TAH: c-section vs TAH

I'm new to the site, so I'm not sure this the best place to post this question. My TAH is scheduled for 2-15-2012

Can anyone help me determine how different a c-section will be from a TAH? I've had 7 c-sections.

How long will I be in the hospital? Does someone need to stay in the hospital with me?

Thanks!!

I can't say from experience, but I asked the same question of my doc. However, my surgery wasn't a c-section. I had an abdominal myomectomy 6 years ago. It was basically a c-section without the baby. My doc said it would be fairly similar, but with a longer weight lifting restriction. It made me feel a little better knowing that. My TAH is scheduled for 2-8.

Welcome! We're glad you found us!

I don't have a personal experience because I had a vaginal birth and a vaginal hysterectomy, however, I would guess the biggest difference between a TAH and C-Section is that with a TAH an organ is removed and a c-section only removes a baby. There will be a lot of internal stitches that will need to heal but the abdominal incision will probably be quite similar. You might find the Pre-Op Article Abdominal Hysterectomy Compared to C-Section helpful.

It seems the average hospital stay is about 2 - 4 days with some women staying longer, some less. My husband stayed with me even though I only stayed overnight. He went home late that evening and came back the next morning and was a great comfort to me.

Best wishes!



Deb

I have had 3 c-sections and had an abdominal hysterectomy 8weeks ago. With my c-sections I stayed in the hospital for 5 days...two with my hysterectomy. I think the initial pain was about the same, but my pain was really well managed. The biggest things I notice is my tummy is still tender to touch and I am tired...physically drained. I felt pretty much back to normal before a month with my c-sections...I still don't feel "normal" yet.

Thanks so much for your note! I really appreciate your thoughts. I wanted to know what to expect and how much help I needed once I got home.

Thanks for the link to the article. I'm glad to hear your husband stayed with you. I was thinking I'd have mine stay with me as well. I'm thinking I might need the moral support.

Thanks so much for your note! I really appreciate your thoughts. I wanted to know what to expect.

My hyst recovery was much harder than my c section recoveries. I am sure it could have something to with the fact that my sections were all done in my early 20's and my surgery was done in my early 40's.

I was in the hospital 4 days, with my c sections...3 days for my hyst. My husband did stay with me the whole time I was in the hospital. My kids are all teens so they were good on their own, checking in with some friends of ours and such.

For some reason I was a slow healer, but thankfully I had great help and and understanding family.

It has taken much longer for me to get my energy back, but I am happy to say, that now, at 18 months post op I am in pretty good shape! I am able to work out and walk and do some yoga, and pretty much go at whatever pace I need. Every now and then I still get some pulling in my scar, or aching in my gut. But those days are few and far between now!

Even though it has been a hard road, I would do it again in a heartbeat! I am so much better off now than I was before surgery.

Thanks so much for your thoughts. I like to know what to expect. I'm going for my pre-op this week and surgery next week. Thanks again!