LAVH - Another good experience - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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LAVH - Another good experience

LAVH - Another good experience

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I too wanted to share my experience because it has been very positive. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids about 10 years ago. We took the watchful waiting approach and birth control pills helped manage many of the symptoms for several years. Over the past couple years, my fibroids really grew. In August, when I went in for my annual physical, my doctor suggested it might be time to do a hysterectomy and we would talk after I got another ultrasound done. (At 34, I freaked a little about the possibility of a hysterectomy. At 44, I was ready to be done with all the bleeding).

I was getting ready to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in October and knew I would not have the hysterectomy before my trip. Therefore, I didn't do the ultrasound until the end of October. My uterus was very large due to the size and number of fibroids that I had. We scheduled surgery for December 22. My Doctor said he thought he would still be able to do a LAVH but if I continued to wait, it would probably be an TAH.

After I made the decision to have surgery, I got very anxious and nervous. I eventually shared my upcoming surgery with several friends and clients. The first 10 to 12 people that I told, had all had hysterectomies. Every single person told me that it would be the best thing that I could do for myself. Not one of them had any real problems after surgery. This made me feel much better. Ironically, the people that had a more "oh no" reaction were the people that never had any type of female troubles or surgery.

I went into the hospital at 7:30 am for admission with surgery scheduled for 9:30. I took very little to the hospital and found that everything that I needed was provided for me. This was my first time as a patient in a hospital and my first surgery. I did not have any meds for anxiety before being wheeled into the OR. I remember scooting myself onto the OR table and the nurse telling me where to place my arms and I was out. I woke up in recovery about 2.5 hours later and was in my room about 3.5 hours later.

When I woke up from surgery, the nurse encouraged me to use the pain pump. My pain was no worse than bad cramps. By the time I got to my room, I had little to no pain. I rarely used the pump. Eventually, the nurses had me use the pump when they were going to have me move. Each time, I would get sick and we figured out it was from the pain pump. At 8:30 pm, I decided I was not touching that thing again! I only had Tylenol and an anti gas pill for a little shoulder (gas) pain.

My doctor came in to see me the next morning. He informed me that once he got into my abdomen, it was a little touch and go that he would be able to continue with LAVH. My uterus was very large and had many fibroids. I am very thankful that I had a very experienced and competent doctor. He just took it slow and methodical and was able to complete the operation as planned. He said the ovaries looked good so we kept them. I was discharged from the hospital at 2pm on the 23rd after it was determined that I could pee, pass gas, eat solid food and tolerate Percocet.

My entire castle experience was very positive. The nurses were very professional and caring. My recovery at home has been very good. No pain but I continue to take the Motrin for swelling. I have been resting on the couch and my husband has been taking great care of me. I am refusing to lift much of anything because lifting and doing too much seems to cause setbacks.

I attribute part of my recovery from being in relatively fit and healthy. I also think that I had a lot of positive energy from family and friends praying and thinking of me.

Don't forget when you read the forums, many people are coming here to find answers to questions. This site is a great resource for us and it's comforting to find answers and to know your "set back" may be a somewhat "normal complication". Many of us have a smooth recovery but I think we get back to our normal lives and forget to share our positive stories.

Good luck to you as go through this journey!

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LAVH - And so my journey went.....

LAVH - Back from the Castle in peace

Find A Doctor Near You

Gerald Harkins, M.D. Department of OB-Gyn P.O. Box 850, H-103 Hershey PA 17033 717-531-6447	Albert Steren, M.D. 6301 Executive Blvd. Rockville MD 20852 301-770-4967	Jonathan Y Song, M.D. 2455 Dean St. Suite A St. Charles IL 60175 (630) 513-9160
Iris Orbuch, M.D. 202 Spring Street 2nd Floor New York NY 10012 212-343-3040	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	Christina Ellis, M.D. 600 E. Marshall St. Ste. 205 West Chester PA 19380 610-903-6200
Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440	Chanda Reese, M.D. 3001 Coral Hills Dr., Suite 300 Coral Springs FL 33065 954-341-2916

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