To ask for positive stories and tips for post-hysterectomy recovery

[seriouslynonames]

I am due to have a vaginal hysterectomy (leaving ovaries in) plus back and front wall repair and sacrospinal fixation. Having it done vaginally means no stitches on the outside but it still sounds like a lot, especially the sacrospinal fixation.

Apparently my 'tissues are extra stretchy' hence the need for the particular type of fixation. That makes sense as I may have a connective tissue disorder, no diagnosis confirmed yet.

I am slightly scared about it all as never had major (or any) surgery and I have chronic fatigue related difficulties so generally don't feel great most days.

But it's the only option to sort the degree of prolapse I have and I have put it off a long while already.

So I am trying to look forward to the benefits it will hopefully bring, assuming all goes to plan. I am not looking forward to the immediate aftermath and the impact of anaesthetic, pain/pain relief and the dreaded constipation (already a problem for me on a long term basis).

So if anyone has tips for how to help my recovery run as smoothly as possible, or things I might need in hospital or afterwards would be great. I am fortunate to have private health insurance through DH's job so shouldn't need ear plugs etc as won't be sharing a room.

I don't want to hear any horror stories please! Preferably positive stories of how you managed recovery etc.

Thank you!

Hi OP.
My sister has just had a similar operation, also through private health insurance.
She has a prolapse that was blocking her bladder so badly it caused a massive infection.
The operation and recovery has been a doddle, she was surprised how quick and easy it all seemed.
She was in hospital just overnight about 18 hours in total, armed with morphine and codeine, but didn't need them.
She's had a few twinges and a bit of soreness but amazing otherwise.
Her op was on April 22nd,she's 79 years old.
Driving 3 weeks later.
The very best of luck to you.
Hope it goes smoothly 💐💐

They pump gas into the abdomen so it inflates a bit and they can see what they are doing (v clever idea). So afterwards your shoulders can be achy as the last bits of gas are working their way out. A heating pad sorted it, but its nice to know why your shoulders are aching!

make sure you have dried apricots in or whatever gets your bowels moving. The drugs might constipate you and thats not something you want when you have had surgery in the general area

stay ahead of the pain, so do take the pain killers at regular intervals for the first few days, even if you arent feeling a lot of pain. Then I shifted to just taking them at night for a few days and then stopped.

lots of pillows and fuzzy blankets to shove into corners to build a supportive nest for sleeping in. If you share a bed with someone, consider getting separate duvets so you dont get one dragged across your stomach if your partner turns over in the night

If you have Facebook, there's a group called Hysterectomy Sisters UK, where you can find really good advice and support (on the flip side, people also post when they are really struggling, so if you only want 'positive' stories, you may not want to join).

Thanks all
@Yoyokitten that sounds amazing at 79! I'm late 40s and don't expect to recover half as quick as that, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised!

Thanks @SeaToSki separate duvet sounds a great idea! I definitely need to get ahead of the constipation - am not a fan of painkillers but perhaps I can at least take paracetamol regularly to stay on top of things

Thanks @SilviaSnuffleBum perhaps I will get DH to look at the FB group so he can filter the positive content for me 😁

I was worried before mine but the recovery was much quicker than expected. I was driving after 3 weeks and back at work after 4. I had a bit of pain for the first few days but after that my only other symptom was tiredness. Hope it goes well for you.

I found recovery super easy. I was walking around the next day and spent one night in hospital. You just have to be careful not to do anything too strenuous and take time to recover. Good luck.

I had a vaginal hysterectomy for cancer at age 32 and the recovery process was honestly fine for me. I've previously had abdominal surgery with incision and that was much harder recovery.

Being inflated with gas was pretty weird and it makes your back ache for some reason, but otherwise the pain was very manageable. Make sure you take it easy and allow yourself recovery time.

Thanks @Foostit and @Mercurial123
That sounds so quick! I have been told 3 nights in hospital Fri to Mon, then I can go home. I am not keen on that but I guess it's more likely any infection will be picked up quickly. Although hopefully I won't get an infection!

I think my main concern is that I am nowhere near fully fit going into this so it could be a bumpy ride after. But hopefully I'm wrong!

Has anyone had sacrospinal fixation to hitch it all up once they take out the uterus?

Thanks @ViscountessBridgerton I hope you are well now. I don't like the sound of being inflated, hopefully the gas will dissipate quickly 😬😆 I will be prepared for referred pain!

First couple of days were painful but made sure that my pain meds were always kept topped up, Held a folded towel over my abdomen when I sat up for a few days. Took it easy for a few days when got home but made sure I kept mobile as it aids recovery.
Doctor very sensibly said ' no heavy lifting but that doesn;t mean you can't lift a kettle just not a Le Crueset casserole'! Did light housework but slowly. Driving after three weeks.

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy four years ago at the age of 66. It was done privately and I had a two-night stay in hospital.

Despite my best efforts I did get constipated for a few days, which is unusual for me! I blame it on the Co-dydramol which is an effective painkiller but codeine is known to cause constipation. I live alone but my sister came for a couple of days. For the first couple of days I was sleeping on/off for most of the day but after that I was almost back to normal, just a bit slower and careful when getting in and out of bed/chair. I went out for a short walk at about day 5 I think, and did my exercises as ordered by the physio, when I remembered.

The district nurse was going to come and change my dressing but I said would do it myself as I'm a nurse! I made a quick recovery and all is fine.

Wishing you well

I had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago. Full hysterectomy leaving my ovaries and had it through abdominal surgery. I'd had 2 c-sections previously and it was the same sort of recovery. I honestly had no problems whatsoever, I had a fentanyl drip the first day, did need morphine the second day and then just Paracetamol, was home after 2 or 3 days. Obviously I was a bit slow and sore but felt nearly back to normal within 2 weeks I'd say. It's amazing now, no periods, smears or contraception! Constipation can definitely be an issue I've had it with all 3 operations. It can feel a bit hard to push as Obviously you're feeling a bit tender. I had a suppository and that sorted me out! Good luck, you'll be fine!

Thanks for sharing your experiences @montelbano @Westfacing @shivbo2014 I am hoping the weather will be nice so I can sit outdoors which will be a good way to keep me mobile!

I am dreading the physio as I have always found pelvic floor exercises really uncomfortable. But I am determined to do everything I am told for a good recovery.

And good idea to stock up on glycerin suppositories, that has helped me in the past!

I am very cheered to hear of all the swift recoveries. I am fine with it taking a few weeks and taking things really easy, I think I am just dreading the first few days as I don't know what to expect!

I would recommend windees tablets as the trapped wind was really painful.