Recovery - Abdominal Hysterectomy Versus Other Types of Hysterectomy

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Recovery - Abdominal Hysterectomy Versus Other Types of Hysterectomy

Recovery - Abdominal Hysterectomy Versus Other Types of Hysterectomy

From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I'm having a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) and it seems that some of my friends are comparing my surgery with their surgeries. Many tell me how easy it should be. How does the TAH compare to other types of hysterectomy? How about a hysterectomy to a C-section?

Women who have had a hysterectomy are often surprised to learn that their friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintances may hold a misconception about the serious nature of a hysterectomy. While certain other surgeries, such as heart bypass surgery and organ transplants, are usually viewed by the general populace as being “major” surgery, people with no direct knowledge of a hysterectomy sometimes have the impression that it is a relatively minor procedure. This seems to be the case particularly with the less-invasive types of hysterectomy surgery.

Whether it be abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic; and whether one, both or neither ovary is removed along with it -- a hysterectomy is a hysterectomy is a hysterectomy.

All are major surgeries with the potential for serious consequences. It important to remember that the surgical options which are appropriate for others would not necessarily be appropriate for you. Just because your gynecologist recommends an abdominal procedure does not mean he or she is incapable or unqualified to perform a different type of hysterectomy.

It may very well be that, in their opinion, an abdominal surgery provides the best opportunity for remedying your particular health issues. If well-meaning individuals try to tell you otherwise, you should feel free to “set them straight” about their misconceptions.

There are success stories that result from all types of hysterectomies, just as there are failures. Vaginal hysterectomies are no less serious that abdominal ones, and having a laparoscopic procedure doesn’t guarantee a picture-perfect return to good health, either.

It has been said that women who do not have an incision to visually remind them of the operation are the patients most likely to jeopardize their recovery by physically overexerting themselves too soon after the surgery.

These women also bear the burden of being aggravated by friends and relatives who, because there is not an external cut, labor under the delusion that a hysterectomy is an “easy” surgery, and they consequently expect “too much too soon” from the hysterectomy patient.

These women need to remind people in their lives that the same organs are removed whether it was done via the abdomen or vagina, or with big cuts or tiny incisions. The surgery is a significant trauma to the body no matter what method is used to accomplish it.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Resources for Family Members?

Find A Doctor Near You

Emily Cunningham, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Larry R. Glazerman, M.D. USF College of Medicine 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 62 Tampa FL 33612 813-259-8500	Clifford Rogers, M.D. The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology 1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120 Everett WA 98201 425 339 5424
Mark Richey, M.D. 1200 Airport Heights Ste 205 Anchorage AK 99508 9072724443	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900
Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760	Devin Garza, M.D. 12201 Renfert Way, STE# 215 Austin TX 78758 512 425-3830

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