Anyone Had an Abdoninal Hysterectomy

It's similar to a C-section. The only thing is they don't put anything back in. You will feel a little sore from the surgery but should recover quickly. While they are inside they tighten everything up so that nothing falls internally like in the old days. I had several staples removed before I left because they will pulling and made me uncomfortable. It was the best thing I had done and the doctor said I looked better after surgery than before (medical issues). No driving for two weeks and be careful how you sit so you don't pull anything. If you have to cough, put a pillow on your tummy. Stop worrying about it. Sometimes you can have issues arise doing it vaginally so you doctor is right about the abdomenial. You should be fine. Just think no more worry about being pregnant a new sex life. The other S.

I just had this done last June, along with a bladder tuck. Now, that was fun -- hysterectomy via abdominal and bladder tuck via vaginal surgery!! Like you, I had previous c-sections (three of them) and my Gynocologist would only do my hysterectomy via my same surgery site. The recovery really wasn't too bad. But, when your doctor tells you six weeks, they mean six weeks recovery time. I tried to go back to work earlier and it wasn't a good idea. Now, you're not bed-ridden the entire six weeks. But, you will need to take it slow in the beginning and GRADUALLY work back to your normal speed. Once, the recovery is over, you'll honestly think it was the greatest thing you ever did for yourself! Hard to believe, I know; but, it really is true!

Just an FYI - mine was a partial hysterectomy, just the uterus was removed. I still have my ovaries. The recovery is for opening the abdomin -- not for what was or wasn't removed!

Good luck, take it slow and you'll do just fine!

What about a combo vaginal/laparscopic hysterectomy. That's what my dr. did back in November. I had EVERYTHING removed plus the bladder suspension and "pelvic reconstruction". I just have a couple of button hole incisions around my bikini line. I know not all doctors are trained in this yet, but you should check to see if it is an option.

BTW, I feel better than I have in about 15 years since I had my surgery. It is a great thing!!

Good luck to you!!

I had a laproscopic in October of 2005. I was 34 and had 3 previous c-sect. My recovery was only a week because I did not have to have my ovaries removed. Is it necessary to have a full? HRT is a pain to get regulated at such a yound age. My ovaries still work and I ovulate, but no cramps and no periods YIPEE!

Anything laproscopic is going to be much easier on your body. I was up and putting the kids in car seats within a week. My Dr recommended to me I loose about 15 pds before my surgery (I had kept some baby wieght on) to make it easier for recovery and it was easier. If you are looking for a Dr's group to give you a second opinion try North Texas Womens Healthcare www.myobg.com

good luck

I had this done in May of 2001. By Far.........the BEST thing I ever did. I am 46 now and just last week someone guessed my age as 32. !!!

I don't know about the vaginal route, it was not an option for me. You can hardly see my scar thanks to vitamin E oil. I did not drive for 2 weeks. I just went back to the Dr. about a week after surgery and the staples were taken out (DID NOT HURT). I am a SAHM so I just moved around slowly and carefully for a little while until I felt comfortable. I did wear a binder to prevent the swelly belly. I am on the Vivelle Dot patch for HRT. I have never felt better or looked better. I felt like a free woman when I was all recovered.

I did use a website www.hystersisters.com and found it very informative and objective. It has message boards where you can ask anything and I beleve now they even have Dr's on it.

My Dr. is Dr. Ivan Rovner and I truly feel like he saved my life. My surgery was at Medical Center of Plano.

Feel free to private mail me if you have questions.

TF