Is there a hysterectomy support thread?

[ALemonyPea]

I had a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, retained ovaries but everything else removed.

Day 6 for me, and I have some questions and would like some support as freacking out about the thought of vault prolapse.

I am managing pain wise now. Some slight pulling on one side, but manageable. Belly button keeps bleeding, but not enough to run out, so just cleaning it twice a day.

I feel quite heavy down there, is that normal?

I thought I had read everything there was about hysterectomies before I had the op, but the surgeon mentioned vaginal vault prolapse just before the surgery and explained it briefly. I then googled, and the first page brought up an awful image and I can't get it out my mind. I'm terrified that it'll happen to me.

Can anyone offer any help and support.

[ALemonyPea]

Anyone?

[winnybella]

Really? My surgeon said, iirc, that it wasn't something to worry about. Hmm.

[ALemonyPea]

With what? The prolapse? My surgeon didn't mention I should be worried, but she did mention it to me, and as I said, I googled and saw an image and it's freaked me out.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

My surgeon didn't even mention it as a risk, and nurses just advised some exercises. Don't think it's a big risk.

Glad you're recovering well. Day 14 for me, and I'm back at work full time on Monday. I think it'll be fine. When are you due back?

[ALemonyPea]

That's reassuring to know two people weren't really told about it. I'm hoping the paranoia about it goes.

I don't work (carer for child with SN) so thankfully don't have the worry of getting better for that. The not being able to drive for 4 weeks will annoy me though.

Did you get a dragging feeling when ever you weed? Just wondering if it's normal.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

I started driving today - doctor said I could two weeks after op. No problems at all. Insurers said just to do what the doctor said. 4 weeks feels a bit much.

Weeing does feel a bit odd, I must say, but am assuming that will just resolve.

[ALemonyPea]

Wow you are up and about quickly then! Doctor has told me 4-6 weeks. It's ok though, I've sorted everything that I'd need sorted driving wise (school drop offs and pick ups mainly). I'd also have to take 6 weeks off work if I did work.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

The doctor would have signed me off 4 to 6 weeks if I wanted it. But my conscience won't let me, as o feel absolutely fine, the odd twinge and some tiredness aside. Oddly I didn't feel much worse the day of the op, so I feel I could have gone back to work the next day, though that would have been foolish.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

And I have a low pain threshold so I'm not being brave. The nurses told me my surgeon is particularly skilled, and his patients often report a quick recovery. Just lucky I suppose.

[ALemonyPea]

You have been lucky. I have zero energy. I've started doing stuff today and I'm exhausted.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

Yes the tiredness is a bit of an issue. My normal workday wake up time is 545am. I've been getting up at 615, to see the girls off to school, but do feel tired. And I drafted a long email to work yesterday and felt exhausted afterwards. And logged on today, the same. Strange, as it was only mental energy.

But my office is great, and my boss will let me leave early if I choose to do so. I have managed to build up a reputation as a hard worker, so hopefully no one will think any worse of me.

Definitely no point you or I overdoing it until we are stronger.

[BG2015]

I'm on the waiting list for a hysterectomy- I saw the consultant 2 weeks ago who could give me no indication of waiting times. However I've rung his secretary this morning and she says he likes to get patients in, within 6 weeks so am feeling a bit apprehensive now.

I'm a primary school teacher so will be off minimum of 6 weeks. My Teaching assistant had a hysterectomy 3 years ago and was off for 8 weeks.

Two weeks seems very soon to me. You're still healing inside. Please don't over do it.

[ALemonyPea]

BG, I went for my specialist appointment on 3rd Jan, and was told operation would likely be April, so when I got an appointment letter throug two weeks later for mid Feb, I went in to full panic mode. I felt really overwhelmed and unprepared mentally for it, even though I knew I was having it done. Silly really.

Hope yours goes well.

I went shoe shopping yesterday, was off my feet maybe 10 minutes, for the car, into one shop where DS1 chose the first pair of shes, then sat in McDonalds, yet I was exhausted and ached all over. I've had three c sections and cannot remember feeling like this.

