Amy’s Robotic Hysterectomy

daVinci Robotic Hysterectomy
Age at Surgery 26
Location: Renton, Washington U.S.A

I’d had symptoms consistent with endometriosis from the age of eleven onwards, as well as family history of diagnoses.
I always knew at some point in life I’d have a hysterectomy, but never knew when. I was on hormonal birth control for a handful of years, switching type every year because it would loose effectiveness as a treatment for my pain.
After having a baby, with a handful of complications at the end for me, I was left with incredible anxiety. I was later diagnosed with PTSD. After much heartache, discussion and tears, I told my partner that I never wanted to do that again, and I was sick of being in pain.

What lead to me finally pulling the trigger as it were on having my hysterectomy was the growth of a large cyst on my right ovary that put so much stress on my system that I was unable to eat well, and was in near constant pain. I lost weight without intention, totaling around 20+ pounds, just when I’d started to get comfortable in my skin again.
My gynecologist gave me time to think about my decision, and I took it. But it just made me more certain.
I was diagnosed post-op with much adhesive disease and was “a mess inside”, as my doctor put it humorously, without visible endometrial tissue in my abdomen.

The day of my surgery I was anxious and excited.
I received great care and verification at every step that I was the correct patient and aware of what surgery I was there for. I legitimately cried tears of joy being wheeled to the OR and prior to anesthesia.
I had general anesthesia that was maintained via intubation, and I don’t remember falling asleep. Post-op waking up was very sluggish and absolutely took an effort.
Once I was moved to a recovery room, I was given the opportunity to rest and regain awareness. I was released to go home that same day, but not until I’d passed enough urine to verify my systems were coming back online.
I was in the hospital for less than twelve hours total I’m quite sure. I had my surgery around 10am and was home before 7pm give or take.

One of the hardest things for me as I recovered, was allowing myself to step down from helping every one else around me, and especially picking up/holding my toddler.
My recovery was very easy though, and I was full of energy in a way I didn’t think I’d been since I was a teen.
I was far more worried about my recovery and the duration of my pain, than I ended up experiencing. At both my two week and six week follow ups my doctor was very pleased and even somewhat surprised by how well I was healing and feeling. I was released back to regular activities at the six week appointment, but was advised to still take it easy when I could.

My health, on so many levels, has greatly improved. I have energy I’ve not had in years, and I’m sleeping better. I’ve retained my ovaries, so while I still get PMS symptoms and other menstrual symptoms associated with them, I’m so much less encumbered. It will often take a few days to even realize that I’m aching or grumpy because I’m having the hormonal part of menstruation still.

I have absolutely no regrets and am incredibly glad to have had my hysterectomy. To the point I’ve joked about “why didn’t I do this sooner?”

I would and have told other people considering a hysterectomy that it was the correct choice for me, and I am biased in favor of them. But, that they really need to consider their reasons and needs with their doctor along with collecting information and taking their time when presented the option.
When faced with the possibility of a hysterectomy, I believe you ought to sit with that choice and ask yourself all the questions for why. And take what your doctors says to heart, but know that they don’t know your life. They can’t comprehend how you’re impacted by whatever is causing you to consider major surgery.

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