How to Prepare for a UFE
I knew I had one fibroid when I was pregnant with my son. I had additional ultrasounds during pregnancy because there was concern that the size of my fibroid would impair normal growth of the baby’s skull. I had a normal healthy baby and now he is a giant teenager.
No one had informed me after birth on how or what to do for my fibroids, so I went years without any follow up treatment.
However, in my forties, my periods changed, they were much heavier, more frequent and cramps and fatigue were increasing. That’s when I started voicing my complaints to my doctor.
Fibroids are very common, but not talked about enough.
It’s estimated that 70% of women will have uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, it’s a higher percentage for black women.
We don’t know exactly what causes fibroids, but they are very common in perimenopause as hormones change.
If you want to read more about my entire uterine fibroid and iron deficiency journey, here’s another blog to read.
Through my uterine fibroid and UFE journey, I found lots of information and support in a Facebook group, beyond what the doctors were telling me.
Hearing other women’s stories normalized the entire experience for me, so I wanted to share my story and advice in the hopes that others would be helped.
(Quick disclaimer that this is my own experience and not a substitute for medical treatment.)
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and other symptoms. During UFE, a radiologist inserts a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the fibroids and injects tiny particles to block blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and symptoms to improve. This procedure offers a beneficial alternative to surgery, providing a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and preservation of the uterus, making it an excellent option for many women seeking relief from fibroid-related issues.
For me personally, it was the right choice because I could avoid an hysterectomy that required 6-8 weeks of recovery while still being effective in reducing symptoms.
My periods were becoming such a crime scene that I could barely leave the house for a few days a month. I was soaking through ultra tampons and overnight pads in less than one hour.
How to prepare for a UFE
Medical:
Before scheduling a UFE, I was required to get an MRI with and without contrast. I know some people have hesitation about the contrast dye, but it is required to be able to see the blood flow to the fibroids.
I had never had an MRI before and I was nervous about the small space and the stories I had heard, but I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of being sedated either.
I did not use sedation for the MRI, but I was really grateful that I had practiced yoga, meditation and mindfulness for years prior. It was nerve wracking to be in that tube and hear the clunking.
I closed my eyes for most of it, that was helpful. I really focused on my breathing- slowly in and out, deep into the belly.
The mantra “I am safe” was extremely helpful. I just kept saying it over and over and over again.
Recovery Planning
Time off from work
My radiologist recommended taking two weeks off from work to recover, I needed that. Everyone is different, but I would recommend planning your recovery this way. Week One, I was mainly in bed rest. Week Two, I started doing more but moments of extreme fatigue would hit me quickly. Week Three, I felt better, but still needed a lot of rest. If you have an extremely physical job, I would recommend more recovery time. If you have a desk job or can work from home, perhaps you would only need 7-10 days of recovery. Like I said, everyone is different. Plan for the worse, hope for the best.
Returning to exercise
As far as returning to exercise is concerned. I think it depends on what you were doing before the procedure. I needed to slowly start moving again, because waves of exhaustion would hit me quickly. Take recovery day by day and really listen to your body. This is not a time to push.
A checklist of things that were helpful for recovery
Two electric heating pads: Two is important because I wanted one heating pad on the front and one one the back for the first few days. They need to be electric (not microwave- able) because you will want the heat to be constant, especially when sleeping.
Extension cords for heating pads to reach the bed
Phone charger
Water bottle with a straw or easy to drink out of
Along with your post procedure prescribed meds, it’s good to have advil, tylenol and stool softeners on hand.
Extra pads for bleeding
Prunes and Prune Juice for constipation
Smooth Move Tea for constipation
Snacks that feel good when you are sick, crackers, soups, smoothies etc.
A long list of shows to watch as you will be in bed, perhaps you would also enjoy podcasts or audio books.
A book to read
Before you go to the hospital for the procedure, clean your toilet (in case you vomit) and clean your bed sheets (you will be spending lots of hours in bed in the next week or so). Nothing says “I love you” than a clean toilet and bed sheets!
If you have stairs in your home, set things up so you can stay on one level. For me that was my bedroom, I had my family bring me meals so I could rest and recover.
For the first few days after UFE, climbing one set of stairs would cause cramping for me, so I limited stair climbing to once or twice a day.
I had a groin entry UFE, some radiologists do a wrist entry, I didn’t have the option.
I didn’t drive for the first week between the prescription painkillers and being exhausted, so plan to have a week's worth of food and supplies on hand.
Staying overnight at the hospital was not an option for me either. However, I was glad to recover at home. I knew that I would sleep better in my own bed with my own food and family around. It just helps me be more relaxed.
Practical Tips for the Day of the Procedure
What to Bring
Dress in comfortable layers, the hospital was cold, so I was glad to have a sweater. A cardigan or wrap sweater is better as you can’t put things over your head after they put in your IV etc. You might prefer a blanket instead.
Bring crackers and light snacks for after the UFE when you can finally eat. That was helpful, so I didn’t take pain pills on empty stomach
Bring snacks or even a meal for your companion or partner. My husband was there all day with me and didn’t want to leave me in recovery to go to the hospital cafe. He was thankful for the food I packed!
I definitely needed someone to drive me home, this was required by the hospital.
Procedure
They used twilight anesthesia. I remember being wheeled into the procedure room, being cold and then I was out.
When I woke up, they were cleaning up after the procedure. I don’t remember a thing and I didn’t feel anything during the UFE.
Immediately after the UFE, I was required to lay flat for two hours because of the groin entry. They don’t want the small incision to bleed. That was uncomfortable because I really needed to pee and I couldn’t get my bladder to use a bedpan. Once the two hours were over, I was able to walk to the toilet and felt so much better.
If you can go to the bathroom right before the procedure, I think that would be more comfortable post UFE.
Follow-Up Appointments
I had a follow up phone appointment with my radiologist about a week after the UFE to check in. It was never suggested or recommended to have a follow up MRI and honesty, I was fine with that. I could tell that my symptoms were improving in the first few months following the UFE. And getting an MRI is not fun, I know the UFE worked, I trust my body, so I didn’t feel the need for an MRI. In my situation, it would be a waste of time and a inconvenience.
My Results
I spent two weeks in bed recovering and another two weeks out of bed but still fatigued.
Despite the pain, which was manageable with prescribed painkillers for the first few days, I would do it all over again for these results.
UFE gave me my life back!
My period flow, cramps and clots are reduced by 80-90%.
Before UFE, I couldn’t leave the house for 2-3 days a month due to extreme heavy bleeding. I was bleeding through ultra tampons and an overnight pad every 45-90 minutes for days. I woke up 3-5 times a night to change my tampon and pad, not realizing that wasn’t normal.
In the last two months before UFE, I was passing huge clots the size of a quarter to half my fist—it was insane! A total crime scene. I had horrible back pain and cramps that kept me in bed and on Advil for days.
Now, I can finally live my life without being held back by my period. I’m so grateful for this procedure and I would highly recommend it.
Connect with Me for Personalized Help
I invite you to book a free consult call with me, and let's work together to discuss your concerns, process the emotions and find the right solutions for you on your fibroid journey.
You can also stay connected through my FREE Perimenopause Guide which includes a list of perimenopause symptoms and a list of hormone supporting habits.