M P 9 How To Prepare For Fibroid Surgery

[Pages:1]Medical Professionals

9

How To Prepare For Fibroid Surgery

Written By: Alfred B. Parchment, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Monmouth Ocean Medical Services, LLC

Fibroids are one of the most common

reasons women

have gyn surgery.

T he thought of surgery can cause anyone to be nervous, worried or scared - whether the doctor plans on removing just the fibroid (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy). These thoughts are understandable. But there are things you can do before the surgery that cannot only simply help you worry less, but can promote faster post-operative healing.

? Make yourself healthy. Strive to be healthy and eliminate unhealthy habits, such as cigarette smoking, recreational use of drugs, or excessive alcohol use.

? Educate your doctor. Provide them with your full personal and family health history. In addition, share with them all prescription and over-the-counter medications you have recently taken or are currently taking. This is because some condititions and medications can cause problems during or after the surgery.

? Prepare your home. Ask your doctor about ways to make your home as convenient as possible for your recovery. Be sure to shop for your post-surgery food (particularly for the first few days after you return home) and make it easily accessible.

? Get tested. Be sure to have all the necessary pre-laboratory tests done as soon as possible, including x-rays, blood tests, urine tests and an electrocardiogram.

? Eat well. Focus on eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh foods and vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C, in particular, is thought You may want to discuss

Fibroids are classified by their location,

to play an important role in healing. the following with your

which affects the symptoms they cause and

Also check with your doctor about what you should or shouldn't eat right before surgery.

? Understand the potential pain. You may not want to think about it, but pain is an inevitable part of surgery. Talk to your doctor about what types of pain management treatments will be used during, immediately and well after the surgery.

doctor:

? What medicines/supplements should I stop taking before the surgery?

? How should I prepare my home for my return after the surgery (food, garments, medical supplies)?

? What do I need to do the day before and the day of surgery?

how they can be treated. Fibroids inside the uterine cavity (intracavitary myomas) usually cause bleeding between periods and often severe cramping. Submucous myomas are partly in the cavity and partly in the ueterine wall. They too can cause heavy periods, as well as bleeding between periods.

? Be familiar with your pre-op day before and day-of procedures. The doctor or nurse will more than likely give you a detailed list of steps that you need to take both the day before and the day of surgery. Unless clearly stated by your doctor or nurse, do not skip any of these steps. If you have any questions about these steps, be sure to ask your doctor.

1 Surgery also has an emotional impact.

There are so many fears: an unsuccessful surgery, scars, a ruined sex life, being tired for months, etc. Typical responses to having to have surgery also include depression, even anger. For some women, the anticipation of being hospitalized and separated from family members

? How long will I probably need to be in the hospital?

? Can my family member stay with me in my hospital room?

? What can I expect the first few hours/days after my surgery?

? How long before I can resume normal activities?

? What will my physical limitations be?

? What are the most likely potential complications?

? What will be the extent of disability, if any, following the procedure?

? Is there any special equipment that should be in the home during the recovery period?

? What resources are available to help in planning for these needs?

? Is there anything else that I need to know?

yourself in the future. The two types of directives are a living will and a health care proxy. Talk to your doctor and your lawyer about what you need to do to begin the paperwork process.

At some point before the surgery, your doctor will give you consent forms to sign. Make sure that you understand everything before you sign. Never sign the form if you don't understand what it means, if the procedure hasn't been adequately explained to you, or if you don't want the procedure. Know that you can may make changes; for example, if the consent reads, "and possible hysterectomy," you may strike out the phrase or refuse to sign the consent as it is written.

Surgeries for fibroid removal, regardless of the specific type of pro-

LLC

QUALITY VALUE QUALITY sErVIcE

? Ultra-Sounds ? Blood Work ? Urological Testing

Our Physicians . . .

? Alfred B. Parchment, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

? Vanita H. Patel, M.D.

makes coping difficult. Physical preparations for the

surgery, including eating well, following all of the pre-surgery steps instructed by your doctor, even simply knowing that a loved one will be there to support you, can all help to ease your mind and make the natural emotional journey a little bit smoother.

If you are diabetic, also discuss how to manage or modify your insulin intake during the immediate preoperative period when you are not eating.

Once you've decided on surgery, you may want to consider drawing up advance directives. These instructions communicate your health care plans if you cannot speak for

cedure, is a major surgery, with serious risks that should be considered very carefully. That said, this type of surgery is one of the most common surgeries for women. With some thorough pre-surgery preparations, the chances are very high for not only a successful surgery, but a faster and more comfortable recovery.

About The Doctor . . .

Dr. Parchment is a Board Certified Physician with a specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his medical education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He received his medical training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine ? New York

University, where he practiced as a

fellow in maternal-fetal medicine.

MONMOUTH OCEAN MEDICAL SERVICES, LLC

Dr. Parchment has medical privileges at Jersey Shore Medical Center

Board Certified ? Obstetrics ? Gynecology

Se Hable Espa?ol

in Neptune, N.J., the Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, N.J., and the Ocean Medical Center in

Brick, N.J.

516 Duquesne Blvd Brick, NJ 08723

Ph: 732 477-2727 Fax: 732 477-4613

4013 Route 9 North Howell, NJ 07731 Ph: 732 364-0266 Fax: 732 364-7820

Maggio Plaza 3520 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753 Ph: 732 477-2727 Fax: 732 477-4613

Prior to establishing a successful practice in Ocean and Monmouth County, he was director of OBGYN at the Hospital Center at Orange in Essex County, NJ. He also speaks fluent Spanish.

Dr. Parchment is an alumnus of

the United States Naval Academy,

Class of 1987. In his free time,

you may see Dr. Parchment at the

Lakewood Blue Claws game watch-

ing his favorite baseball team, play-

ing his guitar, or in the park with

his family. He is father to Alexander

Joseph and Alexa Joanne Parchment,

as well as husband to the lovely

Suzanne K. Parchment.

The County Woman Magazine



November/December 2010

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