dVH/RALH: NON Horror Stories scaring me!

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Originally Posted by iamjan Also realize that the instant recovery stories can have to do with the vagaries of memory. In discussing my surgery my boss said--"Yeah, they told me I'd be out for 6 weeks with my gallbladder surgery, and I was fine in a few days." Well, I remember things somewhat differently. .

When I had my gallbladder removed, they told me I would be OK in a few days. It took more like 2 weeks. I do agree that our recollection gets wonky and coupled with everyones memory being different.... ya just never know!

Okay girls, Here is the truth that I was just shocked with. I just came from my local doctor regarding HRT. I had the da Vinci total hysterectomy. Doctor gave me a double whammy. Apparently, there are some new studies out there that show problems with the da Vinci hysterectomy procedure.

Biggest problem that at about weeks 5-6 (or earlier) we do feel way too well and do way too much, break weak stitches lose from cap and have a leakage that will send you to the ER. The reason is when they cut the top off or the cuff, forgive my lack of medical knowledge, they cororidize or burn to stop the bleeding. Then they sew healthy tissue to the dead tissue. Then weeks later, the dead tissue can give away until the healing takes place. She said this is a complication in about 5 percent of patients.

I admit I was beginning to think next week I could do more.

Anyone out there with a better explanation jump in here!!!

Second whammy came when she told me that with my precancerous history, taking any type of HRT would probably lead me to breast cancer in the next 5 years or less. Last year I did have a second breast biopsy come back with precancerous cells. That dr told me that any change whatsoever will mean another biopsy in the future. I don't want that either.

So I guess I am looking at herbal stuff!

Thank you all!

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Originally Posted by Julannna People keep telling me IRL that "so and so had this done and was back at work the next day" or "so and so had that and she went jogging the next day". !!???!!! My dr has not made it sound like I am going to want to jump out of bed. What is the truth? I know I will spend at least one night in the hospital, according to . Did he just not tell me this so that my expectations are't too high? Fill me in! Thanks in advance!

Your doctor has the best information about you since he has some sense of your health, but even he/she won't know what is in there until he/she gets in there.

The truth? There is no universal truth. Some women are amazingly up and about after a day or so, shopping, riding horses, etc. Others are suffering through complications. Others are taking it slow. I'm one of the latter. No horses for me. I can walk around but still hurt.

So, what will happen to you is very personal and subjective. Follow your doctor's guidance. Prepare for the worse case scenario and if you are riding horses shortly, huzzah!

You are all so amazing to write! According to my preop, like you all said, it is different for everyone. Adhesions and endo (I do have) can make it worse, but then they have seen some people with a smaller uterus and no adhesions have a really hard time.

I am supposed to stay in bed for 1 week as if I am in the hospital, after I get home from the hospital. Not overdoing it during that time is supposed to be invaluable to my recovery.

So, that is what I will do. If I feel great I will read books and watch movies. If I am feeling horrible I will sleep and take pain meds.

Sound like a plan?

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Originally Posted by Julannna You are all so amazing to write! According to my preop, like you all said, it is different for everyone. Adhesions and endo (I do have) can make it worse, but then they have seen some people with a smaller uterus and no adhesions have a really hard time. I am supposed to stay in bed for 1 week as if I am in the hospital, after I get home from the hospital. Not overdoing it during that time is supposed to be invaluable to my recovery. So, that is what I will do. If I feel great I will read books and watch movies. If I am feeling horrible I will sleep and take pain meds. Sound like a plan?

Sounds like a wonderful plan! The doctor will know more once he has the surgery. He may advise you get up and move. They generally try to get you to walk while in the hospital.

If the doctor doesn't want you to move, ask him specifically about getting those leg massager things to avoid clots. Or, at least in-bed exercises to avoid clots.

Hang in there. It'll be over and easier than you think.

I must have asked my doctor three times in ten minutes today if taking four weeks off work was reasonable or if I should take more. He insists that I should be good to go after four. I am secretly plotting to go in to work for half days on that 5th week and see how I do...I guess we won't know for sure until we know, huh?!

I think Julannna has the perfect plan! I'm going to lay in bed and read or watch movies if I feel good, with an occasional lap around the house. Otherwise...pain meds and sleep.

I am so thankful for this site and all of my hystersisters. You are making this journey so much less scary and isolating.

Blessings and hugs!

I have to agree with all you wonderful girls, this site is the best thing next to sliced bread and there is so much information here! Its keeping me sain and isgiving me ideas on how get my room set up and things i should take to the hospital and books to read, Showing me that yes its my time and rest is 100% needed. You wonderful women have helped ease my fears and for that i am gratefull:0)