Im New: ? about Abdominal or Vaginal

Good Morning!
I finally figured out how to get here :O)

I hope to be having a hysterectomy soon. About a month ago I started feeling like my insides were falling out. So last week I made an appt with my doctor. Wouldnt ya know when I did, the feeling went away (for the most part)

So I go to the doctor and he does a pap and examines me. He tells me I am very "relaxed" inside. I could have a Hysterectomy and have everything 'tightened' up. I had no clue what that meant til I found this site and Im assuming it means "tack" everything in place after the uterus is removed. I go back as soon as my tests are in. I have had heavy, clotting periods for 15 yrs now. NO pain, no trouble to speak of.

Here's the question... My doctor is very good, but he is old. He can do the abdominal, but will send me somewhere else if I want it done vaginally. Would the A be more reliable as far as tightening everything up? Or can it be done just as good vaginally? I cant be off work forever. Im divorced and Im my only support. I own my business here at home, but I groom dogs and its not a walk in the park all the time.. Some are really fat and uncooperative.

thanks!
pam

Hi Pam , welcome to Hystersisters, a wonderful support site for ladies.
I'm sorry that you're having problems and facing a possible hyst. I think that maybe you should consider getting a second opinion before you make a decision esp since your dr can't do vaginal if that's what you need. If it were me, I would try to find a dr that I felt comfortable with before I made any decision at all.
A far as the recovery period before returning to work - the norm is usually between 6 - 8 weeks. Again, your dr can tell you more about that after your decision about what type of surgery you may need. I can imagine that handling large dogs would be a no no for awhile!
Best wishes.
hug:s

peachtree

While I can be of no help with your questions I am sure someone will be by soon who will.

I just wanted to welcome you to Hyster Sisters. You have come to the right place, there is a treasure trove of support and friendship offered here. Read all you can and ask questions, nothing is off limits, we are here to support each other no judge.

All the best,

Donna

Donate blood, the life you save may be your own!

((((Pam)))))))),

I second what Jeanus said, get a second opinion.

No matter which type of hyst you have, if you do decide to have one, the recovery will be initally 6-8 weeks if no complications and then up to a year for total recovery.

Best wishes, whatever your decision we will be here for you.

Good luck,

Pamcat

Hi Pam -

I had a TVH/BSO just 2 weeks ago. So far, the vaginal surgery seems to be much easier (for me anyway) to recover from - I had laparoscopic abdominal surgery on April 30th this year. The fact that there are no abdominal incisions makes a huge difference to me, and I have had far less swelling & gas, and no surface irritation from a wound that is healing.

My gynecologist, who is a lady in her late 30's I would guess, was really good at the TVH - her specialty she told me. She promised also to 'tighten and pull up' all my insides that were left, and I believe she has done that. I don't think I would have chosen the TVH if there had been a need to do lots of exploratory checking inside with other organs, but that wasn't an issue for me.

So before you decide, I would recommend a second opinion for sure to find out what would be best for you.

But I gotta tell you, even with the TVH I am not allowed to lift my 12 yr old geriatric scottie (who is 30 ish pounds) for 6 weeks! My husband has to carry her up & down stairs. I was very bad and lifted her one day when I felt fine, and boy, did I pay for it the next day - bad idea. You will have to have help just for the lifting part, truly. Best of luck - let us know what you decide.

Michele

TVH/BSO 7/24/03 for post menopausal dysfunctional bleeding, hyperplasia, adenomyosis and ovarian cyst