DvH 4 weeks ago

I had a DvH, sacrocolpopexy and TVT sling on 3/21/12 due to significant prolapse and stage 2 cystocele and rectocele. I was not in pain prior to surgery, but found the prolapse annoying and had occasional stress incontinence. I had these symptoms for about 10 years, only getting worse as time went on. Last year I visited a new gynecologist who suggested the DvH with sacrocolpopexy. I had been avoiding surgery for a long time, but my new Dr. was very encouraging and put me in touch with a surgeon who used the DaVinci surgical system. I was very impressed with her, she answered all my questions thoroughly, and to my surprise, I was on board with the plan and just needed to wait a few months until I could fit in some time off of work.

Surgery went off without a hitch, I stayed overnight one night in the hospital which was not the original plan, but am glad I did due to gas pains and difficulty emptying my bladder.

Once home I was walking a few blocks by the 3rd day, and easily a mile by the end of week one. I went back to work (1/2 time as a middle school teacher) after 2 weeks, taking naps in the afternoon.

Now after 4 weeks, I still don't have the same amount of stamina that I'm used to, but it is coming back. I am thrilled that I had this surgery - more than I ever imagined. I really didn't know how much the prolapse was bothering me until it was gone. I feel so much better about my body now! I have found the recovery to be amazingly quick and painless - especially compared to those who had abdominal hysterectomies.

As far as the TVT sling is concerned I have had no stress incontinence, and things seem to be working just right. Occasionally I feel a little twinge down there, but that's it.

When I first read about DvH I thought that I probably would have a pretty easy recovery, but could not have imagined how well everything has gone.

Hystersisters has been a great resource and support network.

I want to encourage any fence sitters (since I sat on the fence for at least 10 years) to get off the fence and talk to your doctor about this method (DvH). I hope that if you do decided to go ahead with the surgery that your experience will be as great as mine.