abdominal hyst versus vaginal hyst

I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on May 15th. I am going to a urogynecologist and he did some urodynamic studies on me today and will decide whether it will be vaginal or abdominal. The reason for the hysterectomy is that the uterus is starting to prolapse and I have a cystocele that needs to be repaired. Does anyone here know which surgery is more painful?? How long is the recovery. I am very nervous either way. Thanks for input.

Hmmm. As for which is more painful, that varies so much depending on exactly what procedures are done during your surgery. I had a TAH/BSO and I think some ladies feel that the abdominal incision can be more painful than a vaginal incision. However, ladies who had vaginal hysts with other procedures can be pretty miserable at first too. A friend I met here at hystersisters had her surgery the same day as me. She had a vaginal incision with some other repair work (rectocele, I think). She was pretty uncomfortable for awhile and I seemed to be doing better.

Bottom line, some ladies do just great with the vaginal incision, some do great with the abdominal incision. The best thing I can tell you is to keep a positive attitude, regardless of how your surgery will be done. Trust that your doctor will recommend the procedure that is best for your situation. We'll be here for you, every step of the way.

Beth