-op

Looking back, fully healed

As I look back now, I can't help but get so emotional at how far I have come and what a journey it has been. It feels great to be me again. It feels great to not have to worry about cancelling plans because of periods, or worry about what to wear because of bloating. It feels great to be able to do daily activities that I could no longer do.

One Year Later

What I wish I knew on day one

Healing is not going to be a straight line and that's fine. Resting isn't giving up, it's part of healing. Ask for help and don't tough it out alone.

What surprised me looking back

I was much stronger than I gave myself credit for. How many people showed up when I actually let them. How fast the scary part became just a memory. And how much lighter I feel now, not just physically, mentally too.

What I'd tell the version of me who was scared of surgery

Being scared doesn't mean you're not ready. Ask every question. You're choosing this for you. You'll still be you on the other side, but just lighter and happier. You don't have to feel brave. You just have to do it scared. That still counts.

How my body feels now, a year on

My energy's back up, periods are actually normal now and the scar's there but just faded. It doesn't feel like a big deal anymore. Honestly the biggest thing is I trust my body again. Not perfect, but it's mine and I'm happy.

Always Call Your Doctor If

Fever, or redness/discharge at the incision site
Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour
Severe or worsening pain that medication isn't touching
Ongoing inability to pass urine, or a swollen, tight belly

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