Anne's da Vinci Story
CONDITION/PROCEDURE: Hysterectomy - removal of uterus (and cervix) was needed due to a large fibroid that had enlarged my uterus, as if I was five months pregnant.
DATE OF PROCEDURE: July 17, 2008
SURGEON/HOSPITAL: Dr. Michael Bennett, surgery performed at St. Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
The biggest concern I had regarding a hysterectomy was that is was a very invasive surgery that would entail a lengthy recovery. I had never had any type of surgical procedure that required an overnight stay or a lengthy recovery period. I am an active person who likes to do many things. Sitting around and not being able to do much for six weeks was extremely unappealing! However, Dr. M. Bennett eased my mind as he explained the many benefits of using the Da Vinci robot, one of which was a shorter recovery time.
WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
My gynecologist, Dr. Michael Bennett, felt that I would be a good candidate for the Da Vinci surgical procedure. He explained to me that five very small incisions would be cut into my abdominal wall. Because of the advanced robotics used, my recovery would be significantly shorter than the traditional hysterectomy surgery. I liked the fact that only extremely small cuts would be made into my abdomen. The incisions are quite small and after almost two years, the two smallest incisions are barely visible.
SURGICAL EXPERIENCE
MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
After the initial surgery, my pain/discomfort level was quite high, which is to be expected from such a major procedure. However, I know that if I had had the "traditional" hysterectomy surgery, the pain in my abdominal region would have been much worse and lasted a long time. After five days, I was feeling pretty good and getting around quite well.
ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
My total recovery time was four weeks. But, by the fifth day after my surgery with the Da Vinci robot, I was walking and moving about as if nothing had happened! I couldn't believe how quickly I was healing. At the end of the fourth week, I was able to resume all of my normal activities (running, strength training, etc). If I had had the "traditional" surgery that women used to have for a hysterectomy, there would be no way to feel so good so quickly. If your doctor recommends this Da Vinci technique, I highly recommend it!
ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
Dr. Michael Bennett is the best! He is extraordinarily knowledgeable, a talented surgeon and one of the most personable people around. Since this was my first surgery, I was a little nervous. But, I had complete faith in his and Dr. Jason Bennett's surgical skills. The nurses at the GR Women's Health Center are really great too. The staff is very relaxed, fun, and of course knows their stuff!
HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
My preconception of any surgery was that it always had a lengthy recovery time. I knew women who had the "traditional" way and had to stay home resting for six weeks. With the Da Vinci surgery, I was walking around and performing basic tasks by the fifth day. And, it was nice to know that I would not have a huge scar running down the front of my stomach.
