Hysterectomy, need recovery advice please.

[ilovewelshrarebit123]

I'm having a hysterectomy in four weeks. I'm 46 and a lone parent to an 8 year old.

I have my parents near by and good friends who are willing to help.

But people are scaring me saying I won't be able to do anything. Can't lift a kettle, walk, or do anything for myself.

I had a section for DD and was ok after that. So I was thinking it must be similar, or am I completely wrong??

DD is staying with a friend while I'm
in hospital (potentially 3 days). I'll have her for one day then she's going to stay with her dad for half term.

I was then planning on fending for myself with people popping in each day to check on me.

Am I being very naive or will this work. Oh forgot to say I live in a bungalow so no stairs

Any tips on how to make things easier would be appreciated.

Do you know if you are having an abdominal, laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy?
In general - you should be ok. I would say cook some meals ready and put in freezer so youdon't have to cook, be prepared to order online shopping gor a couple of weeks at least and make sure somebody takes the hoover round etc. for the first couple of weeks or so. Also: no driving for a while. If you prepare well and have good support uou should be fine :)

I'm having part keyhole and part vaginal.

I was fine after my c section, wasn't in pain at all after a couple of days and was up and about ok.

Keyhole / vaginal is much less invasive than abdominal. They don't need to cut through your muscles as they do when you have a cesarian section. If you prepare for your recouperation as I said above you should be absolutely fine.
All the best for your op

I had an abdominal hysterectomy. What I think helped mentally with mine was that I wanted the op and was really ready for it.

I had 6 weeks off work. I was very careful in the first 2 weeks but beyond that I was generally fine. I did get a cleaner for 8 weeks though and I did a massive amount of batch cooking beforehand. DS was only 4 at the time and I relied on friends a great deal. Yours being 8 should be easier.

In the first couple of weeks you really do need to rest. So bed, couch, bathroom and repeat with the odd meal thrown in.

I too had a section when DS was born. I think that helped. Just be careful. No uncle essay bending.

The thing that threw me with this op was I couldn't wipe my backside for the first couple of days due to bruising. Didn't have that after a section.

There's a good website called HysterSister which has lots on info and tips.

I had the most extreme surgery possible - vertical incision plus extras - but was able to leave hospital after 3 nights and do everything I needed to do, just not for very long. Walking is good, but standing still, queuing or cooking, gave me backache for ages afterwards. Make the most of half term by spending it reclining on the sofa with DVD's or books. Don't be tempted to do anything else. Never sit when you can lie down.

Sorry - but it's a lot bigger deal than a section. There's the GA for one thing - your concentration will be all over the place, hence no driving, and internal stitches which take longer to heal. Then they pump air into your abdomen to see what they're doing. My biggest post-op problem was trapped wind and constipation. Peppermint tea and glycerine suppositories worked best for me.

The hospital will probably give you post-op instructions. Seriously, do what they say about housework and lifting. Struggling with the hoover is asking for problems later down the line with adhesions etc.

Sounds as if you have a good support network. Take up any offers and I'm sure you'll be fine.