vaginal vs abdominal

My doc and I haven't really discussed which "yellow brick road" he'll be taking to my uterus... but a couple of people I know had vaginal hysts and they both hemorraged (had to get transfusions) afterwards... emergency type stuff. Does anyone know how common this might be? I just wonder if I would be better off to have it done abdominally. Of course, I realize that when the time comes, he may HAVE to do it abdominally. I only know two women who have had it done this way and they both nearly bled to death... so it scares me a little. Any info is appreciated!

I'm curious too what the typical vaginal experience is. I hope things go well for you, whichever road they take.

Here is a link to a thread that has statistics:
http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...ght=statistics

I had a TAH, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who ant tell you about theri vag hyst.

Best wishes with your research!

I had a vaginal hysterectomy and everything went smoothly. My recovery was uneventful and I felt good for most of it. I had my six week check-up on Thursday and have been cleared for anything I want to do - no restrictions. Today I am going back to work and can honestly say that I feel better than I have in a long time. I have more energy and feel like a new person. Everyone's experiences are different but I can speak positively of mine. I hope this helps you and good luck with whatever decision that you make. Phyllis

I had an abdominal hyster because of the location of my endo that had to be lasered. I had an uneventful recovery and at 6 weeks post-op I feel better than I have in 4 years. People who have known me for awhile are commenting on how happy I am and how good I look!!This is the best decision I ever made for myself! Good luck in your journey!!
TaraLee TAH 4/30/02 for endo, adeno and fibroids

I had a TAH/BSO, but my roomate was 60 yrs young and had a TVH and only had bleeding like a lite period and she got along fine. It;s all up to the DR, I went for my pre-op exam a week before surgery and found it wasn't my uterus she would have problems with but she thought she'd have problems with one of my ovaries, so we went the TAH route. Either way , you'll be fine...Good luck, let us know what you decide. Trailblazier

_____________________________
TAH/BSO....bladder repair, adhesions, and a little bit of everything else!

I had a TVH/BSO, and had minimal bleeding. I never needed to use a pad after my sugery, at all. I lost a small (normal) amount of blood during the surgery, and that was it.

If your acquaintaces who needed transfusions used the same doctor, that doctor might be one to avoid, in my opinion.

I know several women who had TVH's, and not one of us needed a blood transfusion.

According to the statistics in the link provided above, by Mlweeman:

Vaginal hysts had fewer cases of heavy bleeding during surgery than with laparotomy or laparoscopy. Of course, one reason is that vaginal hysts are only done on simple cases, who take less time in surgery.

Vaginal hysts have the most cases of heavy bleeding AFTER the surgery, somewhere in the range of 4% of the time.

So there are some statistics to ponder.

Good luck with your surgery, and best wishes,
Helen

I had a TVH and lost 3 ozs. of blood. The only spotting I have had has been after I've gone to the bathroom and wiped. No need to wear a pad or even a pantyliner. I have been quite surprised at this.

I figured the recovery would be similar to childbirth in certain ways, for me. I had a c-sec, so I knew what the abdominal cut would feel like, and I also had a VBAC, so I knew what that felt like. I would definitely chose the TVH route if I had to do it again, but I also did not have endo, scarring, adhesions, etc. Those are things to consider and discuss w/your doctor as he/she can best answer those questions.

I was warned before my TVH that there was a possibility that I may need a transfusion because of the size of my uterus. It was 9 week size and 10 weeks or more meant an abdominal incision. I did sign a consent form for him to do an abdominal if he couldn't get it out vaginally. I was offered lupron to shrink it down but refused after reading up on it. I figured if I really needed a transfusion my father could give me his blood. I was already keeping up on my iron and found out the morning of surgery that I was getting an additional surgeon to assist. I ended up not needing blood and I had a really easy time. I didn't have much bleeding at all and never needed packing. I agree with princessh about avoiding that dr.