vaginal packing with TVH

I have read that after a TVH you will have some vaginal packing when you come out of surgery. Is this true. What all kind of bandages/dressings do you have after surgery and for how long? do you have a lot of post surgery bleeding. I am also having an A&P repair so I don't know if that makes any difference.

thanks

I didn't have any packing or bandages after my TVH and I didn't have any bleeding or discharge. It varies from patient to patient and since you're having repairs, you may have packing. I don't think it's anything to worry about if you do. Be sure to ask your doctor what you can expect so you'll know ahead of time.



Deb

My friend had a TVH 20 years ago, she said that when the nurse pulled it out the next day it seemed as though she had at least 12 feet of cotton stuffed up there. LoL
(I think)

She said she was a little freaked out by that. It freaked me out a little too, I'm having the same type of surgery!

I'm hoping they've came up with a better technique.

Good luck to you

I had A&P repairs with my TVH and did not have packing - some women do and some don't. Ask your DR if he/she plans for you to have it. It's basically gauze that is inserted to help keep the fresh incisions from sticking together while you're in the hospital and it's removed before you leave.

I had a lot of bleeding - like a very heavy period - in the hospital. When I went home I still had to wear maxi pads for several days; gradually it tapered down to just spotting for a few weeks, then went away completely, then reappeared for about a week at around week six post op when I was losing bits of stitches. Everyone's different - your experience may be very different.

Good luck with your surgery!


-Linda

Thanks for the info. Since you had what I am having...any other complications or things that i need to prepare for. did you do anything special to prepare ( diet wise, ect..). Have you had any bladder or bowel problems? I was told the A&P repair is the worse part, and that the TVH is really not that bad. Details....I need details!!!

thanks again,
D

Well, it's been a long time and I've had several other surgeries since then, but...

I didn't do anything special to prepare - didn't have time. I had surgery 10 days after I found out I needed it. The surgery itself went fine. I ended up going home with a Foley catheter because there was so much swelling I couldn't 'go' on my own before leaving the hospital. The catheter was no problem, and when I took it out a week later everything was OK. The main discomfort during recovery was from the posterior repair, which makes it hard to sit very long or on hard surfaces. I found having a donut pillow very helpful. I used Dermoplast spray (ask your DR) on the incision when it itched. Having a bidet or using a squeeze bottle filled with warm water after using the bathroom feels nice. Warm prune juice and lots of walks were my friends.

I have bowel issues now, but that's probably because a year after the hyst, most of my colon was removed. Even so it's not that bad. I have minor issues with urge incontinence because my bladder has dropped a little bit in the seven years since the surgery, but it's nothing serious at this point. However, estrogen (vaginal and/or systemic) is vital to maintaining pelvic floor and bladder health after surgery and I have used both faithfully - I would probably have much more trouble now if I hadn't.

I hope that helps!

s,
-Linda

I had a TVH/bladder sling and , yes, I had packing galore. I went home the evening after surgery though. I had very mild period like flow and did'nt need a pad after the first week. Did'nt need any pain meds. after I got home. Overall, it was much smoother than I ever dreamed. But, yes, when the nurse took the packing out the following afternoon, I felt like the magician pulling the never-ending stream of scarves out of the box. I said that to my nurse and we had a great and needed laugh. She said, many drs. use the packing and the theory is that it will put pressure on the stitched area and help assuade the bleeding. Worked in my case. Everyone is different though. I had uterine fibroids, one quite large, prolapsed uterus/bladder, a large cyst on my right ovary and suffered through many years of endometriosis. I WAS READY!! I also watched my mom suffer through many years of menopause with no HRT nor anything else. No Way!!! Respect her for her fight though. Just glad I know I'm there and looking forward to the future. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. This site is a real blessing and the first time I have opened up in many years. Count on your Sisters!!!