Upcoming Surgery. And I have several questions.

Hey, everyone! I wasn't sure how to title my post haha I have many questions. My surgery will be 2-22-12. It will be done by the Da Vinci robot. My periods are so over the place, if I was to start my period before the surgery, will they still be able to do?

How long after the surgery will I be able to drive? Is there less pain, because it is not as invasive as other hysterectomy surgeries? My husband will have to return to work 3 days after my surgery, should I have someone else stay with me, because I have a 4 and 6 year old. Um.....sorry I hope I'm not asking to many questions at once, but this is what racing through my head.

Also I've heard that you can't vacuum for a while after the surgery because stomach muscles are healing. Is it the same amount of time for those who have had surgery with the Da Vinci? Uh....I know there are more questions, but I can't think of anymore right now.

i havent had my surgery so i cant help you, but i wanted to say those are good questions! its like you are in my brain

Hi. I can try to answer a few of these. I had a tvh yesterday. I would say have someone stay with you after your husband goes back to work as moving isn't very comfortable regardless of how they do it they are removing major organs. I have a 2 week driving restriction. I hope this helped a little. Good luck sisters

I had daVinci on January 11th.
DRIVING: My doctor just told me not to drive as long as I was on narcotic pain medication. He basically told me to drive when I felt like it. I ended up driving on post-op day 9. One thing, though, is that the seat belt is very uncomfortable on the ole' smelly belly. Plus, it would really suck if you had to slam on your brakes.
HOUSEWORK: The only restrictions my MD gave me were 'don't lift anything over 10 pounds & don't have sex. I have read a lot of posts about not vacuuming, however, my MD never mentioned it. I'd say I finally vacuumed on post-op day 11.
HELP: Fortunately, I had my mom in town to stay with me until post-op day nine and my husband only had to take one day off from work. It'll be tough once your husband goes back to work. Had my mom not been here, I probably would've been fine. That's because my kids are older, though (12 and 9 years old)
PAIN: The actual 'surgical pain' is really not that bad. I only took the narcotic pain meds through post-op day 4. It's all the gas and intestinal issues that really got me. Then, after my mom left, I overdid it for a few days and had a bleeding episode on post-op day 11. I found out later, though, that's not uncommon.

I had DaVinci and by day 3 I wasn't in too much pain. Only used OTC by then. Your kids are young. Are they typical active boys that will get into stuff or are they quiet boys. I had one of each. I would never been able to do it alone with my active boy but my quiet one I would have...
Do Not expect to be back to normal cooking and cleaning... Micro cooking only for a time. No shovels, sweeping or vacuums until after 6 weeks. Even then I took it easy on those items.
I was cleared to drive after the first week. It did not hurt but if I drove too long I would get sore so I only did short 5 minutes trips.
I was told that it would not matter if I was on my period or not. They would still do my operation. I think that is the same for most here.
Wishing you a safe surgery and good recovery.

Thank you guys for the help!!!! @Luv2hum I have one of each as well. My four year old girl is pretty laid back and listens, my 6 year old boy on the other hand.....hahaha I don't think he ever stays still. And I am almost positive if he knew that I was laid up, he would be into everything. Hopefully my aunt or sister-in-law can stay with me.

That might be a good choice...
Hugs for a speedy recovery..

The DVH is the best way to go. Not only will you feel pretty darn good by day 3 or 4 but the incisions are tiny and heal pretty nicely. I was told I could drive as soon as I stopped taking narcotics for pain but not to drive too far so soon because I'd get tired. I have my son (19) do the vacuuming and dusting is not hard at all. I did clean my bathrooms on day 2 but did it slowly and had no problems. With young children you may want someone with you for at least the first week so that you do not stress out. Stressing out can cause some pain. Pls. make sure after your surgery to start drinking plenty of water immediately by taking sips every 10 minutes this will help with going on your own once the catheter is removed. Also, as soon as you feel up to it intend to stand up and take small walks. All of this will help you to recover with less pain. Walking is what moves the gases which will be your main source of pain. The incisions shouldn't hurt at all, and if you take it easy for days you should not have any complications that could cause pain.