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Original poster

To ask about hysterectomies - dreading

33 replies

Hysterectomynext · 05/01/2025 12:32

I’m having a hysterectomy tomorrow. Ovaries and cervix too.
does anyone have experience- I’m sure lots of you lovely ladies have been through this.
will I be able to walk up the stairs when I come back from hospital?

Will I stay in hospital for days? (I have general idea from pre assessment but they say could be one day maybe more)
Will I be able to climb stairs at home? My bedroom is at the top of the house. About 5 flights of stairs. If I can’t get up I’d need to make a bed in the living room but the problem there is no bathroom on ground floor.
i haven’t packed a bag yet. So fearful.
can anyone give me any supportive advice?

I’m having it due to fibroids and polyps and to reduce cancer risk
thank you

OP posts:
Optigan · 05/01/2025 13:07

You'll probably be OK on the stairs after a week or so; you'll reach the pottering about stage where you can move around a bit and then need to rest. Getting to your feet from lying/sitting position is painful at first - you don't realise how much you use your core muscles until you suddenly have to rely on your upper body.

Do you have a list of what you need to pack? I have some suggestions and probably others have too if you need help.

LockdownBride · 05/01/2025 13:04

I had my womb and cervix removed through my vagina in April. I kept my ovaries. I walked down to the op, had a catheter overnight and was out by lunchtime the next day. You can climb stairs slowly but rest as much as you can the first week at least.

I was off of work for 6 weeks, driving after 3 but listening to my body and sleeping lots to heal.

Now I’m healed, it has been life-changing. No more flooding, no longer anaemic, sex life is fab and I’ve lost weight. All in, the best decision I made.

when you come round, you do feel like you’ve been hit by a bus but just take the drugs offered and sleep. Good luck!

OpalSpirit · 05/01/2025 13:03

I had keyhole and found recovery good.
Stayed in one night and first three days was in need of pain killers.

Single parent with two children and was back walking them to school in a week.

Probably would advise waiting longer if you have a choice!

The thing I found was the tiredness lingered so afternoon naps were a thing!

Good luck! I am so glad I had the op and life has been much improved, I hope the same for you

Original poster
Hysterectomynext · 05/01/2025 12:59

Thank you so much both of you. So lovely and kind to give me advice.

i was supposed to have surgery in Sept but wasn’t well enough. The surgeon asked me to lose weight (not the reason it’s was cancelled) but I haven’t lost weight. She said I might not be able to have keyhole as my weight is on the cusp of Whether it’s doable

I do have help at home Because I have a wonderful teenage daughter. I have other children and an a single parent. One child at primary so my eldest will help with school runs- school quite a distance from us

I’m thinking if I can get up the stairs at home I could then stay in my room for two weeks. But I’d have to get up 5 flights of stairs initially. But then I have small wet room next to my bedroom

OP posts:
Optigan · 05/01/2025 12:55

I had an abdominal hysterectomy including ovaries/cervix about 10 years ago. If you are having keyhole surgery, you will probably be more mobile than I was.

You will be able to go upstairs, but slowly and possibly sideways at first Holding a pillow to your abdomen while moving about helps to cushion against impact pain - also take one when you're being driven home as any bumps on the road are painful.

I would suggest planning to stay on the same floor as your toilet, at least for the first week or so.

I was only in hospital for two nights.

Don't be scared. It won't be as bad as you think.

Lovemusic82 · 05/01/2025 12:54

Are you having keyhole or abdominal?
I had a hysterectomy in March and was so worried as I have a disabled teen to care for and am a single parent.

I was home after 24 hours (one night in hospital), I had keyhole with vaginal assist but kept my ovaries. I was able to walk upstairs but only one flight. I spent the first 2 weeks pretty much resting but I didn’t stay in bed, i pottered around, did light house work after a week and was cooking meals after days 3. I started walking short distances outside after a week and increased the distance slowly.

My advice would be to rest as much as you can for the first 2 weeks as this will help the rest of your recovery.

packing your bag…..you won’t need much, I spent most of the time in a grown, take a nightie to change into, and some lose fitting jogging bottoms to go home in. I took ear plugs (luckily didn’t need them…but didn’t really sleep), take some snacks as hospital food isn’t great.

After care….I had my mum stay for the first night when I got home to help me with dd but I then sent her home, luckily she’s local and would pop in to check on me and do shopping for me.

My recovery was really good and looking back now it seems like nothing. I was driving again 2 weeks after surgery (automatic car) and back to walking long distances by 5 weeks.

angelopal · 05/01/2025 12:44

Meant to add hope it all goes well.

angelopal · 05/01/2025 12:43

Had the same surgery in November and just about recovered.

What time of day are you scheduled for? I was first thing in the morning and was on the ward late afternoon. Had a catheter until the following night. Was in for 3 nights but you could potentially be in longer depending how it goes and you are feeling. Take all the pain meds offered.

You will be able to walk upstairs when you get home but should rest as much as possible and not get up to much. Do you have someone to help you at home?

Do you know if it's keyhole or open surgery? Mine was open and incision is similar to a c section.

It takes time to recover and just be careful not to over do things when you start to feel better.