What was life like before uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)? How did fibroids affect your lifestyle?
I’m 43 years old. I received my UFE in September of 2006. I’m very active. I work a full-time job. I’m a mom, and I’m always traveling or going somewhere with the kids.
I had gone to the gynecologist for a regular checkup and was having a lot of problems prior to this. I had my menstrual period about every two weeks. It was never scheduled. They were very, very heavy at times. I was very moody and irritable. One minute I was crying; one minute I was angry.
Before I had UFE done, I was extremely tired, and I wasn’t able to keep up with everyday tasks. I had been dealing with it, I'd say for about a year, maybe two years prior. Then it just got to the point where it was ruining my lifestyle. I couldn't have the same lifestyle, so I had to do something.
When it came to UFE, what was your decision-making process?
My decision was to take a less-invasive route. Having the UFE procedure is definitely less invasive compared to having a hysterectomy, which is a 6-week recovery. With the UFE procedure, it is basically a week to 10 days, and you're back to your normal lifestyle.
My gynecologist supported me and gave me what she felt was the best treatment option. She said that UFE would be the best for me.
What was the UFE procedure like and aftercare?
Aftercare was fantastic.They called me the next day right at home and gave me all the pain medications—everything to start with.
They advised I follow the pain medication to a T. My doctor insisted, “Even if you’re not feeling the pain, you’re going to take it the first two days as prescribed.”
I did exactly like he said, because he said you can’t catch up to it; it will get past you. Then it’s hard to even it out, and then you’re having problems. I did what he said, and it was fine. No complications at all …nothing. Absolutely everything went very, very well. No problems.
What is life like after UFE?
Today, I feel 10 years younger. I feel extremely happy. My mood levels are constant and back to normal again. I also feel that my love life has improved tremendously. He's happy to be around me. I’m happy to be around him. Things are so much better.
I felt as if it totally changed my life.
© 2023 Merit Medical Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Encounter CSS ™ | Terms of Use