Hysterectomy - top tips thread!

[Myboyamelie]

Hi ladies

I am 36 and am booked for a laparoscopic hysterectomy next month. Family complete, keeping one ovary.

I’d really love to hear top tips from those who’ve had it done - things to do beforehand, take to hospital and do afterwards.

So far my prep has centred around watching vids of the procedure on YouTube. Which I don’t think is the right place to start and not sure I’d recommend!

Thanks in advance ladies! Xx

[ScreamingValenta]

Mine was abdominal, but here are my tips:

Take sanitary towels to hospital as you'll have post-operative bleeding.

Put a pillow between yourself and your seatbelt on the journey home, as you'll feel all the bumps in the road.

Take loose clothing with you to wear after the operation.

[Myboyamelie]

Thank you ladies! This is all really helpful... keep them coming! X

[ScreamingValenta]

FrancisCrawford That's interesting - I bled for about six weeks - my hysterectomy was abdominal, if that makes a difference. The bleeding wasn't anywhere near as heavy as a period.

Something I remember from the laparoscopy I had before my hysterectomy is to stock up on indigestion remedies - peppermint tea, Gaviscon etc.

I wished I'd had greater strength in my arms after my operation, because I was reliant on my upper arms to move myself from lying to sitting/standing - I'd hope this wouldn't be as bad for a laparoscopic hysterectomy as your stomach muscles won't be severed, but it would do no harm to exercise your upper body if you have the chance

[fieryginger]

Had complete hysterectomy 3 years ago, abdominal cut.

I've heard the healing process is easier with laparoscopic hysterectomies. My biggest tip is to not feel you're healing fast enough.

I'd had cesareans and knew how an abdominal cut worked, but this was a league of its own. Being patient with myself too, wanting to do too much too fast. It was frustrating.

The website Hystersisters was great. You'll find lots of people going through the same on the forum.

[bubbles108]

Had full hysterectomy with cut. Best thing that ever happened to me despite the menopause kicking in. For me , getting out of hospital was crucial so I drank water like it was going out of style and ate loads of dried fruit - 3 big wees and a poo later - I was let out of hospital after only 40 hours! Perfect 👌

[ScreamingValenta]

The first poo after your op might be difficult, especially if you've been on morphine. Don't rush it.

I agree with bubbles - my hysterectomy was the best thing I've ever done. It gave me back my life.

[Notabee]

Watching with interest as I'm due the same shortly.

[Myboyamelie]

Firstly Francis, I’m so sorry to hear about what happened with your exh.

Secondly, thank you ladies.

Not sure if any of you will return to the thread but am looking on hysterectomy association website and see lots of people raving about a belly binder.

I’m already suffering from ridiculous endo bloat anyway so thinking of giving this a whirl... just not sure if it’s more for abdominal hysterectomy.....