MY RELATIONSHIP TO DA VINCI SURGERY: Patient

MY CONDITION: Uterine Fibroids

TYPE OF PROCEDURE I HAD: da Vinci Hysterectomy

DATE OF PROCEDURE: Jul 26, 2009

MY SURGEON: Dr. Hoang Giep

HOSPITAL WHERE MY PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED: Spartanburg Regional Medical Center

OTHER TREATMENTS I CONSIDERED BEFORE DA VINCI SURGERY:
Pain medication, standard hysterectomy

THE BIGGEST CONCERNS I HAD ABOUT TREATMENT:
Recovery time

WHY I CHOSE DA VINCI SURGERY:
I read a great deal of literature prior to having the procedure and then my doctor explained the surgery in detail.

HOW LONG I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL:
1 night

MY PAIN AND/OR DISCOMFORT LEVEL:
Standard for a one day surgery

ABOUT MY RECOVERY TIME:
4 weeks

WHEN I RETURNED TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES:
2-4 weeks

ABOUT MY SURGEON AND/OR FACILITY STAFF:
Absolutely wonderful and highly recommended!!

HOW DA VINCI SURGERY COMPARED TO MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES OR PRECONCEPTIONS OF SURGERY:
I wish this procedure was available 10 years ago. Knowing what I know now, I would have this procedure without any doubts about recovery, pain, marks in the abdominal area, etc.

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

Hello,
First, please feel free to contact me if you would like via email at hlw250@gmail.com in regards to this surgery. I very much recommend this surgery and my specific doctor, if you are in this vicinity.
I endured pain from the age of 15 from severe periods and then found out at 18 that I had endometriosis. In my 30's I discovered that I had fibroids which caused more pain and inconvenience. Over the years I had 2 laparoscopies, multiple pelvic ultrasounds, cysts, and time lost from work.
This surgery has been one of the best choices I have ever made, and some of my friends are now envious at how well I feel. The surgery is minimal, no large or long cuts, no unusual feelings in the pelvic region, and I was able to walk from day 1. I probably did throw myself into too much physical activity and work at 1-2 weeks. I then had to make myself rest so my body could heal. My doctor suggested that I would really need a good 2-3 weeks of rest and minimal activity so I could heal and warned of doing too much too quickly.
It feels wonderful and I am like a whole new type of person now without all the gynecological problems. I would not wait another day to move forward in this choice. Also, my surgeon had a lengthy waiting time so I would suggest making an appointment knowing you might wait 2-3 months.
My surgeon is one of the best doctors I have met and can't say enough superb comments about his professionalism, character, bed manners, kindness, expertise, desire and enthusiasm in this profession to assist people. He honestly is a special individual and I thank God that I was lucky to have him perform my procedure and further follow-up appointments as needed. I would even travel and have heard that woman are already doing so to get in with this specialist. I hope that my story has helped in some way and you will make an informed decision. Best of wishes.
Heather