Wellness

[tama]

To all of you, I can't thank you enough for your kind words as well as helpful info, for example the chair next to the bed; how the hysterectomy actually was a blessing in disguise and much more. You are all wonderful. My heavy heart is already lighter.

[gidgetgh]

@tama- I had a total hysterectomy 20 years ago. I was so nervous and it went fine!

My doctor was able to do it laproscopically. I had it done at 1:00 in the afternoon, stayed overnight and went home at 9:00 the next morning. 

It's kind of funny, but I went home and anticipated all the pain to come. Walked in the door, straight to the bedroom, and "took to my bed", LOL and took a pain pill because I figured the pain was coming. Thing is, the pain never came. I took it easy, but next day (and I think even that night) I was back out in the living room. We had my parents over for dinner the nightr after I got home (pizza delivery) and I was fine.  I only ever took that one pain pill. 

I had no problems taking a shower or using the bathroom or walking or sitting or standing. 

I went back to work, desk job, after 4 weeks and, to be honest, could have gone back sooner. 

And I'm so glad I had it done. I was having one problem after another and I'd just had enough. 

Wishing you the best. You'll be fine. The anticipation is the worst thing. 

[Nomorebirthdays]

Are they doing a vaginal one or abdominal?

Retired nurse here, there will be significant pain. Vag. A little less. In my experience.

[tama]

My dr. said it needs to be done abdominally. I think I trust his judgment though I only saw him once when recommended by my gyno. He's a gyno oncology surgeon.

That's a great idea about the toilet lift. We happen to have one from when my dear mom was sick a couple years ago.

[tama]

You know, you are so right about anticipation being the worst of it. Isn't that so true in so many things in life. I am going to keep that thought in the forefront.

[151949]

Every one recovers from surgery differently. The secret to a good recovery is to get up and start moving as quickly as you can. In the hospital they will get you out of bed either the night of the surgery or early the next morning. They will encourage you to walk and to deep breathe and cough.The gases they give you during anesthesia will lie in your lungs and cause pneumonia  if you don't deep breathe and cough so this is very important.Please don't go home and think you have been given license to just lie around in bed all day because you had surgery. You should be up in the morning , showered and dressed , and do as much as possible. Eat your meals with your family at the table. Get someone in your family to walk a short distance with you every day, trying to increase it every day.The more active you are able to be the faster you'll get strong and the easier the recovery will be.Do as much as you can without straining yourself. You will be instructed not to pick up heavy items.

[itsmagic]

I also had a total hysterectomy about 20 years ago. It was done abdominally so it did take a while for those abdominal muscles to heal before I could use them again.  I was able to get up soon after and walk around but I held a pillow against my abdomen which helped a lot in the early healing days. I didn't really need any heavy duty meds once out of the hospital.  I was working at the time and took the full 6 weeks off which I needed. It also put me into instant menopause (I was early 40s at the time) and went on HRT to help with that. Since mine was 20 years ago I'm sure things have changed.  Hope all goes well for you!

[AngelPuppy1]

I do not have any info to offer but I just want to say that I wish you the best with your operation.  I am sure everthing will go well and you will heal quickly and be better than ever!

[Shelbelle]

I would suggest you visit a webste called HysterSisters. I am sure they will be of great help to you. Best of luck.

[jlkz]

@tama

Had abdominal hysterectomy 30+ years ago...never felt as good as when recovery was done. Should have had it done sooner.

As for the pain, I told myself: OK, two days and that's it.

Did all the breathing and respiratory exercises to get the lungs clear.  Pressed that pillow to my abdomen for dear life on the bumpy road home and for the rest of the week.  Tried to follow the diet but whole wheat pasta went by the wayside.  Walked a lot and got a friend to drive me to the mall so I could walk inside.

Took the 6 weeks off...it does take a while until you get back to full level energy.  Don't try to drive too soon: the stitches take time to heal.

Stay calm and knowing now what all to anticipate, you should do fine.  Best of luck !