lynn's da Vinci Story

CONDITION/PROCEDURE: The condition is called a vaginal prolapse. I also had a cystocele and rectocele. In lay terms everything that was supposed to be inside the vaginia was falling outside. If one looked in the mirror it looked like I was about to deliver a big headed baby. The technical name for the repair is a sacrocolpopexy.(Putting everything back where it belongs.) Dr. M Bennett gave me several choices on solutions which he explained to me a length. My choice was the Da Vinci.

DATE OF PROCEDURE: June 25, 2010

SURGEON/HOSPITAL: Dr. Michael Bennett, Saint Mary's Hospital

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:  My biggest concern about the procedure was abdominal pain and scarring. I had several abdominal surgeries prior to this procedure which left very ugly and deformed looking scars. Several years ago I underwent a major scar revision surgery which was not covered by my insurance.

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY: I choose the Da Vinci because of the minimal scarring and also because of the skill Dr. Mike Bennett has with the procedure.

SURGICAL EXPERIENCE

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL: Dr. Bennett had explained to me I may have pain radiating into my back from the gases they use to distend the abdomen. He also explained to me my face would be swollen after the surgery related to the position I would be in during the procedure. Thanks to Dr. Bennett I was able to prepare my family on what to expect.

When I awoke from surgery I had an unexpected surprise. I had absolutely no pain or discomfort in my abdomen. The only pain medication I received was one dose Toradol which was for the pain from the rectocele. Toradol is a glorified Motrin.

When you have what is an open abdominal surgery a lot of times you walk bent over. With the Da Vinci the abdominal muscles are not traumatized therefore you walk erect.

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME: The most difficult thing was not too overdue. One is restricted in lifting more the 20 pounds, no vacuuming, mopping or mowing grass. By the end of a week I wanted to get back to more household chores. Instead I read books, soaked up some sun and did some long distance walking. The recovery was so much different than any other surgery I have had in the past.

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF: Dr. Michael Bennett is the best! Not only is he a accomplished surgeon but he has compassion. No time did I ever feel rushed when I saw him in his office. He explained everything in a language I could understand. The morning of surgery he was there in the holding area just to make sure I didn't have any more questions. I received a call from him at home after the procedure just checking up on me. He has the ability to make you feel like a person not just a patient or a condition. Dr. Bennett is my hero!