dVH/RALH: I have lots of questions

I am scheduled for surgery on Oct. 28. That day can't come soon enough. I have so much pain in my left ovary that I am so ready to get rid of.

What is RALH

What is DH

My doctor says I can go back to work in 2 weeks. Is that really enough?

Am I going to be ok to stay by myself within the first few day after the surgery?

You can find a list of commonly used abbreviations here.

RALH is the abbreviation for Robotic Assisted Lap Hysterectomy. (da Vinci Hysterectomy - dVH (da Vinci Hyst) or RALH (Robotic Assisted Lap Hyst)

You can find a list of the different types of hysterectomies in Pre-Op Checkpoints that will give you a good overview of recovery times, how they're performed, etc.

Checkpoints

It is true that some women are able to go back to work in 2 weeks, but not all. It will really depend on how your recovery goes and what your job is.

I had a TVH and was find by myself after about 5 days even though my DH took a week and half off to help me. Some women may need someone with them longer.

I hope everything goes well for you!



Deb

You will have a lot of internal healing that will need to take place. 2 weeks would have been way too early for me but some people do it. Listen to your body. It will let you know if you have over done it. Best wishes to you!

hi orchardlady1- i had my RALH ( robot assisted laproscopic hysterectomy) on june 19th.... they took my uterus and my cervex, they left my ovaries.
my gyno originally said i'd feel good at 2 weeks but was told no work for 4 weeks. i was glad that i had that much time!! yes, by the 2nd week i was feeling a lot better but still was sore and had no energy! i am a preschool teacher so i am not sure if that had any impact on his decision.
as far as staying by yourself.... i am sure you will be ok just make sure you are well prepared at home; laundry done, lots of food/drinks available!! also make sure you have your meds, heating pad, etc... the only thing that i would not do alone is to shower- at least for the first few days/times!
i will tell ya one thing- IT WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID AND THE BEST WAY TO DO IT!!! i feel great now....

OrchidLady -

I had the RALH after a cancer dx so I had ovaries out and lymph nodes sampled. I said something to my gyn-onc about 2 weeks and he said 6. I easily went 6 and could have gone 2 more but I was able to work part-time from home so that made it all do'able.

Remember listen to your body and pamper the princess



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