dVH/RALH One Week Post DaVinci Surgery Report

Its one week since my DaVinci robotic hysterectomy. I can say that it has been far easier than I expected. I am a 60 year old female, never had children, had post menapausal bleeding (light, constant) for the last two years. I also have a diagnosis of Lupus, and had my right hip replaced in 2002.

They took the uterus, left ovaries and cervix. I went into the hospital at 5:30 on Tuesday January 29th and was released to go home at 5pm the same day. I was able to walk for about 10 minutes unaided around the hospital hallways before I left.

We went immediately home and I did not much else that evening and night. The next day, I started retaining gas and started swelling in my stomach and sides very badly. It was quite alarming. I had not taken colace or any gas meds at that time, due to the fact that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and didn't want to irritate that condition.

Turns out I was forced to go for the Colace, Gax-X and Milk of Magnesia, because I looked like a hot air balloon ! I spent most of the next 24 hours pooping and tooting, so there wasn't much rest to be had.

Eventually everything subsided and the swelling is almost gone now. My stomach is almost completely flat. I have no pain. I am able to walk and do some household chores. I am taking no pain meds and have not had any since the second day. I substituted Tylenol for paid meds, partly because they are constipating (and didn't need that again) and partly because I don't want to be dependent upon pain meds.

The hardest part of this ordeal are the restrictions on moving, bending, lifting, stretching, etc. I am eager to get back to a more active routine.

I have a great husband who has been with me every day since the operation. He cooks, runs errands, lifts things for me, etc.

My followup appointment in next Tuesday, my two-week mark. Hopefully, some of the restrictions will be lifted and I will be allowed to do more. I am active, and not overweight. When it is possible, I have been working out, gardening, etc. I am eager to get going again.

I completely recommend this type of surgery for a hysterectomy, if it is an option you can take. I don't have a huge scar, just three tiny incisions held together with "glue". I didn't loose any blood or need a transfusion. I have had no trouble getting in or out of bed. I had only minor pain for two days following the surgery, and then none after that - that is, unless I forget and bend, reach or twist too quickly, or lift something I am not supposed to.

I also have had NO BLEEDING after the surgery, and that was something I did NOT EXPECT! I went from mild bleeding every day that had gone on for two years(before the operation) to none at all!

I will keep a weekly report and let everyone know how it is going.

I wish the best recovery for everyone that had undergone surgery!