My Decision and Experience: DaVinci Hysterectory (Part 2)

URETAL REIMPLANTATION

You can read my first post in the hysterectomy story site. I had a very positive DaVinci experience, however, during the procedure one of my ureters was slightly scalded. This was due to the huge size of the my fibroid and the fact that it was just embedded everywhere (pressing against spine, bladder, bowels). Remember that surgical procedures include cauterization so there is always a risk.

Long story short I have had a stent put in place in my left ureter to ensure flow during the healing process. My ureter, however, was not healing so after 8 weeks of trying to heal it on its own - my option was to get a uretal reimplantation. This is done through DaVinci as well! Basically what they do is go in and cut off the portion of the ureter that is damaged and not healing and reimplant your healthy ureter into your bladder. That is a highly simplified explanation but is the best way I can explain it. If the damaged portion is not long enough to reach the bladder they move the bladder up and "hitch" it to the soas muscle so there is no tension. (This is called a Soas Hitch).

I just had this done on Friday. I was in the hospital 2 nights. I was lucky I had no pain. Just sore. I had a catheter in place (which would remain in for 1 week post op). Was walking slowly the next morning. Fluids, antibiotics and a drainage tube at one of the incision sites. Tired, swelled very similar to the hysterectomy but to a lesser degree.

Had procedure on Friday afternoon and was discharged Sunday afternoon. Drain removed prior to going home. Ride home was less torturous than with hysterectomy. Bumps in the road not as bad! Eating but bowels are slow to return.

Yes I hate having the catheter, but it is strapped to my leg so I wear long shorts or capri workout pants (not the fitted knee type). I had to just accept the fact of the catheter and on the positive side you kind of get to see what it is like to be a guy! I just whip out the tube and press the "eject" button as I call it and it drains the bag. You can sit and watch tv forever without having to get up to go to the bathroom and no more getting up in the middle of the night! I am pretending it is a new version of the thigh master! LOL. I just keep it in perspective and laugh saying "Nothing says sexy like a urine bag strapped to the leg" - LOL.

At night it is a pain to position yourself in bed. They give you this larger bag extension that you hang off your bed since you are asleep. I am a side sleeper and a flipper so you do have to be careful not to get all tangled up. Also put it in perspective that it is only a week! You have to have the catheter because you want your bladder to remain inactive and heal! No filling up - no strain pressure. Makes sense.

Still kinda weird because we are so used to going into the bathroom and sitting down and just the routine of voiding. Also very weird when you have to go number 2. Don't worry the catheter won't come out if you strain - it is held in by an inflated bulb - like a balloon. Still weird though!

I have had no pain. Pulling and a little tight in the abdomen and you sleep more because you are healing. I am only 3 days post op. You don't really feel like walking a lot because you have this thing between your legs. Plus still walking slowly. I am able to be mobile around the house, making light dinners and showering. Small activities like that can wear you out so just be knowledgable of that.

Can drive but again walking a little grandma like and you can tire easily and then there is this thing between your legs! So not the most comfortable to do but can be done.

I go next week to get catheter removed and staples out of DaVinci incisions so I will keep you updated on my progress. I have a great urologist who specializes in DaVinci and this is a common procedure for him.

Okay back again. Got the catheter out on Tuesday July 3 - Thank God! Very Very Easy procedure. They just take the water out of the ballon through the other port and boom out it comes. No pain.
Drank a lot of water and flow was back to normal! Staples came out! Go in in 5 weeks to get the stent out once and for all!

Hated the catheter but learned to make peace with it. Wasn't fun, wasn't sexy and felt like a 90 year old - but got through it! I am still so happy I had the Divinci, would do it all over again!

Exercise limited to walking (I do about 5 miles a day) and a very limited yoga at this point. Got cleared by doc to do an intensive yoga retreat in 3 weeks. (1 week prior to stent coming out). He said it may be uncomfortable and I may bleed a little --- hello isn't that the life of a woman!

We are stronger than we know and life is all about attitude!!