Davinci 12/21 and nervous

Hi ladies, I've posted to this site once and have been greatly helped by the support that is on this site. I have my Davinci hyster tomorrow 12/21 and I was not too nervous all week because I was busting my butt at work to get everything done before I left and I have been busting my butt at home trying to get last minute things done. Now 16 hours before surgery, I will admit that I'm a little scared. I keep having thoughts of the surgery going wrong and something awful happening. I know I should just leave it in the hands of God, but I can't deny the feelings I'm having. I had surgery one time, a emergency c-section with my son and at that time I had no time to think, they told me that they had to take the baby and 30 minutes later he was here. I guess the time to think is messing with me. I guess I just need a few comforting words to help loosen me up. My husband is great, but how can he understand. Thanks for any support you can lend.

Woodworker, it's normal to have feelings of fear, even terror, in the face of the unknown. I felt grief and fear when I was told I had uterine cancer and would have to have a radical hysterectomy. I've been blessed, though—my friends came with me to my pre-op and saw me off when I was gowned and had the anesthetic. And when I met my surgeon, <>, I immediately felt that I could trust him, and that was a great comfort. The way the Da Vinci surgery is set up, it's ultra-precise and under the surgeon's control, and while no procedure is foolproof, it's quite unlikely that a catastrophe could occur. I brought my book of Tehillim (Psalms) to the hospital, and found comfort reading them while I was recovering. Talk to your husband about your fear, and I think he should understand. He should be supportive and loving. He promised to take you "for better or worse." Well, now this is HIS great opportunity to be Super-Guy.

Thank you for your reply. It means so much right now. My husband is being so supportive about the surgery and doing a lot of my honey do list items, but the being able to understand the hyster aspect is a little foreign to him. I will take your cue and take some bible verses with me. Knowing that God is in control should help with the nerves. I have heard good things about the Davinci, so this is some comfort also. Thanks again for the quick response.

Woodworker, I totally understand your emotions. I have two weeks until my surgery, and as it gets closer, the more anxious I become. I am trying to stay busy like you, but the thoughts definitely filter through.

I wish I had researched more before everything became set for a SAH. I would have tried to do the DaVinci like you, but at this point, I just want it done. I have trust in my surgeon, she just doesn't do the DaVinci.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

What's davinci? Also why do some refer to hubby as DH? I'm new here. Surgery scheduled for dec 29!

PamMaw, "Da Vinci" is the trademark of the robotically-assisted microsurgery that has become popular for radical hysterectomies and other procedures for which pinpoint precision is vital. One BIG advantage is that this kind of surgery is "minimally invasive." Instead of a huge horizontal or vertical slit/scar, you end up with five small scars on the belly. There's much less blood loss, less cutting through muscle tissue, and a much briefer recuperation than is customary with traditional "open surgery." I went in for surgery on a Wednesday morning, and that evening, I took a walk with a nurse. I felt unsteady on my feet and woozy, of course, but I did it without a pratfall. I spent two nights in the hospital, and went home on Friday morning. Although I had some pain and discomfort (couldn't turn in bed, for example), I knew that was normal, and was able to resume work and make a good recovery. I had no bleeding or stitches from my incisions; they were glued neatly shut before I left the operating room.

Despite the term"robotic hysterectomy," there are no robots performing the surgery; the surgeon, assisted by a team, controls the instruments with her/his hands from a special viewing console. S/he sees everything magnified onscreen from a micro-camera. It's called "Da Vinci" to commemorate Leonardo Da Vinci's contributions to science. (He was perhaps the first researcher to accurately depict inner anatomy, and also did some of the first experiments in robotics.)

You can click on the "DaVinci Surgery" link below the Hysterectomy News" on the righthand margin of this forum to go to the company's Website. It contains a listing of hospitals that feature this system.

You can even view movies of the surgery online—U. Michigan and Northwestern have posted videos online. Just do a Google search for "Da Vinci hysterectomy."

Thanks for your reply! U all are fab! I feel lucky to have found this site. I think I am having the "da Vinci " because it is laproscopic with cameras involved. Gonna go click on their link and explore more. Thanks again DM!!

Woodworker

My experience with the davinci surgery was so easy, I wasn't at all nervous but that was because I had to have the surgery to remove cancer and I knew I was in Gods hands. The surgical team were so supportive and were willing to answer any questions I had, the morning of my surgery flew. I took my ipod and listened to praise and worship music, and handed it off to my husband right before I went in for surgery. You will be amazed, I hope, how easy the surgery will be, and the recovery is fast for most who have this type of surgery. I had mine Oct 15th, and went on vacation for a week Dec, 12. I am doing great and feeling great. I know how easy it is to get worked up about the what if's but just think positively, and focus on other things. It really helped me talk to people too, just call them up and say can we talk. Hoping your recovery is speeding!!! Blessings to you.

April

I agree with above. I was nervous preop but really had a pretty easy time post op and I wasted alot of energy worrying. Good luck and I wish you much peasce during your recovery.