Moving fast (question on robotic surgery)

Well some may remember me on other boards, but things just got real. There's really no history I need to waste everyones time with other than I have PCOS and been bleeding all most non stop since 19 [36 next month], and non stop last 3-4 years.

I went to specialist...did ultrasound, where she said my lining was real thick. Sent me in next for surgery to take piece of lining, as well as a D and C. Two weeks later, being yesterday, I went in to see what she found. She said no cancer, but found something in the lining that is often seen in those who get cancer. She said it would justify a hysterectomy and I go in August 3rd to have everything removed except the ovaries. My ovaries have cysts [pretty expected with PCOS], but of course we want to avoid early set menopause...so I will be going on Metformin after to try and get those under better control.

At the moment, I really have no thoughts or much in feelings. This is something I've wanted for years and I know many probably think I'm crazy for that...I'm just plain tired, it'coming down to sanity. I have a lot of preparation to do, and not really sure how to do it...but I'll figure it out I suppose. I have to do a bowel prep, which I see someone posted on...can't say I'm looking forward to that.

My only question as of now is my doctor said I had two choices of hospitals to go to. One is a bit more on the personal side, making things a bit more secure and private, since I do have some mental problems...this is good. The other hospital is more typical setting but she said she could use a robot there. I really couldn't decide so we just kind of stuck with the other one because I was there for my other surgery. Does this robot make any difference? Or is it just something that makes it easier for doctor? I really know nothing about it.

Anyhow, thanks...take care.

Hi Applebear -

I would imagine after bleeding all that time that you would be looking forward to a hysterectomy. I think any of us would with those symptoms.

I cannot answer your question on the robotic surgery, but there are many women on this site who have had that. I would suggest that you make the decision that is right for you and your health - both mentally and physically.

If the doctor is doing the surgery laparascopically, there's no much difference between a regular laparascopic hysterectomy and a DaVinci hysterectomy. It's the same procedure, probably similar incisions and similar healing, etc.

The DaVinci may make it easier for the surgeon, but if she's comfortable with either method, I think going to the hospital you're comfortable with is the better choice.

Thank you both for the reply. I have a great therapist who helped me through and talk to the doctors about how miserable I was. Part of me is dreading the 3rd, but also looking forward to it...I just want this living nightmare to be over.

Thank you for the answer on the robot [and yes it is laparoscopic]. As far as I can tell, the doctor is very confident and secure with either method. She said it was totally up to me, whatever made me most comfortable. She thought the surgery center [where I went last], would probably be the best since the staff and I had a little feel for each other now and it would be a more private setting. With that, I will put that out of my head now and feel more secure with my choice.

I have been looking through the posts and will continue to all the way to my surgery date. I really am glad this site is here.

I had the robot. My pain and recovery seemed to be worse than most sisters posted that had other surgery types. I read all about the robot claims of faster recovery and less pain. Not the case for me, unfortunately. I think we all heal differently and all have our own threshold of pain. I don't think my recovery or healing would have been any worse or better with either of the surgery types. I'd choose the hospital your more comfortable with.

My surgery is Friday and I won't know until tomorrow whether my doctor will have the da Vinci or just do the plain laparascopic. My doctor spoke with me at length. Based on my history, she preferred not to do vaginal since she didn't think it let her look around as much.

It sounds like you have a great doctor - who knows and cares about you. Go to the place where you are most comfortable.

You are not crazy for wanting this surgery. You are a sane, intelligent woman who wants her life back.

Much luck and many prayers to you.

HMM

I had the robot and I would never consider doing it any other way. I had zero pain! I woke up after surgery feeling great...did not feel like I even had surgery. My recovery has been a breeze....I am so thankful I chose robotic. I feel it made all the difference in the world. I had less than a teaspoon of blood loss, and I did not have any bleeding or spotting after the surgery....none, not even when I wiped!

Thanks for the responses and reassurance...what a trip it's been. My last surgery was minor [Hysteroscopy and d/c] and I woke up in pain, but they nipped it in the bud asking my pain level and doing something through IV and then giving me these pills the moment I was off. I had very mild cramping, that was it.

I think it'll probably depend on my body as stated, hopefully the pain isn't too horrible. Doctor said she would give me something to help. She has been very good through this all...I have issues with being examined/touched, and she has made it a point to make sure I feel safe and secure. She even arranged to have my exam and ultrasound at the same time, as well as staying through the ultrasound to hold my hand [literally]. She explained what they were doing entire time and I really couldn't ask for more. I am glad she is the one doing my surgery as well. I just read another thread where someones doctor was pretty insensitive to her, so I am super grateful to have this doctor who shows a lot of compassion and sensitivity to not only my physical problems, but my mental ones as well.

I have had people warn me about getting a hyster, is why I said some may think I am crazy. I understand why for some it is very important to keep and I feel for them, but for me...I just can't do it anymore. I have dreams of everything I touch being covered in blood, including my hands. When I started having those, I broke down to my therapist and it snow balled from there.

Thanks again all, sorry for the rambling...just so much going on in my head right now.

I have anxiety super bad and my surgery was robotic and more of a typical, sterile hospital setting. Given the 2 choices, I'd still go the way I did because the recovery was so smooth. They gave me Verced pre-op to help control my anxiety. The post op pain is so much less with the robotic hystere that it was the better choice for me.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Abagayle I have anxiety super bad and my surgery was robotic and more of a typical, sterile hospital setting. Given the 2 choices, I'd still go the way I did because the recovery was so smooth. They gave me Verced pre-op to help control my anxiety. The post op pain is so much less with the robotic hystere that it was the better choice for me.

Well Hopefully I made the right choice and it won't be so bad without robot. I am seeing many varieties, none of which are consistent with one being better than the other. Seems to be more dependent on individual, and I just hope I choose wisely. The doctor said I could ask for something for my anxiety as well...which I may end up doing this time round.