Anyone else not have a post hysterectomy exam after total hysterectomy (TLH)?

I was hoping to get some reassurance. I am going on 9 weeks post op TLH (kept ovaries) and am starting to wonder if I should ask my doctor to perform a physical exam of my vaginal cuff to make sure it’s healed properly? First I do have to say that I have a great doctor, and up to this point have had a good recovery. I was told that a physical exam isn’t required if I’m not having any issues or pain. I had a televisit for my 4 week postop appt and cleared to return to work and had most restrictions lifted. Doctor said she would not need to see me anymore and if I developed any issues or significant pain or bleeding to call her office. I keep reading posts and most mention that they had a post op exam. I’ve seen some post where some women mention granulation tissue despite not having issues with bleeding or pain. I was just wondering if any women have also been told they didn’t need an exam and if that made any impact on their long term recovery?

My doctor felt it was important to have a physical exam of the cuff. It is good to know how its healing! I would definitely ask to have it examined. Some heal fast some heal slow and I personally would want to know.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Loukingfwrd I was hoping to get some reassurance. I am going on 9 weeks post op TLH (kept ovaries) and am starting to wonder if I should ask my doctor to perform a physical exam of my vaginal cuff to make sure it’s healed properly? First I do have to say that I have a great doctor, and up to this point have had a good recovery. I was told that a physical exam isn’t required if I’m not having any issues or pain. I had a televisit for my 4 week postop appt and cleared to return to work and had most restrictions lifted. Doctor said she would not need to see me anymore and if I developed any issues or significant pain or bleeding to call her office. I keep reading posts and most mention that they had a post op exam. I’ve seen some post where some women mention granulation tissue despite not having issues with bleeding or pain. I was just wondering if any women have also been told they didn’t need an exam and if that made any impact on their long term recovery?

I did not have a physical exam at 6 weeks check up either. I was told the same as you. As long as no problems or pain it was best to let my body heal but to call/come in if I had any pain or concerns moving forward.

It's important to check the vaginal cuff esp at 2 week post op to see if cuff healing properly

Thank you for all your responses.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Loukingfwrd Thank you for all your responses.

It varies doctor to doctor, they each have their own protocols, some don’t have a follow up at all, others just at 2 or 4 weeks, others 2 and 6 weeks, etc
Some doctors don’t perform internal exam.

If you feel strongly about getting one, perhaps you can schedule an appointment?

Agree that each doctor varies in their post-op follow-up.

If you feel a physical exam would give you more peace of mind, than I think you should schedule one.

had my surgery done at Mayo and the standard is 6 weeks. That felt about right. I think 2 weeks is sort of soon but I do think a follow up check on vaginal cuff is important.

I didn’t have one either and I’m now seven and a half weeks post surgery and doing well. I had spotting up until one week ago but it’s now stopped. Had it not stopped I was going to request a check up. My surgeon said she doesn’t do them unless there is anything troubling me, in which case to give her a call. She said if everything is going smooth and as expected then there is no need. I think maybe it also has to do with what country you live and your health insurance. I live in Australia where I need to pay for further follow ups. It’s not automatically covered fully by insurance. So I presume my surgeon takes this into account. I guess also it depends on the surgeons past experience with patients and how many normally have complications. Anyway just wanted to let you know that it’s normal for some not to have a six weekly follow up.