TVH vs TAH

About 2 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I am set to have a hysterectomy on October 10th. My pre-op appointment is October 2nd. I just had my son by csection on July 20th. My doctor is wanting to remove everything except my ovaries, because I am only 27 & she doesn't want me to go through early menopause. I know I am having a hysterectomy, but I don't know what kind. I've done my own research & from what I've read, I'm thinking I'm having a TAH, but I'm not sure. As anyone here had a hysterectomy shortly after having a csection? And for those of you who had a TAH, what was your experience & recovery like?

Can't tell you anything about hysterectomies after a c-section. I can tell you about my TAH, though. :-)

In a total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), the uterus and the cervix are removed through the vagina. In a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), an incision is made in the abdomen, either vertical or horizontal ("bikini line") and the uterus and cervix are removed that way.

I had a TAH with a vertical incision because both my gyn and gyn onc felt that this gave the gyn onc the most room to look around while he was in there and check the other organs for signs that my cancer had spread outside of my uterus. After the operation, I had some soreness and tenderness, but not what I would call real pain. I was in the hospital for three days, during with time I had dilaudid delivered via an epidural catheter for pain management. I was pretty groggy the day after surgery, but a nurse hauled me out of bed to walk around the ward and sit upright in an armchair. I lasted maybe half an hour and then took myself back to bed!

The second day I was much more alert, walked laps around the ward and sat upright in an armchair reading. By the third day I was getting bored, so although I had an option to stay for a fourth day, I went home. I didn't have a prescription for narcotics, I just took ibuprofen and acetaminophen as needed.

I had an easy recovery, with minimal pain and no complications. I took things really easy, especially the first two weeks. I went for lots of short walks and otherwise sat out in the sun, reading and sewing. I took naps when I needed to the first couple of weeks.

My incision is 7" long. At two weeks, I had the staples replaced with Steri-strips. At four weeks, I saw my gyn onc and he cleared me to return to work at a part-time desk job and do just about everything else. The exceptions were lifting 30-40 lb boxes in the storage area and using a rowing-type exercise machine. Those had to wait until six weeks.

From what I'm reading, it sounds to me as if your biggest challenge is going to be taking care of your 3 month old son. You can't lift anything over ten lbs for the first four weeks of recovery. (Some docs say five lbs!) I cheated a bit and picked up my 13-lb cat, but I did this as little as possible. Esp. the first week, it was hard to do. My body made it very clear that it did not want to be picking up this much weight.

I'd suggest that you and your husband give some thought to how you're going to handle this. Have you got friends or family who can help? Or maybe hire someone?

I am sorry about your diagnosis. That is a great deal to process especially immediately after childbirth and at such a young age.

I had cervical dysplasia (pre-cancer) and after unsuccessful treatments, a TVH. I had a slow recovery (8 weeks off work) and some complications post op. The bonus of a TVH is no abdominal incision so the surgery is less invasive. Any hysterectomy is major surgery and the same healing takes place inside. It is quite different from having a c section since the end of the vagina (where the cervix was) is sewn shut, ligaments and a major artery severed. It is good that you can keep your ovaries. You will still have a monthly cycle and your usual pre-menstrual symptoms, but no period. I suggest doing your research and making a list of your questions for your preop appt. There is lots of resources here from options, what to ask your doctor, and how to prepare for recovery.

I wish you the best for a quick and complete recovery.