Joy’s Story

Joy Connor, 43, underwent endometrial ablation to control heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, but it was unsuccessful. When Dr. Lanalee Araba Sam suggested she undergo a hysterectomy, Joy was not aware of all her options. Then, Dr. Sam showed her a pamphlet that illustrated she would need just five little incisions…if she went with robotic surgery.
With the education she received ahead of time, including watching a video, “I was never afraid of the surgery,” Joy said.

She had her surgery on a Friday, and with two weekends to recoup, she was back at work much sooner than she would have been with a conventional hysterectomy. After the procedure, she experienced mild discomfort for a few days.

“I laid low,” Joy said. “It wasn’t anything to complain about. I was surprised at how well I did.”

With her family history, she was grateful for the outcome.

“I had two sisters who had total hysterectomies,” Joy explained. “One sister had trouble a year later – and required two additional surgeries. My other sister had a long recovery;” but not Joy. “I was really quite surprised.”