[BG2015]

I had a C section with my first DS and although it was 17 years ago I still remember the pain, wind and feeling rough.

I'm trying to sort my lesson planning out a bit for the next term for whoever takes over my class. I'm scared but it needs to be done.

Have you got any tips for stuff to take into hospital and managing when you come home.

[Alditha]

I had the same as you in November last year. I was fine and recovered very well. The thing is you must listen to your body. Don't lift anything heavy and take a sedate 10 minute walk daily. I worked my way towards normal walking for 30 - 40 minutes by 6 weeks and then went back to work. If I felt a bit tired or had a bit of discomfort in my tummy I just rested for a day or so. There is plenty of advice on Hyster Sisters but again it is how you feel in yourself that's important. Oh yes and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink water and use lactulose if you need to. It took me 2 weeks to have a comfortable no.2.

[Alditha]

One more thing. I downloaded the NHS app Squeezy for pelvic floor exercises and do them religiously.

[ALemonyPea]

Get yourself some peppermint capsules for the wind, I was terribly uncomfortable. Buy some fibogel to take once home, and make sure you drink a lot of water and eat lots of fibre to help you have that first poo. Took me hours before I could go.

I've been wearing leggings since the hospital, tried jeans on today, and although I'm not swollen, I'm still sore, so back in to leggings. Sexy.

And above all, take it easy and don't do anything you shouldn't, as hard as it is.

[BG2015]

I've started making a list of things I need. These are great suggestions thanks. I know I'll suffer with wind. I've always suffered with trapped wind and horrendous bloating - by 9pm I can sometimes look 7 months pregnant.

I'm hoping that this may improve after my hysterectomy

[Dorje]

LemonyPea are you on hrt yet?

Why don't you come over to the menopause board, there are lots of women over there who have had the same operation as you, and you may need advice about hormone replacement.

iirc vault prolapse is more common in women who have had their cervix removed as well?

[TinfoilHattie]

I had an abdominal hysterectomy in November because of fibroids. HRT is generally not given if you are retaining your ovaries as I did, the ovaries will keep doing their job even though the uterus isn't there.

As for the prolapse thing, I saw a physio after my op who gave me exercises to do. Lots of pelvic floor stuff will minimise the risks of prolapse. I'm sure there are leaflets online if you google for them.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

Had my first day back today, and did 730 to 3pm. I found the last hour quite tiring, esp in terms of backache - must be after the last two weeks of lying down. I am working from home tomorrow and Friday, and have pre booked annual leave for Wednesday, so only have Thursday physically in the office.

I think the above will be good. Going back 5 days in the office in one go would have been tough, so I'd recommend the above type of plan if your employer can accommodate it.

[ALemonyPea]

I retained my ovaries, so no HRT needed. Thy removed cervix, womb and Fallopian tubes.

I am crap at doing pelvic floor exercises, have been trying to do them intermittently through the day when I remember. Might download the NHS app.

Glad your fist day went well Raskol. Don't do it all, you should really be off.

I had a small walk around Asda with DH today and afterwards felt so sore and tired. Not good. Hate being weak.

[RaskolnikovsGarret]

I'm rubbish at pelvic floor.

Sorry you felt tired today. But it's still very early days, so do of course take it easy. As you say, definitely don't overdo it. Asda is just the first step in the road to recovery!

And I won't overdo it either. My boss has said to go home whenever I feel like it. I wanted to go in today as we had a three hour pay meeting, and I wanted to make sure my staff got their fair share of any pay rises! But shouldn't be any more such deadlines going forward.

[Dorje]

Not to burst a bubble, ALemonyPea, but often the surgery can sever blood vessels the ovaries need to function and hrt is needed even though officially your ovaries are still there.


My mum had the same operation as you and struggled on thinking she didn't need hrt, whereas in absolute fact she turned into an exhausted, raging witch. Everybody suffered.

Do consider it may be necessary for you. Have your levels checked by your gynae or GP at the very least. I'm surprised you didn't wake up from surgery with an oestrogen hrt patch on actually. That's protocol now iirc.

[Fauxgina]

Due my hysterectomy next month so interested to read the advice here thanks