Jana’ Robotic Hysterectomy

daVinci Robotic Hysterectomy
Age at Surgery 45
Location: Northern California

Just over 15 years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis after many years of painful periods. My doctor tried several different medications – including a wide variety of birth control pills, a vaginal ring, and Depo Provera. The BCP didn’t seem to have much effect – only slightly less pain. The vaginal ring was a little bit better because it allowed me to have a period every 5 weeks instead of 4. Depo Provera was a disaster. Not only did I have a period that wouldn’t quite go away, I gained 25 lbs in 2 months. This would take years for me to loose it.

I moved to Northern California and did not do much about it for several years. I planned my life around that “time of the month” and lived on tramadol and ibuprofen. Finally after a pap smear that came back ASGUS, I found a doctor that said I didn’t need to suffer through the pain. I took a shot of Depo Lupron. It helped with the pain, but caused a lot of side effects – weight gain, elevated blood sugar, breast enlargement, and my favorite one – hair loss. Once I was through this treatment my doctor said he thought that a hysterectomy would help me with the pain. I was done feeling like a guinea pig and had been ready fo this for years. I did not get a second opinion because I felt that I had discussed other treatments throughly with my doctor and felt very comfortable with the decision. I spent many evenings researching the surgery. I had almost 3 months until my hysterectomy.

I arrived at the hospital at 5:30am. I had the first surgery of the day, scheduled for 7:30am. Although I was nervous, I was calm and not tearful. As I was given general anesthesia, my surgeon held my hand and calmly spoke with me. The surgery was done faster than expected; 1 1/2 hr instead of 2 hr.

I was in quite a bit of pain in the recovery room and experienced nausea; but the nurse was good and helped me get on top of the pain and nausea quickly. I was home and resting in my own bed by 11:15am.

As I recovered from surgery, I would have days when I felt really good and would overdo it. I had this problem constantly while recovering. My body would let me know I had done too much with fatigue, spotting and pain. I had returned to work at 3 weeks. At 4 weeks I was so worried that I saw my doctor. He made sure I was healing well and gave me the ok for activities. I still had very light spotting until week 7.

In the beginning I struggled with menopausal symptoms. I had hot flashes every night and had to shower as soon as I woke up – every day! My doctor prescribed a low dose of estrogen and a low dose of Paxil. It has helped so much.

I feel tired sometimes, but overall I feel better than before surgery. I have been back at the gym – water exercise feels great.

I have lost a total of 18 pounds and have dropped 2 sizes. I am happy with my decision for a hysterectomy.

Make sure you are ready for the surgery mentality. Ask your surgeon questions – he or she should be able to answer all of your questions and not be offended. Remember its a major surgery and even though you feel good, you need to rest!

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