daVinci pre-op Questions

My daVinci is scheduled for 3/15 and I'm alternately relieved and terrified. So many people have shared their positive experiences with the DVH that I am feeling a little better about things, but I still feel a little lost and overwhelmed.

What is a tummy/belly binder? Will I need one of these after a DVH?

I'm a little slow on the uptake, apparently...had no idea there might be any bowl prep...what all will that entail?

I am an elementary school teacher and I'm nervous about leaving my students, too. I've taken 4 weeks off of work and am planning to be back on the day my students begin a week of high-stakes testing.

I appreciate any information and helpful hints anyone is able to give me. I have been exploring my way through the boards, but I'm becoming overwhelmed very quickly.

Thank you, sisters!

I too am having the daVinnci procedure. I am wondering about the abdominal pillow. I have read up alot on the daVinnci robot procedure. I think that healing process will be so much better than the old abdominal one. I have had two times where I had to be opened up to stop bleeding and that recovery was not fun. So, I hope that this is better.

Hang in their. I am going to take a small pillow with me just in case. Better to be prepared!! That has always been my thinking.

Good Luck!!!

BeetleJuice -

I had the daVinci a couple of years ago. I did not need the tummy binder, although some women with laproscopic surgeries do find them supportive. i absolutely did have a tummy pillow to keep between me and the seatbelt and hold to my tummy when walking or coughing.

Recovery is a very personal thing even with laproscopic surgery. My surgeon told me to "expect 6 to 8 week" initial recovery because I was having lymph nodes and ovaries removed as well due to a cancer dx. depending on the discomfort you were in before surgery and your pain level you may go sooner than that.

Also remember that this is initial recovery. Full recovery of regaining all your energy can take 6 months to a year. My surgeon told me that daVinci patients are ahead for the first 6 months and than things level out for the last 6 months.

Whenever you go back to work be prepared to be a bit exhausted. I did every other day at home for 2 weeks and was totally wiped out.

If you can plan on attending a pre-op chat (check the events listing to the right), if none fit your schedule you can check the chat archives.



G.

I had the DaVinci and didn't get a tummy binder but wish I had!! I have belly fat that definitely needed support when walking/standing those first couple of weeks. I used a pillow in the car on the way home from the hospital but found it difficult to hold the pillow when walking. Prayers and best wishes to you as you go through your journey. btw I went back to work (desk job) after my third week post op. Only had 1 day toward the end of the week that I had any pain.

I just had the daVinchi done on 2/24. Yes there's a bowel prep. It's not that bad. I am using a binder that they gave at the hospital. Just ask for one and they'll gv you one. It does gv you lots of support. The pain is not that bad. The following nite my hubby bought me Gas-X and it did wonders I took two the first night as well with two stool softeners.
I'm sure all will work out fine. I wish you guys the best. Just keep asking questions it tends to bring down the anxiety.

I had my DiVinci on 2/22. I did not have a bowel prep. Doctor did not require one. I also did not use a binder or Gas-X. I found that walking took care of any gas pains that I had.
I agree with SIONIS, keep asking questions, the more you know, the better prepared you will feel.
Be well.

Ladies, I almost 2 weeks out from My DAvinci and an extremely large uterus.

It's been extremely positive in comparison to women who've done other procedures. I was off major pain meds by day 3, still sore so I would take my Advil and heating pad. I was cleared to drive at one week. At almost two weeks I'm walking 3 miles a day, doing light house work and getting away with just a small resting spell after lunch every day.

I'm still a little swollen around the incisions, but I have no pain nor gas anymore. Yes, gas will be the most troublesome thing after the Davinci. LOL. Sometimes I do get slammed with a wave of fatique, but it's mostly a huge annoyance because I'm so ready to get on with it!

Be happy that you are fortunate to have this method available to you.

As to pre-op prep, I just had to do an enima at home the night before and not eat or drink after midnight.

I'm almost two weeks post-op from my da Vinci. It's been great. I did not use an abdominal binder nor did I use a pillow. I was also not required to do bowel prep. I will say, take stool softeners because your first bm after surgery can be a doozy! I've been slowly becoming more active and the last few days I've been moving more without thinking about it. Kinda nice. I think going back in 4 weeks for you is doable. Just plan for naps because you will be tired.

My surgery was on 2/23 (RALH-LSO). I have not used a tummy binder - DR said I didn't need one. I did have to do bowel prep. Liquid diet the day before surgery, and then had to take four Dulcolax, and mix a bottle of Miralax with Gatorade. Really wasn't too bad - and the more "cleansed" you are, the more easily accessible everything is to get to during surgery. I had severe endometriosis, so I wanted everything as clear as possible for surgery.

My surgery was on 2/23 (RALH-LSO). I have not used a tummy binder - DR said I didn't need one. I did have to do bowel prep. Liquid diet the day before surgery, and then had to take four Dulcolax, and mix a bottle of Miralax with Gatorade. Really wasn't too bad - and the more "cleansed" you are, the more easily accessible everything is to get to during surgery. I had severe endometriosis, so I wanted everything as clear as possible for surgery.