Tvh - Vs - Tah?

I am scheduled to have a TVH and at first I was freaking out, but the more that I read on the posts is that a TAH is way much worse. So why is the recovery time the same? I can see the recovery being so long for a TAH due to the incision. Is having a TVH about as much pain as having a vaginal delivery? IF so then I have already had three of those. I don't remember having the weight lifting restrictions.
Anybody have any thoughts or know people that have had these two procedures done to compare?
Thanks I am just very nervous, but don't want to be if not necessary.

Hi Strawberry,

I was scheduled for a TVH but ended up having a TAH. My doctor told me that the recovery time is the same because there is still a lot of internal trauma - they don't just slide things out, there is still cutting and stitching done. And the last thing you want to do is pull those internal stitches out by lifting.

He also told me that because patients might feel pretty good and have no external sign of the surgery, they tend to be more confident about breaking the rules and reinjuring themselves, so be careful during your recovery.

Good luck,

MMM

MMM is right. You will have a lot of internal work done and stitches that will need time to heal. As for comparing a TVH to a vaginal delivery...well, I had both of those. With a vaginal delivery, you have a child. With a TVH you have an organ removed. Big difference.

The pain I had after my TVH was like bad menstrual cramps. My recovery room nurse gave me a couple of shots of Demerol in my IV and it went away. This is just my experience. I never used my PCA pump in the hospital or took any pain meds after because I didn't need them. Some women do though.

I wish you the best with your upcoming surgery!

s, Deb