The Big Day ~ Hysterectomy by DaVinci robot

Before 10/10/13

We arrived at Sinai in Baltimore for pre-registration around 6:30 a.m.  My surgery via DaVinci robot was scheduled for 8:30 a.m.  When we arrived on the second floor to check in, they were surprised that I was there so early.  I didn't ask questions until 8:32 and they said that I wasn't on the schedule until 10:30 a.m.  Guess I got bumped!  I saw Dr. Miller get on the elevator, so I figured it would be a while.

I don't remember how long I was in the pre-op room.  Dr. Miller came to visit several times.  He said that there had been a trauma the night before that had pushed the schedule back.  I reviewed my list of issues/procedures with him:  Full hysterectomy (uterus and cervix), bilateral oopherectomy (both ovaries), salpingectomy (both fallopian tubes), and the endometrioma posterior to the cervix in the cul-de-sac.  He reviewed the alternatives once more and gave me the chance to change my mind and walk away.  Then I had to sign a "back-out" form.  Mom asked how long the surgery would be, he said 2 hours.  She clarified, so from the moment you take her it will be 2 hours?  Oh no, it takes an hour to prep her before we can cut.  So it will be three hours.  Glad she asked so they don't start to panic!

The surgical nurse mentioned that I'd be getting a shot of heparin in the belly to prevent blood clots.  The anesthesiologist started some happy medicine and we were off down the hall to the kissing hallway where I said goodbye to Mom and Jason.  They asked if I had any questions, the only question ~ can you wait till I'm asleep for that shot in the belly? A few seconds later I was asleep and I'm guessing I got that shot of heparin!

Recovery ~ 3:45 p.m.

At 1:38, Jason called to the front desk.  There was a call from the operating room for him.  They are half way done.  They should have been done by now.  My family had questions, but the call was brief.  Did they not start on time?  Are they having complications?

At 3:00, Dr. Miller came out to talk to my family.  He had found a lot of scar tissue around the pelvis that he didn't see during the laparoscopy in August.  He explained that he had filled the bowel, kidneys and liver with blue dye to make sure all would go as it should.  No leaks!  I'll be in recovery for 45 minutes.  They'll get to see me at 3:45!

Special note from Mom.  "And oh by the way, your anestesiologist is cute.  Yes!"

My family came back to see me at 3:45 on the nose.  I was very groggy and they were letting me have ice chips.  There's a catheter, and the pee is blue!  Pain level 3, blood pressure 120/67.  Family was only allowed to stay for 10 minutes.  Many families are waiting for their person to get into a room.  Each family is allowed 10 minutes every hour for several hours. 

Finally in room 661 at 7:30 p.m.  What a day!

After 10/10/13