MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Other Gynecologic Condition

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Hysterectomy

DATE OF PROCEDURE: Jan 29, 2009

MY SURGEON: Dr. Nathan Fujita

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: The Queen's Medical Center

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
Recovery time

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
Less invasive, shorter recovery time

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
1 day

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
Some, but less than the pain my condition had been causing

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
1 week

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
2 weeks

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
Excellent

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
Better than expected

I WOULD RECOMMEND DA VINCI SURGERY TO MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS!

For several years, I had suffered through extremely painful menses requiring around the clock narcotic pain relief that still did not fully alleviate the pain. I was not able to control it with birth control pills due to my age and family history of breast cancer.
However, with a young son and work obligations, I was concerned about having a hysterectomy, as I recall the pain and long recovery time my mother had when she a hysterectomy almost 20 years ago. Well, of course, technology has improved many facets of our lives, and I can gratefully say that the da Vinci procedure certainly has improved hysterectomy surgery and recovery.

I had surgery at 8:00 am on a Thursday morning and was ready to go home by 7:00 am Friday morning. There was less pain than what I experienced on a monthly basis with my period. Actually, discomfort from the catheter was my biggest concern. I was able to take a shower that very evening and the five small incisions healed quickly with no stitches.

The first week I was tired but was able to go up and down stairs, albeit slowly. My mom came to help out and commented that I should take it easy, because I was acting as if I did not just have major surgery. I am currently at 5 weeks post-op, and I am back to my normal routine with no limitations.

I would definitely recommend da Vinci.