dVH/RALH: Expectation for recovery time

Hello I am scheduled to have my surgery on Tuesday October 4th. I am having dVH/RALH taking cervix, leaving ovaries. I will also be having cystocele and rectocele repairs done and a bladder sling and I am told I will probably come home with a catheter. I have a really busy household of seven with two little ones that are homeschooled. I have pretty good help and I currently have 10 dinners in the freezer (planning on getting to at least 14). I have taken to heart all the different tips that other sisters have posted and purchased all the extra goodies to help (belly binder, grabber, extra pillows, donut for sitting, etc). I have 2 questions really.....#1 from anyone who has had the same surgery, what should I realistically expect for recovery. I would say I am probably an average healer, not real quick but not to slow either. And #2, would a shower chair be worthwhile to purchase?

I am 6 months post OP from the DaVinci. I also had a bladder sling too. I was feeling good at 2 weeks. My husband took off work with me for 3 weeks because we have 3 kids and I couldnt do a lot with the baby. I think it was perfect.

I was truly amazed at how fast I bounced back. The worse part was the feeling exhausted and needing to take naps throughout the day.

I will say ... Best decision I ever made!!! :-)

Good luck to you!

Harborhill-because of all the repairs, you will need to give yourself extra time. My DR informed me before the surgery that he requires his patients to maintain a 12 week recovery period. According to him, it takes 12 weeks for the body to heal to 80%. This healing is what will hold those repairs in place. No bending, lifting, housework of any kind! I was able to follow these instructions to the letter. We are empty nesters now, so I only had to take care of myself.

The DvH is normally the easiest surgery, so you will feel better sooner, but because you also feel better, you have to be more aware that there is still MAJOR healing to be done. I came home with a catheter for 10 days; not a big deal. Didn't have to get up to pee the entire 10 days! If you do come home with one, you will eventually be able to go on your own. Drink lots of water and sugar free cranberry juice, or take cranberry tablets. You will be more susceptable to a UTI because of the catheter.

I am 60 years old-I am assuming much older than you if you have little ones. I would say by 6 weeks I felt good. I am now 6 months out and feel great! It sounds like you are ready-you really are prepared, so if you can just let yourself heal after surgery, you are going to do great! You have a great attitude-that will really help with your healing! I wish you the best, and please keep us posted on your progress!

Thank you your feedback I really appreciate it. I want to be mentally and physically prepared as much as possible. I thought that the repairs were going to lengthen the recovery. After having multiple pregnancies that required 9 months of bed rest I am a plan for the worse but hope for the best type of person. This is going to be quite the learning experience for the household without Mom to handle everything, pretty sad when you have to have major surgery to get a vacation, lol!