Questions for those who had DaVinci LSH

My gyn is strongly encouraging me to have the LSH--DaVinci method--my uterus is slightly enlarged and causing bladder issues, too. Cervix and Ovaries will stay intact. He will also do a bladder sling. I have had seven kids, am 50 years old, and am a serious runner. I have to wear a pad when I run because of the leaky bladder, and I do feel like my uterus is bouncing around too much in there, some pressure. But I am in very good shape and I worry if this is too soon, too extreme, just to avoid wearing a pad? My periods are not heavy (though he says they should be given my thick uterus) nor particularly painful. The way the Doctor talks about this procedure: I'll be driving after a week, and back to running in six. He treats it all very lightly. Is he sugar coating it all?

Did you feel the need to "shop around" for doctors or second opinions before your surgery? In my case, there are unlikely to be complications. Is this procedure routine enough that I needn't be worried about whether my surgeon is the best available to me? I've never had surgery--how do I determine that my guy's the right choice?

Hello Karsten and

We’re happy you joined the Hystersisters community! There is a ton of solid information on the site, and the members have unlimited cyber-hugs to dispense and experiences to share with you at every stage of your journey to good health!

If you haven’t already done so, please do yourself a favor and register to receive Hysterectomy Checkpoints. It’s one of the best features of the site, in my opinion -- designed to accompany you through the entire hysterectomy experience from start to finish, and beyond!

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Originally Posted by Karsten Did you feel the need to "shop around" for doctors or second opinions before your surgery? In my case, there are unlikely to be complications. Is this procedure routine enough that I needn't be worried about whether my surgeon is the best available.

We always suggest that a patient gets at least two independent medical opinions before proceeding to schedule any type of hysterectomy surgery. No matter what procedure you have, the removal of an organ from the human body is "serious business" so you should take all measures to be sure that doing so is the best option for you.

Many s and Best Wishes,

Hi Karsten,

I had a LSH...not a DaVinci Robotic LSH...and my LSH is still one of the best things I ever did for my long term health.

If anything...your Dr sounds very well trained since the DaVinci Robotic is a newer, less invasive hyst and it requires extra medical training to perform.

I agree with Bizet Woman that if it would help to reassure you...get a 2nd opinion. I got 2 opinions myself and I am still glad I did. If anything...a 2nd opinion would support what your 1st Dr. is saying or a 2nd opinion might give you different options on what to do.

In the end..just do what you feel is *best* for you. That is what is most important.

Best wishes~

Mary

I had the daVinci and was released without any restrictions two weeks after my surgery. My dr said I would be off work a week or two. I did return to work right after my release, although if I had to do over again, I would have taken another week as my job is very stressful.

Not so sure when you may feel like running - your organs realign themselves to take up the space that was occupied by your uterus and I am not a runner so I can't share my experience.

I had no side effects and the only complication was a little granulation, which was easily cured with one sliver nitrate treatment. I am glad I chose the daVinci, as I think I had an easier recovery. However, recovery takes much longer than I anticipated - BTW, I am 57. At 5-1/2 months after surgery, my energy and stamina is still not where it used to be yet, but I have to take into account there has been ever more stress than usual at work lately!

To set your mind at ease, I think a second opinion sounds like a good choice for you. I was so at ease from the start with my dr that when he recommended the daVinci - and after I had read up on it - I was ready to go with it. Best wishes to you.

Hey There,

I had a Da Vinci Hyst on July 29th. I ended up having a rather extensive surgery (almost 4 hours) and my Doc had warned me that the recovery would probably take longer than expected. Well, at 2 weeks, when I asked to be released back to driving and work...she was a bit shocked. She let me go to a few meetings that week and I went back to work full time the day before my 3rd week....and my students came back to school on my 4th week post. I have been so impressed and a bit shocked by how easy and quick this recovery has been.

For me, I did not need to shop around for other Dr's....I just knew that this Dr. and this procedure was right for me...but 2nd opinions are always the safest way to go. I would do my best to make sure that your doc is good, but sometimes it's hard to know. Personally....Da Vinci has given me my life back...and I'm a HUGE FAN.

If you want to read about more Da Vinci hysterectomies...go to Tell your Hysterstory and you can read details about many of us...how we found our docs...how the surg and recovery went...etc. and if you have any more questions..feel free to ask...that's what we're all here for.

Blessings,
Tank

I'm due for a DaVinci hysterectomy in 2 days (YIKES!!!) and I'm also a runner. I don't have the bladder problems, tho. I did get 2 opinions and suggest you do as well. My first doctor actually scheduled me for a TAH with a 10-12 inch bikini cut. That's incredibly old-fashioned and hugely invasive! I went online and discovered the DaVinci method and managed to obtain a consultation and am happy to be going with that method, eventho I have to drive 30 miles to the hospital instead of having it in my town.

The doctor said no getting in pools or hot tubs for 4 week and I'll be cleared to go back to work probably by 5 weeks. My job involves standing long hours, walking, bending, and lifting so that's why it's longer than normal. Sit-down job people can usually go back for 1/2 days within just 2-3 weeks, he said.

I don't plan on jogging again until about 2 months at the earliest. I've seen what pounding and gravity do on older ladies and I want to be fully healed and have good muscle tone back before I risk bouncing anything down.

Hope that helps you. Consider yourself lucky that you have davinci as an option in your area. My surgeon says older MDs just aren't learning it because patients aren't demanding they change. Ladies just stick with the ob/gyn who delivered their children, eventho the method is decades old and hard on the woman. (It's very EASY on the surgeon!)

Best wishes!