MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Other Gynecologic Condition

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Hysterectomy

DATE OF PROCEDURE: Dec 2, 2010

MY SURGEON: Dr. Jeffrey S Pfeiffer

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: Decatur Memorial Hospital

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
recovery

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
patient referrals, the doctor recommended it

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
48 hours

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
yes

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
undetermined so far, but better than I expected

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
6 weeks

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
everyone was very professional and thoughtful

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
much better

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

I had a history of difficult menstrual cycles with lots of cramping and flu-like symptoms. My periods were getting closer together, sometimes every two weeks. My uterus was swollen, so I had a lot of pressure on my bladder, causing frequent urination and lower back pain. Every time I tried to lift something I felt like my uterus was going to fall out.
I selected Dr. Jeffrey Pfeiffer through the Decatur Memorial Hospital physician referral service. After the first visit I knew I had chosen the right doctor and the right facility. I had my first visit in early November 2009. After a thorough examination and the appropriate tests, the doctor recommended a hysterectomy. We discussed my options and agreed on the da Vinci procedure.
I am so glad I had the da Vinci Hysterectomy! My biggest concern after learning I needed surgery to have my uterus removed was the recovery period after surgery. I have an underactive thyroid, and healing seems to take a little longer than it should.
I have been amazed at my quick recovery. The incisions were small (1") and look almost like scratches. It has been 7 weeks since my surgery, and I feel really good. I still have to be careful about lifting certain things, but I feel and look so much better than I ever thought I would. I definitely recommend the da Vinci Surgery and I hope everyone that needs it has access to it. When I found out I needed a hysterectomy, I asked my friends if they had any advice. The best advice I got was to be sure and get the "da Vinci" [Surgery], get a hormone supplement, and do everything the doctor tells you.