MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Uterine Fibroids

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Hysterectomy

DATE OF PROCEDURE: Mar 17, 2010

MY SURGEON: Dr. Jeffrey S Pfeiffer

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: Decatur Memorial Hospital

OTHER TREATMENTS I CONSIDERED BEFORE DA VINCI SURGERY:
None, due to the size of the fibroids

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
Infection and pain

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
My doctor's recommendation and the less invasive procedure

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
about 48 hours

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
yes, but not severe

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
I was feeling much better by two weeks.

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
about six weeks per my doctor's recommendations

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
excellent

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
I have never had any surgery before, but it went so well, that I will be less anxious if I ever do have to have more

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

I have been a very fortunate woman with my health. I had no idea that I had a fibroid tumor. During my routine yearly physical, my nurse practitioner thought my cervix looked stenotic, so that sent me to see Dr. Pfeiffer. I had noticed that my cycles were fewer and the bleeding was heavier and they lasted longer, but I assumed it was the joy of menopause. I also had frequent urination and low back pain. Also bending over made me feel like everything was being pushed into my chest. I just thought I was getting fat, and more of the joy of menopause. However, Dr. Pfeiffer's exam and an ultrasound revealed I had a huge fibroid tumor, which surprised me, but when I thought about it, my symptoms began to make sense. I can't say enough about how pleasant and reassuring Dr. Pfeiffer and his staff were to me. The surgery was tough to get the tumor out, but I am so happy that the da Vinci method was available to me. I received good care at the hospital and went home after two nights. I did as I was told about taking it easy and not doing too much too soon. I feel very fortunate with my outcome and am glad it is over. Isn't technology great!
PN 873912 Rev A 06/10
873784 Rev. A 5/10