Woman Undergoes Revolutionary Hysterectomy and is Back in a Swimsuit Days Later

At first I brushed it off as a pre-menopause symptom.  However, my fibroids grew and so did the problem.  I was so afraid that I would have an accident in front of my 4th graders.  To ensure that I wouldn't have any accidents, I began to leave my classroom every 20 minutes to use the restroom.  I had only three weeks left of the school year, but I had an even bigger concern -how was I going to survive the summer in my lifeguard tankini?  
 
I knew I had to do something.  I kept putting it off because I didn't want to deal with the large scar across my abdomen that is associated with a hysterectomy.  My neighbor read an article in The Plain Dealer about Dr. Kevin Stepp, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and his single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy.  She gave it to me to read.  I decided to call and make an appointment with Dr. Stepp.  
 
My operation at MetroHealth was on Monday at 7:30 a.m., and I was home by 1:30 p.m. that afternoon.  I was back at my summer job managing a pool, (yes, in my tankini) on that Thursday.  The nurses in recovery were great.  They were helpful and very attentive to my needs.  My tiny incision (inside my belly button) healed quickly.  This was all possible because of the single-port, minimally invasive surgery preformed by Dr. Stepp and the supporting cast of many at MetroHealth.  
 
I went back to walking, gardening and roller blading within a week.  A couple of the moms at the pool questioned whether I really had had a hysterectomy.  They actually came up to me, looked at my stomach, and said "That's impossible."  They couldn't believe it.  
 
Calling MetroHealth and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Stepp was the best decision I ever made.  It really has changed my life.   
 
Maureen McBride
    - 4th grade teacher, pool manager, and swim instructor

Submitted by: Maureen McBride

Messages of support
Kim Tweardy
Aug 24, 2009 02:21:05 PM

I can't tell you how reassuring this is for me. I had a DNC procedure done in February. I went to a new gynecologist in August for new problems and second opinion. He referred me to Dr. Stepp. My appointment is on Wednesday. I was really dreading being down for 4-6 weeks. (Truly the reason I did the DNC in February.) Thanks for posting such a positive article on an issue that affects so many. Can't wait for Wednesday and to discuss this possibility.

Robin Othberg
Aug 24, 2009 04:26:14 AM

I also suffered from fibroids and had a hysterectomy at MetroHealth. I was under the care of Dr. Paula Hendryx and it was the most rewarding thing you can do. I had the less invasive surgery and was back to normal in about a week, and the staff at Metro Health is the best. I know you made the right decision and had the best doctors as I did.

John Plagens
Jul 13, 2009 09:23:47 AM

Maureen, good to see you're doing well. Good story. See you at the pool with my girls one of these days.

Kevin Stepp
Jun 03, 2009 10:18:44 PM

Maureen, I am so very pleased to know that you did so well with your surgery. Thank you very much for your kind words for our team at MetroHealth. Success stories like yours are why we do what we do. We all wish you the best! Kevin

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