Uterine polyps removal day op - What to expect? 🤔

Wish that nobody needs this, but if you do, at least know what you're in for and how to prepare for recovery.

Quoted Cost: ~S$20k for private hospital (Did mine at Mount E Novena). If you're using insurance, please request for the letter of guarantee (LOG) so that direct billing can be made.

Procedure duration: ~30mins

Started hospitalisation administration registration at 5.10am, left at 11.45am in the same day.

Complete recovery period: 3 days - 2 weeks

What to expect:

- No food or drinks 6 hours before hospital admission

- Pregnancy test done at home prior to surgery because this surgery would result in miscarriage if pregnant

- Pill taken at 5.30am (to soften the cervix) for a 7.30am day surgery - I was told it could result in some cramps. I experienced intense cramps that's probably multifold of my usual Day 1 menstrual cramps, despite taking the painkiller Arcoxia 90mg. This pill to soften the cervix could also induce bleeding, which happened in my case.

- General anesthesia (GA) was administered in my case

- No incision was required since the 2 polyps were < 2cm, so the vagina was the "entrance"

- Before the surgery, the nurses, anesthesiologist would ask you multiple times to confirm your name, NRIC number and what procedure you're going through to avoid incorrect procedure from being conducted (5 times in my case).

- You would have to wear the surgical robe (no bra) but if you're bleeding, your panty would be allowed. Tips: wear a disposable underwear and a pad.

- You'll be waiting in a room within the operating theatre "holding area" for about 15-30mins

When you're wheeled in on the bed, you'd pass by and get a glance of the various operating theatres. If you're like me, a first timer, the place is clean and white (for obvious reasons), with a huge bright light over the operation bed.

When I was wheeled into one of the operating theatre, a "board" was slided underneath me, and I was lifted onto/transferred to the operation bed. A nurse placed the "ECG" patches around my chest and another placed the oxygen mask over my mouth. The anesthesiologist then inserted the "needle" into the vein per the first photo for the anesthesia administration. Boy, was the anesthesia strong! When it was first injected into my vein, I could feel its movement. While I was looking at the ceiling, before I realised it, I was knocked out like a light.

Until the gynae called out my name to wake me up; I wanted to sleep longer😜. That's when I felt soreness below (I would describe the feeling as when you first had intercourse) while the cramps and bleeding continued.

When I was wheeled back into the room, I was still feeling groggy. Because I already had Arcoxia 90mg (only to be taken once a day), I could only take the paracetamol to ease the cramps. Instead of having the paracetamol, I did some glute bridges on the bed which helped me ease the cramps quite quickly (Not saying that this works for everyone, please listen to your body. Hip thrusts are part of my regular workout routine).

Had to rehydrate myself slowly so I could pee before I can be discharged. Meanwhile, the nurse helped me expedited my order for breakfast (which was 9am+ at that point). Managed to pee and was discharged by 11.45am.

Post surgery:

- No bleeding per se, not spotting either; more of the transparent discharge with some strains of blood and coffee ground like residue (which gynae mentioned it's expected)

- Antibiotics augmentin 65mg (2 pills/day after meals to fight infection) - this causes diarrhoea in some, including me. My gut is sensitive, so "stimulating" food like spicy, dairy, caffeine would trigger diarrhoea.

- Tip: Eat pro-gut pills (2-3 hours after the antibiotics as they flush out all bacteria including good ones in the intestines). Hydrate yourself with isotonic drinks because the loss of salt, potassium etc. through your toilet runs would result in lethargy.

- No heavy lifting and intercourse till your gynae gives you clearance in your follow visit.

It's Day 5 and I'm still feeling really lethargic because of the 3-5times/day toilet runs (and just found out these are related, and how to rectify from my gynae🙄). Only had actual stools for 1 of these times. The rest were more like "splatters" and the colour was a deep dark brown. Please avoid eating spicy, dairy, acidic food EVEN if your gynae tells you there's no dietary restrictions. Still having slight transparent discharge with a strain of blood which can last up to 2 weeks (based on research).

#polypremoval #daysurgery #mountenovena #whattoexpect #uterinepolyp