Starting to panic...da Vinci hysterectomy scheduled (endo patient)

...I just don't know what to expect! I know the doc is taking my cervix because she is fairly confident that I have adenomyosis along with endometriosis. She worries that leaving the cervix may leave me with some of the pain. I don't know if I will have any ovaries. My doc is hoping that only the right one will have to be removed. I am 33 and I want to keep one if I can (even though it might bring back the endo). I am fortunate to have a very supportive family. I am ready to say goodbye to the pain and nausea, and I hope that it doesn't come back. I'm ready to get my energy back. I'm lucky to be having a DH, with an experienced doctor, but the doc has made it clear that there is a chance of it turning into a TAH, which I am TOTALLY unprepared for. I didn't think I'd mind losing this part of me, but I find that the complete removal of my fertility is really bothering me. I've tried Lupron, and I'm not really interested in other options since the probable presence of adenomyosis means that hysterectomy is really the only option to relieve my pain.

I know I'm rambling, but where else can I say what I really feel? My husband is supportive, but I don't want to scare him. It doesn't help that it's February, the hated month, and I'm depressed and sick of the cold, nasty, weather.

Done ranting. I only have three vicodin left, and they have to last until Friday. Bring on the Aleve and the heating pad, it's time for bed.

I believe that it is fairly routine for a doctor to advise that a daVinci may have to turn into a TAH. I know I had to sign a consent to that effect. What helped to ease my mind was that I asked my gyn onc how many of the daVincis he had performed ended up being TAH. None had.

Just had my da Vinci done on 2-4-09. It took me 8 years and after 1 week post op I am truly wondering what took me sooooo long. I was told the same thing before the surgery. I think that is just to cover the doctor in case the situation does in fact change. Chances are it will not turn into a TAH. Recovering has been hard only because I feel so good and I think I am over doing it. Hope this comforts you some! Oh........I was able to keep both of my overies as well......which I am very glad about but was unable to know for sure until after the surgery. Try not to stress to much just keep the faith!

Honestly, this is the hardest part. Facing the unknown is very scary. I was in your shoes one week ago, and now I'm doing GREAT. I had the daVinci hysterectomy including the removal of the cervix and no idea if it would be possible to save an ovary (My doc said that even 1/2 of one ovary would be enough to avoid menopause and he would save anything salvagable).

As bad as this sounds, I'm still not 100% sure exactly what he removed as he only spoke with my hubby and he doesn't remember, but I know that I have one ovary left! He said the one was in such bad shape it was impossible to save and he also removed some ligaments or something (thanks hubby lol).

I had already gone through the grieving process for the loss of my fertility, so that's not really bothering me (at least not so far) and while I feel like I've had surgery, I'm feeling pretty darn good! I just have to remember to take it really easy as you only get one chance to heal properly.

I think at this point you just have to remind yourself why you want to have the hysterectomy (no more periods, no more pain!) and focus on what your life is going to be like 6 mths or a year from now. How nice it will be to not have to schedule your life around your period or fear that you will be in constant pain and have to have yet another surgery to "clean things up" that may only last a couple of months.

So focus on the positve and try to keep yourself nice and busy. Ask lots of questions of your doctor, and don't be afraid to go for a second, or third etc. opinion.

Best of luck to you!

I go in for my da vinchi wed. I only have 2 vicodin left. Even with the vicodin, I still pass out twice daily from the pain. I am having fears, too...that this won't solve my pain issues, but I think that is just the pain talking. I just need this part of my life to be over. This is no way to live. But we need to remind ourselves how successful and freeing surgery has been from the people who post. Plus, the da vinchi is supposed to be less invasive and faaster healing, so we do have that to look forward to. I pray you can find a way to manage your pain until your surgery. Call the dr to see if you can get a refill, if not, ask your limits on tylenol. I have been trying to sleep a lot, read a lot and watch a lot of movies to keep my mind occupied...