I need to have a full (?) Hysterectomy - what do I need to know

[winchester1]

I've got high likelyhood for gyne cancers so need to have a full (overies, tubes, uterous) hysterectomy over the next few yrs. Where do I start with this? What should I know?

I get some say over when it happens - does it make any difference how old you are (I'm 36 now), or how recently you had your kids?

Should I prepare for it in some way? I'm overweight, and still have some pelvic pain from pregnancy, which I'm wokring on but how important is this?

What are recovery times like, will I need help with the kids (OH works away soemtimes) should he take time off work, or just make sure he isn't traveling?

thanks for any advice

Build up your ability to heal with large doses of vit c ,until 24 hours before the surgery and continue with major vit c after the surgery. Check this out for yourself. Read Dr Gifford-Jones. Yes you will need help after the surgery. Maybe an aupair? Someone will come along soon to answer your questions.

Will the op be abdominal or vaginal? Abdominal has the longer recovery period - I had a full abdominal, apart from one ovary, almost 3 years ago, and it was about 6 weeks before I was able to do anything useful, a bit longer before I drove - but overall it wasn't as bad as I thought, and such a relief to get it over - good luck!

Don't know yet, I need to talk to the Dr. when I've thought a bit more about when to go for it.

Hi Winchester, I'm sorry about your diagnosis, this must be a really scary time for you. I had a subtotal abdominal hysterectomy last year and got a lot of support from Hysterectomy Association website, it's a brilliant site which has information about every aspect including types of surgery, recovery, side effects and menopause. Try to get as fit and as healthy as you can beforehand as you'll be very weak immediately afterwards. Average recovery is about 6 - 12 weeks depending on you job/responsibilities etc. so get your family and friends to help as much as possible. Take your time recovering and don't rush things as you will have lots of internal stitches that take longer to heal. Like Costa I was very scared beforehand but it wasn't half as bad as I though it would be and my life is so much better now. Good luck !

Thanks a1 I'll take a look. Its weird tbh I was diagnosed 7yrs ago and can wait up to five more for the operation so a very long time to get use to the idea but I'm not sure if that will actually help with the reality of it.

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy two years ago. I was signed off work for three months. I couldn't have done a thing for the first 4 weeks but gradually got better. I couldn't get downstairs, mainly laid in bed, couldn't lift stuff. Certainly make sure you have help the first 2-3 weeks - can you arrange your husband, family or friend for school runs etc? After week 1 I could have cooked etc indoors but I didn't realise how weak I would be and was glad not to have to!

My tip is choose a hospital for the surgery which does not have an a&e department attached, as they are much less busy. Don't go overboard on the morphine as it can make you sick, drink your water and get on your feet as soon as possible. And don't wear the latex knickers- my bed rest was made hell by an allergic reaction to them- I had no idea I was allergic!

It was much better than I had thought though, and I don't feel any less of a woman, which I understand some people worry about.