Post-Op LAVH advice

Can anyone tell me what to expect as far as during the recovery from LAVH? I see my doctor this Friday and will ask him, but would prefer a more experienced point of view. I am looking for answers to questions like;

How long might I be laid up?
How long before I can drive? Lift? Vacuum?
Is there a lot of emotional trauma after the surgery because of the procedure?
How soon till I can go swimming? ride a bike? ride a roller coaster?

Any help with these will make the whole procedure easier to face.

Korin

(Moved here from the Introduce Yourself forum.)

The initial recovery period is 6-8 weeks, so plan on doing nothing very physical for that time. You can increase your daily activities after the first couple of weeks. Doctors seem to differ on when patients can bathe and/or swim, so be sure to put these on the list of questions to ask your dr.

My hysterectomy was a LAVH too. I'll answer your questions from my experience:

How long might I be laid up?

The initial recovery period is 6-8 weeks; it can take many months to be completely healed.

How long before I can drive? Lift? Vacuum?

I could not drive until 4 weeks post-op because my car is manual transmission. If your car is automatic you may be able to drive sooner - ask your doctor. Be sure you are not longer taking any prescription pain medications when you drive. I was not cleared to resume any activities until after I had an internal exam at 6 weeks post-op and my doctor made sure the vaginal cuff was completely healed. I did not resume vacuuming until about 10 weeks post-op. Ask your doctor when you can resume these activities.

Is there a lot of emotional trauma after the surgery because of the procedure?

I was ready to have the surgery - I had endured so much pain and bleeding for so long I was looking forward to getting the surgery done. I also had 2 daughters and was not going to have anymore children. Ladies will vary on this - some women feel a sense of loss after surgery.

How soon till I can go swimming? ride a bike? ride a roller coaster?

I was cleared to resume baths, hot tubs, and swimming after the 6 week exam. I resumed exercising at that time too - I slowly and gradually resumed my normal routine. I dread roller coasters so I can't answer that question - they're pretty bumpy so it would be best to check with your doctor.

Hope this helps!

Be sure to visit us in the Post-op Forum after surgery and let us know how you are doing.