To be so nervous about hysterectomy??!

[seriouslynonames]

I am due for surgery on Friday. I am having a vaginal hysterectomy including removing cervix, plus back and front wall repair and sacrospinous fixation to hitch up the vaginal vault. I am having surgery because of severe uterine descent/prolapse.

I am nervous because it's major surgery but my particular concerns are:

Constipation post-op - I have always had constipation to one degree or another and scared I will break the stitches if I can't get on top of things post-op

Being sick after anaesthetic - I am phobic about vomiting

Ending up with pain from the sacrospinous fixation - I am not in pain now, just discomfort, so worried the surgery will result in worse problems!

Also I may/probably have some kind of connective tissue disorder (awaiting further investigation) but the surgeon doesn't seem that bothered by this - am concerned it gives me an increased risk of further prolapse post surgery

I would love to hear positive stories of vaginal hysterectomy and repair, and particularly experiences of sacrospinous fixation.

And of what the hell I do if the lactulose and glycerol suppositories don't keep things soft and moving with my bowels!

Thank you!

I had a vaginal hysterectomy. I opted for GA, I was not sick, as in vomiting when I woke. My recovery from the hysterectomy itself was a breeze, was a bit wobbly on first getting up but soon rallied.
I did not have the fixation surgery that you are having so I can't comment on that.
As to my bowels. I did not poop for about 5 days after. Everything becomes much more sluggish after a GA so I didnt worry too much about it. Obviously I had no stitches to worry about but when I did 'go' so to speak,all was ok.
Probably absolutely no help to you but mine was a positive experience and I haven't looked back.
Just listen to your body, you know it best.
Good luck. 😊

Speak to your anaesthetist about having a spinal anaesthetic block rather than a general anaesthetic. Means no post op vomiting and far less opiates to cause constipation.

I’ve not had a hysterectomy yet but hoping to soon, I recently had another operation recently though, the Lactulose will work if you keep up with the daily doses, don’t worry if takes a few days, I wouldn’t take anything stronger as the last thing you need are bad stomach cramps.
as long as you are nil by mouth for the recommended time, you shouldn’t be sick, if you do feel sick they can give anti sickness meds just tell them soon as you feel queasy.

I’ve had everything you’re having, plus removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes and a tumour.

The pain from the sacrospinous fixation was very short lived. I came home with oramorph to take but I had most of it left. It’s worked really well.

My GP prescribed Laxidol for constipation which works far better than lactulose. Having said that, the drugs they give you stop things moving for a day or two.

There are plenty of drugs they can give you to prevent vomiting. The anaesthetist is the doctor to speak to.

Oh and make sure you drink plenty of fluids after the surgery and start walking up and down the ward the next day.

I had an abdominal incision but I was given diclofenac suppositories for pain relief and they had the added benefit of getting things moving! Like you I was worried about post-op constipation but all was ok with the suppositories. Maybe you could suggest that for extra help.
Good luck!

Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

I will ask about spinal but I don't think that will allow it, it hasn't even been mentioned as a possibility. Maybe because I am having what could be 4 separate surgeries in one. I don't know how well I would cope being awake, so perhaps I will just ask for anti sickness drugs.

I will also ask about diclofenac suppositories, great it they help rather than hinder my bowels!!

I have bought some movicol which I think is like laxido but I wasn't sure if I should start it before surgery or just wait until after.

Thanks again!

Spinal is definitely a possibility. We do this operation week in week out where I work under spinal. It’s really brilliant for patients recovery. Good luck with your op!

Today's the day! I am so nervous, dreading the wait until this afternoon, no idea what time I will go to theatre but not before 2pm. Feel pretty rubbish but assuming it's nerves and the heat. Wish me luck, I hope I am doing the right thing!!

Good luck OP. I’ve had several major surgeries and totally natural to be nervous. The post op pain meds will cause constipation so definitely take the laxatives. Speak to them about anti sickness meds. It can be normal to vomit when you wake, but only happened to be once, after my 7hr pancreas surgery. All the others I didn’t vomit, but have had injections of nausea meds when i’ve been vomiting when i’ve been admitted for non surgery issues.

Thank you @Zanatdy I am going to ask for anti sickness stuff definitely. Am already feeling sick - hoping it's just the nerves 🥴

I have no personal experience of such surgery (though my partner had a total abdominal hysterectomy 20 years ago, plus other surgeries followed by constipation!) but a lot of experience of constipation also.

What we realised is that as well as the Laxido etc, a diet rich in lentils and vegetables is VERY helpful!

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy on weds. They gave me a spinal injection to help with pain. I was sick when they moved me from recovery back to my room, but the anti sickness drugs sorted me right out. Good luck.

How are you doing OP?

Thanks for asking @1AnotherOne

Surgery went ok but preventative antibiotics are unfortunately giving me horrible diarrhoea so currently no concerns about constipation, just trying to be careful with my repeated bathroom trips! It's not fun!

My DSis had one earlier this year, sadly at a young age too, she was able to keep her ovaries but everything else gone I believe. She was in a lot of pain for the first few days, by a week later it was miles better, now months better she’s right as rain and all the better for it.

Try not to worry too much and make sure they give you the strongest possible pain relief meds if possible for when you go home.