To help those considering Da Vinci Hysterectomy, I am posting my story.
Background: Due to ongoing thickening of lining of uterus post menopause five years ago, my gynecologist and I had agreed to annual ultrasounds or uterine biopsies. Had prior DNC's showing anomalous cells, but no cancer. This year due to thickening of lining on ultrasound and possible polyp, decision made to have another DNC. Results looked normal by camera, but pathologist found level 4 abnormal cells and was suspicious of presence of early cancer. Decided to have less invasive Da Vinci surgery.
August 10, 2009 - Did Bowel prep to clear bowels in case of any bowel adhesions.
August 11, 2009 - 3.5 hours in surgery in AM with 2.5 hours in recovery. Uterus, cervix, ovaries and tubes all removed. Some adhesions in place from prior fibroid removal surgery in 1989. Ovaries were adhered to bowels due to scar tissue. Surgeon was able to remove without any complications. Pathologist reviewed frozen sections of uterus and ovaries. Ovaries had benign cysts. Uterus interior found Type 1 grade A cancer at very early stages. No other cancer was found and so no lymph nodes needed to be removed. Had a severe reaction to anesthesia causing high degree of nausea. Moved to hospital room with Foley catheter. Also experiencing severe migraine.
August 12, 2009 - Continued problem with nausea. Given anti-nausea medicine by IV. Experiencing severe headaches probably from a combination of anesthesia an morphine. In afternoon, decision made to take me off morphine and provide vicodin by mouth. Took Zomig for migraine, but threw up medication. Foley catheter removed in morning. After 8 hours of waiting for bladder to perform, walking the halls to try to get system working, had to reinsert a temporary catheter to eliminate pressure on bladder. Allowed 4 hours to get bladder working again. Nausea continued, but started eating crackers which settled stomach down a bit. Able to get bladder working. Not able to pass any gas probably because of lack of fluids or food by mouth. Had to stay another night.
August 13, 2009 - Awakened with a headache. This morning able to use bladder, drink small amounts of water and pass a small amount of gas. Still have a severe migraine. Able to check out of the hospital in the afternoon. Rested at home, some sleeping and walking with just bread and water in system. Taking vicodin for pain.
August 14, 2009 - Awakened with a severe headache. Took Zomig for migraine and Advil for pan. This day had an omelette for breakfast with some bread. Doing walking, system gargling but no bowel action. Continuing to take stool softener and eating fiber. Very fatigued. Able to take first shower. Yeah.
August 15, 2009 - Awakened with headache, but only took Excedrin for Migraine and vicodin. Did not take Zomig. Walking around house and resting. Still very fatigued. Mind seems a bit fuzzy. Took herb Casara Sagrada to soften stool. Continuing with prescribed stool softener.
August 16, 2009 - Awakened with headache, but took only Excedrin for Migraine. Walking and resting, but still no bowel activity. Took herb Casara Sagrada as well to soften stool.
August 17, 2009 - Only had slight headache. Took Advil plus caffeine tablet. Finally, had my first bowel movement. Quite painful and lead to some minor vaginal bleeding. Still quite fatigued. Resumed working remotely via computer checking emails. Found myself mentally tired from effort. Took nap in afternoon.
August 18, 2009 - First day awakened with no headache. All systems are normal. Continuing to take Advil for pain every 4-6 hours. Incisions look good. Belly is still quite swollen. Wearing my Swelly Belly band for support. Making walks around yard.
August 19, 2009 - Today am starting to feel better. Am able to sit for longer periods without any discomfort at vaginal cuff. Obviously I am feeling well enough to send this description out to my Hyster Sisters. I am not planning on taking any hormones at this point because my ovaries did not seem to be producing anything. So far I am not experiencing any symptoms. I think my recovery has been a little slower than what I expected based on what I have read. However, having had a full abdominal incision in 1989 for my myomectomy and a full eight weeks off work, I can see this is amazing technology that will allow me to return to work next week. Good luck to anyone considering this method.
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