Very nervous about pain for LAVH

I'm scheduled for a LAVH on 9/22/10 and I am very nervous about the (vaginal) pain. I have four kids all delivered vaginally but I never had to get stitches. I must admit I do have a high tolerance for pain but it doesn't help with my anxieties.

My doctor told me I am over-preparing for my surgery but its easy to say that when you're not the one having surgery My DH is very supportive he just wants me to feel better and to "come out it alive" in his own words.

I was wondering if the pain was similar to getting an incision during birth? And what can be done when stitches begin to itch?

I had a TVH and expected all kinds of vaginal pain, etc. Not the case. I had no vaginal pain at all. Stitches were all high enough up I had no awareness of them and no itching, no trouble sitting. I took no narcs at home. I took Aleve at home for 3 wks for total pain control. My pain felt like menstrual type cramps with abd pulling/tugging sensation. It was so much less than I expected. I hope this eases your mind a bit. I have a whole Percocet prescription I never needed at all. I hope your recovery is as easy as mine was.

hello Minna.
I had an lavh 5 days ago and the pain is nowhere near as bad as childbirth. really, i think we lavh patients may have the best deal painwise. and I have had no pain whatsoever in my vagina. my belly is swollen and sore, and very uncomfortable in the evening. I have only three tiny incissions that do not hurt or itch. I am not saying that surgery does not hurt, but there has been no vaginal pain, and the rest is very bearable. I have hardly taken any painmeds.
try to relax, trust your doctor and read as much as you can on this website.
good luck

I am still in the hospital actually! I had my LAVH on 8/27. Well, the paperwork showed a TLH so I don't know what it would be classified really, lol! But, I am feeling great. There is not one ounce of vaginal pain, and for some odd reason I don't even have discharge. I have a pantiliner there just in case it starts but have not had any so far. I probably won't even need my percocet meds at home, just as long as this gas settles down! I am just on ibuprofen. I wouldn't worry about it at all! And if you do have any pain down there, I know that they can address it if the time comes. Just make sure you're vocal to the nurses when and if you hurt a lot. Lots of hugs for you!

Thanks to all...

This has helped ease my mind hearing information from people who've had the surgery. I am hoping that I get released the same day but if I have to stay another night, I have a plan B in place for my kids.

I am 8 weeks out an LAVH and I can tell you that there is no way the pain compares to childbirth, if you've had 4 vaginal births you will be a trooper here. I've had 1 c-section, one vaginal birth and 5 or 6 laparoscopies, my LAVH was the easiest believe it or not! There was no need for ice packs, and a very tiny amount of discharge, no breast engorgement or hungry baby, and this time I could take meds for the pain ( although I didn't need after day two).

The worst pain I had was back pain from the surgery table and 24 hours of laying flat after. ( I have a bad back, but insist they let you up to walk or even sit up asap!) I woke the second day feeling 85% better than for at least two years before, and now I'm 99% better. That last 1% only shows itself when I've done too much, I get a little sore still. I was very relieved to feel so good, I didn't even get much shoulder pain from the gas. I have felt better each and every day of my recovery, and that troublemaker is out of there, woohoo!

If you've had 4 children and cared for them, this will be easy!

I had a lot of complications with my LAVH but pain was not an issue. I remember abdominal pain once, the day after surgery. That was it!

Best wishes!

Hi! I had a LAVH on August 6th. I am 3 weeks post-op. I had 4 babies all vaginally. Two 9 pounds,one 10 pounds and the last one 8 pounds. I agree,the pain after childbirth was way worse.There is pain with the surgery of course,but it's different. As far as my stitches in my vagina,I really have not been able to tell that they are even there. Sometimes a twinge or two,but that's it. My thing is the tiredness and right now insomnia. Also if I walk to much I get cramp like pain way deep in my pelvic area and in between my thighs. My Dr. said that is normal. We are here for you to help you through this. Sending best wishes your way .
Jeanie

My stitches never did itch. I didn't even know they were there. As far as pain, I am a big whip. I am sure you will do just fine.