TLH - glad I did it!

For the past 2 years, I started having worse periods. First they were irregular - sometimes 7 or more weeks apart, sometimes only 2. The they got heavier and I started having clots. They started to last for 10-20 days at a time. My dr. tried the pill and lysteda to try to control it. Didn't help. Last year I had a d&c, more so for disgnostic purposes. He said I had a lot of polyps and an enlarged uterus, but "nothing serious". A few months after the d&c I started having heavier and longer periods than before. He recommended an ablation, but I was leaning toward hysterectomy. I figured why try more options, hoping they might work, when a hysterectomy was guaranteed to stop menstruation? I am 45 and done having kids. My dr. only performs abdominal hyst. so I did some research and found a great hospital and top surgeon in Pittsburgh, close to my family, so I called and got the ball rolling. My surgeon is top in his field in laparoscopic surgery so I felt confident in making this choice. It was only 1 month from my consultation to my surgery date. I spent those 4 weeks doing more research, dealing with second guessing, fear, questions, etc. and found this site which has been very helpful in sharing stories and experiences.
My surgery went smoothly. I was very impressed with the hospital and the staff - they were very efficient, professional, informative, and on schedule. I don't remember anything from the time they wheeled me into the OR until I woke up in recovery. I was in some pain, but not overbearing. I was kept on steady pain meds until discharge. I had a private room, and my husband was able to stay with me overnight. I tried eating some ice cream that night - I took one bite and threw up! They took my catheter out overnight and I was able to get up and use the restroom. In the morning, I got a shower and was able to eat breakfast without getting sick. I stayed through lunch and then went home. I had prescriptions for hydrocone, ibuprofen, iron, and stool softener.
Recovery at home has been pretty good. My husband and 2 teen daughters have really been pitching in and helping, and taking care of me. I only took the pain meds for the first few days, but continued the ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. It's been 5 weeks now, and I am healing nicely according to the dr. I feel pretty good, I still get sore from time to time, and get tired a lot, but overall it's good. I am SO glad I made this decision, and that I was able to choose my surgeon and hospital. Looking forward to being able to travel and make plans ahead of time, without having to worry about my periods interferring!