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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is an ok post hysterectomy plan?

56 replies

LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 21/09/2013 08:28

I found out yesterday that I have a date for a hysterectomy in a couple of weeks and I really do need it done.

Op on Wednesday and out on Friday all being well.

DS2 has an open day at Livepool uni on the Saturday and DH will need to take him up on the Friday (DS2 had ASD and we do need to attend with him).

AIBU to think I'll be ok at home with DS3 who is 12 while DH is away till late on Saturday? I'm opting for an epidural rather than a general anaesthetic.

No horror stories please - for obvious reasons Smile

OP posts:
MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 21/09/2013 08:33

I think that sounds fineSmile
I haven't had a hysterectomy but I've had 2 sections and they expect you to look after a baby after thatGrin
12 is plenty old enough to bring you cups of tea and cheese on toast, and not need any physical looking after.

happystory · 21/09/2013 08:33

Hi, is it by keyhole surgery or abdominal?

meditrina · 21/09/2013 08:35

I don't know about post-hysterectomy recuperation specifically, but a 12 year old should be OK with minimum supervision (or none - can he be packed off to a friend's for the day?) and might even make quite a good nurse if given the chance.

shewhowines · 21/09/2013 08:35

I was going to ask that. It makes a huge difference. Don't you have to sign something saying a responsible adult will be there for 24 hours?

valiumredhead · 21/09/2013 08:36

I think you need back up plan of an adult on stand by just in case x

Finola1step · 21/09/2013 08:39

I second having a back up plan with regards to your 12 year old. Any chance he could go for a sleepover that night? Say from 3ish so that you can then rest in peace.

This is assuming that you are actually discharged by the Saturday.

MoaningMingeWhingesAgain · 21/09/2013 08:40

a back up adult is a good idea though, just in case you are poorly/need medical attention. Everyone I know who has had a hysterectomy was very happy afterwards

Original poster
LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 21/09/2013 08:41

Thanks so much for the swift replies.

It's abdominal (massive fibroid). DS3 won't need any looking after as such - I was thinking more of him looking after me Smile. I was wondering whether I will be ok to get to the loo. I've never had surgery nd I don't know what to expect in that way.

OP posts:
IcedTeaOneSugar · 21/09/2013 08:41

Surely a 12 year old should be able to look after you for a day?

My 9 year old could make tea and toast, walk the dog etc.

You'll be fine :)

Onsera3 · 21/09/2013 08:41

Have had a couple of laps and I tend to feel worse after a couple of days TBH. The swelling sets in. On the ward I think the hysterectomy ladies had been pumped full of gas too during the surgery? I think they have to do this for key hole surgery to give them the space in tummy. This can you feel all bruised over torso and sometimes shoulders so even propping self up in bed hard work.

Depends if it's the type of 12 yo who'll be looking after you or if you'll have to look after them...

meditrina · 21/09/2013 08:41

Hospitals let thse with no cohabitees go home after operations on the same timings as those who live with someone. There is no requirement to have an adult on hand during convalescence. Other than drive, there is nothing that an adult can do that a 12 year old can't (but he coould call taxi/ambulance for you if you needed readmitting),

BikeRunSki · 21/09/2013 08:42

Will you be out of hospital in time on the Friday to be with DS3 before DH goes away ? Hospital discharge can take hours.

I havn't had a hysterectomy, but have had 2 vs, one under GA, one with epidural, and have been told that post operative recovery is similar to hysterectomy. I wasn' t up much, not very mobile for a good 24- 48 hours , even after the epidural cs. It took me a few days to be able to sit up, move in the middle. How competent is the 12 yo. Can he pretty much look after himself and just needs telling not to setbthe house on fire ? Or will.he need lots if fetching, carrying, cooking for etc ?

happystory · 21/09/2013 08:42

Do you have a friend who could pop round? If ds is generally helpful and capable, you should be ok, especially as Dh will be back in the evening. Get everything prepared beforehand, food in fridge, nice comfy clothes, or even just a dressing gown, stack of magazines. I wouldn't stay completely on your own, I felt a bit weepy but then had had full anaesthetic .

littlewhitebag · 21/09/2013 08:43

I had my hysterectomy done on a Wednesday and I didn't get out until the Saturday. It will depend how you are post op.
I had trouble getting up off the bed or settee when I got home and needed DH to help. If your 12 yo can help with that plus prepare some simple food then you should be fine, assuming you do get out. I would have a back up plan in place.

happystory · 21/09/2013 08:45

Are you sure that's the only open day at Liverpool? They often have a couple.....

littlewhitebag · 21/09/2013 08:46

Also if you have a massive fibroid you will have a bigger wound as they need to open you up more to remove it. I had a bigger wound than my sil as she was given drugs to shrink hers before hand.

Original poster
LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 21/09/2013 08:49

Good advice re back up plans. Just to say my DS is very capable and willing and he needs no looking after. He would be looking after me.

I do have friends neighbours sister who can help.

Littlewhitebag the help with moving is what was worrying me really. He's the smallest boy in his year but he's a tryer!

OP posts:
shewhowines · 21/09/2013 08:50

Isn't it an epidural as well as a general anaesthetic? I can't see how they will do that on just an epidural. IME it is both.

Will you have a catheter?

You need a back up Plan definitely. You will struggle to sit up and you might be more emotional than you think.

YouStayClassySanDiego · 21/09/2013 08:51

I've had a hysterectomy.

I stayed in bed for a couple of days after I was discharged, just getting up for the loo. I didn't need any help. As long as he can bring you food and drink

Original poster
LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 21/09/2013 08:52

Good point Happy no more open days listed on the website yet but I'll ring them on Monday. He can always put them on his UCAS form nd go to an open day later to decide whether to make them one of his 2 choices.

OP posts:
YouStayClassySanDiego · 21/09/2013 08:53

Bloody phone!

I'm also surprised you're not having a general for such surgery.

Almostfifty · 21/09/2013 08:53

If it's laparoscopy you should be fine. I was walking round the hospital the day after mine, showered and dressed. Just make sure you take the painkillers.

Onsera3 · 21/09/2013 08:54

Think you'll be ok to get to loo

Original poster
LetsFaceTheMusicAndDance · 21/09/2013 08:56

I have asked about the epidural/spinal. Surgeon is ok with it as long as the anaesthetist is happy. My friend had one done this way about 10 years ago. She had sedation and was in a light sleep through the op. I'm terrified of GA and the surgeon said he wished more women would opt for epidurl/spinal as they feel so much better afterwards.

OP posts:
YellowDinosaur · 21/09/2013 08:56

If you can't get up out of bed and can't get to the toilet they won't discharge you. If you are discharged it sounds as though you will be fine with just ds3. But do you have a back up for him if you're not discharged so soon?