Pre-op done & waiting for surgery...

After 4 years of being in constant pain, the doctors think they have the answer now...


They say that a hysterectomy is needed... So at age 31, I will be having this done on Monday... I would love to hear any experiences, please!

I am having the da Vinci method. Due to other complications, my uterus may have to be removed via open surgery during the procedure. They are also putting in a bladder sling while I am in there.. Surgery is scheduled to be 3 hours long (really?? that long??)... My GYN said to expect atleast 1 day post op and 2-3 days if they have to do open surgery in the hospital. Then 4-6 weeks for recovery...

Can anyone shed light on this?? I have 4 small kids at home (2 that are potty training) and DH is a trucker. Any help on when I will be able to get up and on the move??

Thanks so much for any answers or suggestions that come my way!!!!

I had a TAH (open) and while I had some complications, it wasn't too bad. I was under for over 4 1/2 hours for adhesion repair.

But one of the main issues for recovery is you aren't supposed to be bending over and lifting much (I had a 10 pound limit for 6 weeks). Will you have any help at home, especially during the first 2-3 weeks? I think child care will be your biggest problem.

Hi. Im 30 years old and a mom of 4 also. I had a TVH on September 14, 2012. I only had to stay in the hospital for one night. They said maybe 2, but because I was able to manage the pain and could pee on my own they felt just 1 night was good enough. My surgery was 2 hours. I was told before I went in to surgery that they plan on doing it vaginally but there is a possibility of things are worst that what they think they may have to open me up abdominally. I was scared not knowing 100 percent what type of hysterectomy I was going to have. I had my mom and husband helping and taking care of my kids. My youngest was 2. He just turned three. I am 5 weeks out today and I still cannot pick him up. I had good days and bad days. Mostly good days after the 4th week. I really advise you to have some help atleast for 2 weeks since you have little ones. There is no way I could have handled my children without the help of my mom who flew in and my husband.

I totally agree. I am 2 days post op and cannot bend over at all. Am moving very slowly and just now walking to bathroom by myself. You will need some help with the little ones and even to help fix you meals the first few days.

I'm supposed to have a LAVH but if it doesn't fit I have to have abdominal surgery. The not knowing part is killing me.

I have no idea how long its supposed to take. I know when I had my ablasion surgery last year it took way longer than expected b/c I had so much endo. This time he's taking the uterus and cervix, zapping more endo and fixing adhesions from my previous sections. I have 3 little ones at home but my mom is coming to stay with me until I can handle things on my own. I would certainly have anyone and everyone that can help come help you.

I hope you can do it all with DaVinci and don't need to be cut open!

Thanks Ladies!

I have my MIL which is coming to help (but if it was like when I had my colon resection, she wasn't able to stay much, only a few hours a day). My husband will have to leave by day 3. He thinks that by that time, I should be okay (yea, I try to keep telling him that will NOT happen but he won't hear it)....

My youngest (well youngest two) boys are 4 years old. They are in the middle of becoming completely potty trained. So, bending over will be a huge issue (if I can't do that)... Thankfully they aren't picked up much (I am not suppost to do it anyway, I have a hernia and they are repairing that, after I recover from this surgery)...

I do thank you'll for your help! and the time frames on feeling better! Stellar- I wish you the best on your recovery and knowing what to expect a few days out!!