I have 3 weeks until the big day!

Ok ladies, I;m not sure how i got to this screen,I've been looking and looking to post things on here.
To start off I had a grapefruit ovary that was removed last June and the tests came back and they sent me to a cancer center of west michigan. Story short first dr. said that i had time to schedule the surgary. But when i went back in to do my follow up for the pre surgary the NEW DR. yelled at me saying that i've been playing with fire and that i should have had the surgary two weeks after that june ovary removal. So as you can see that im like (what the h*ll) so now im real concerned. The first DR wanted to do the Tah surgary and now the new DR wants to do the davinchi surgary. Talk about scared!! dont know who to believe. The 1st DR moved to another country. He was older. and for the new DR shes younger. ahhhhhhh

I'm not sure why the differences on opinion, happens frequently with doctors though. I can comment on the DaVinci method as that is how I had my surgery almost three months ago. It is 100% awesome. Five small incisions, recovery time for most is 1/2 of what it is for the TAH. If give the option, take it!
I hope all goes well and keep in touch. You'll find this is the best support ever!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by newlydiagnosed I'm not sure why the differences on opinion, happens frequently with doctors though. I can comment on the DaVinci method as that is how I had my surgery almost three months ago. It is 100% awesome. Five small incisions, recovery time for most is 1/2 of what it is for the TAH. If give the option, take it! I hope all goes well and keep in touch. You'll find this is the best support ever!

Thank you for the info. How were you when you left the hospital. I had the tah insigian olo can't spell so what do I need to know or expect after the hospital stay?

Honestly, I wasn't so bad. I mean, I was sore and stayed in bed on full strength pain meds for about 3 days. Then I started moving around more and more and cutting down on pain meds. I also came home with a catheder and had to go get it removed 5 days after the surgery. I walked to and from the doctors office (slowly - lol). My doctor told me I should be good to go by the 2-3 week mark and I think I would have, but I had a family emergency in which I way over did it, so it set me back a bit. I'm told that a TAH takes twice that time to recover. They should give you (if they don't ask for one) in the hospital a belly band. That helps. Also, best two things that worked for me is #1 REST and #2 ICE packs.

Some doctors are "old school" and don't want to learn all of the new procedures. I think that's why there is such debate on the type of surgery each prefers. The newer/younger doctors are more open to the "high tech" surgeries. Sounds to me that is the situation you are looking at.

If you want to know why...ask your doctor. Its imperative that you trust her, and in order to do that, you need to understand her reasoning. I threw all kinds of questions at my doctor. Most with "but why?" and "why not ------?" Then I came here to get the sisters opinions on the doctors responses. (added security :-) )

Absolutely you should ask the doctor why h/she is recommending the surgery type -- they should be happy to explain. I had the DaVinci and I am very pleased with the result. I am morbidly obese and there is a concern about infection and all that post op with a open incision. Good luck to you whichever way things go. Remember no question is unimportant and doctors are used to being questioned. Peace

As you were at a cancer center, I am assuming your doctor(s) are gyn/onc but if you've gone elsewhere pls be sure the doctor is a gynecologic oncologist - a cancer specialist.
A doctor may make a decision re daVinci or abdominal surgery based on many factors - of course if daVinci they must be trained in this type surgery and as it is rather new, mostly younger docs will have that training. Sometime there can be other reasons to chose abdominal, vertical incision surgery based on factors particular to a patient - in my case for example the doctor wanted to view other internal organs as I've had other medical issues. Heavier patients may do better with abdominal vice daVinci, et. So pls question your doctor re why they are calling for one type surgery over another. Also, pls dont' hesitate to ask any question here as someone seem to be around almost 24/7. Pls keep us posted.
s

I had a TAH in Sept. It was a piece of cake. I had an epidural anesthetic and that was fabulous. Required very little pain medication. I spent 2 nights in the hospital. A friend spent the first night at home with me , then I sent her home. I did have daily visits from friends and family and help with housework and groceries but I was fine.
I am also an Operating Room nurse and am familiar with both options. . I was offered the Davinci robot option. It basically comes down to surgeons. My surgeon is not trained in the davinci. 2 of his partners are trained. I am at a community hospital so the davinci is fairly new. The recovery is quicker. You need to speak with your doctor and be comfortable with your decision. Good Luck