2 weeks post-op Da Vinci RALH 7/2012 - doing great!

I am 44 years old and exactly 2 weeks post op. For years I have struggled with difficult periods and heavy bleeding. I have had fibroids for 12 plus years. They have caused pain and bloating that became normal for me. From time to time I would have excruciating pain but it would pass and I would continue on with my busy life. Each year my OBGYN would discuss options for me but I never gave much consideration to any of them. I was afaid to have surgery of any kind. This year on the day of my yearly OBGYN appt - in April 2012, I coincidentally had one of the most severe atacks of abdominal and pelvic pain. This was the first time I saw my Doctor duiring one of the attacks. She was very concerned about the severity of my pain. This was the day I gave serious consideration to my need for a hysterectomy. She told me about the Da Vinci Hysterectomy and said I was a candidate and referred me to another surgeon in the same practice. She told me she would assist in the surgery which gave me such peace of mind. Over the next few weeks I had an ultrasound and discovered that my fibroids had doubled in size since last measured 2 years earlier. They now ranged in size from 6 cm to 14 cm. My mind was made up. I had my consult with the surgeon and got my sugery date of 7/9/12. For the 7 weeks before the surgery I focussed on my wellness, and lost nearly 20 pounds (a good thing snce I am overweight), and got my house clean so I could have a comfortable and relxing recovery. I did not allow myself to get too worried about the actual procedure - it was out of my control. I was on this website often and I found such comfort in it. The morning of my appointment I arrived at the hospital at 6:00 am for a 7:30 surgery. Everything went very smoothly and before I knew it I was kissing my husband goodbye and heading to the operating room. The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room with oxygen (which I did not like). I was a little disoriented but not at all in pain. They were feeding me ice chips and they were so satisfying! It was about 1:00. I was in my room by 2:00 and almost immediately reunited with my husband and my parents. They told me that the surgery went great and that I was able to keep both ovaries. I was so relieved it was over. I had such a need to brush my teeth (which I did) and I continued to devour the ice chips. Dinner came but i was not hungry. My night in the hospital was uncomfortable but not painful. The catheter is uncomfortable and I did not like the feeling of the IVs. They let me pick which one to come out soon after getting to my room. The other one stayed in until a few minutes before discharge which happened about 11 am on the day after my surgery. Before discharge I had to walk and pee (which was more challenging than I expected). I felt so much better after getting cleaned up and getting into my own comfy (loose fitting) clothes. I walked to the car on my own (no wheel chair) and felt amazingly good. I slept alot the first day and did take the pain meds they sent me home with- although I am not sure I needed them. My family was wonderful and supportive and so were all of my friends. by the 2nd day I felt well enough to go to my sons little league game. On day 3 I walked about 1 1/2 miles and felt great. I just can't tell you how easy my recovery has been. I had no bleeding and almost no pain other than gas pain. Every day I feel a little stronger. I did get several sores in my mouth and throat I think a side effect to the anasthesia. They caused me significantly more discomfort than my incisions or any other surgery related condition. I have to remind myself to take it easy. I am enjoying the rest and relaxation. I have no regrets about having this surgery. If you are a candidate for Da Vinci - I highly recommend it! Recovery is a breeze! I am down another 10 pounds since the surgery!! an added bonus! my postop advice is drink plenty of water, walk as soon as you are able (it helps prevent consitipation) and the fresh air was so refreshing, and rest. You will feel great before you know it!!