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Original poster

Is there a hysterectomy support thread?

983 replies

ALemonyPea · 23/02/2017 21:15

I had a laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, retained ovaries but everything else removed.

Day 6 for me, and I have some questions and would like some support as freacking out about the thought of vault prolapse.

I am managing pain wise now. Some slight pulling on one side, but manageable. Belly button keeps bleeding, but not enough to run out, so just cleaning it twice a day.

I feel quite heavy down there, is that normal?

I thought I had read everything there was about hysterectomies before I had the op, but the surgeon mentioned vaginal vault prolapse just before the surgery and explained it briefly. I then googled, and the first page brought up an awful image and I can't get it out my mind. I'm terrified that it'll happen to me.

Can anyone offer any help and support.

OP posts:
RobotsinDisguise · 18/04/2017 16:02

Thanks Gig :) kept very busy so far today, house is clean, garden and pets all ok, washing on the line and done some work. Bit more work later. You are doing so well! It's very reassuring!

BG I really feel for you, I'm not surprised you are angry. I hope he gets his finger out. Let us know what he says.

Hysterectomy, you don't sound self absorbed at all, this is what this thread is for! I kind of had similar feelings, that the vagina will only have one purpose after this and that led to some uncomfortable thoughts until I reminded myself that actually it's other only purpose now was jolly annoying.

what do we need to do to accomplish an early escape? I'm going to try and look all perky and ready to go, perhaps fully dressed with my bag packed everytime a doctor walks past Wink

I have some left over diazepam for palpitations that I got a year ago. It's only 2mg and it's left over as I only use it in emergencies. I was thinking about taking some tonight. Do you think that would be ok?

Gighasmokedhalibutisawesome · 18/04/2017 16:54

Hey Robots quick flypast to say good luck, and that I really do NOT think diazepam is ok (unless medically approved of course) given you are having a GA in the morning. So please make sure.
Day 6 has been so lovely, I have only had one painkiller and have enjoyed lazing around and being brought coffee and stuff. Not bad at all. Honestly.

The team will let you go if your vital signs and bodily functions esp peeing are consistently good. Sadly that doesnt include the expert application of lippy. However they must be flexible as I was still walking like Julie Walters waitress when they let me go. 🤣

Will check in later and will be with you virtually when you come to tomorrow.

ArchNotImpudent · 18/04/2017 17:45

Robots Wishing you all the best! Being (reasonably) mobile, eating/drinking and using the loo seem to be the boxes to tick for hospital discharge (and obviously all your 'observations' being OK).

I agree with Gigha and would be wary of taking any additional meds in case they interfere with your GA.

Gig - glad you had a good day. It's lovely when you can start easing up on the painkillers (especially codeine!)

BG Hoping you hear from PALS this week and you get some positive news on Thursday.

RobotsinDisguise · 18/04/2017 18:26

ok, no diazepam Grin don't want to give the anaesthetist a fright. Thanks for the support! I'll find something good on tv to keep me going. Lots of water being drunk now, I start to get obsessed with the idea of being water deprived when I know I can't for a bit.

Gig, that sounds lovely :) I shall look forward to it. I could order a bell from amazon so I could ring it when I have requirements! (or I could text dh)

Gighasmokedhalibutisawesome · 18/04/2017 20:51

Ok, I am turning in after a long and totally enjoyable day. My latest lighthearted observation is that I have only just realised that I have been shaved 'down there' with what I can only, but quite reasonably, presume was a rusty flymo, and then battered with a mallet for good measure. I dont think the NHS stretched to shaving balm 😀 Less Brazilian, more Beirut. Thank goodness for E45.

Anyway, all the very best to you Robots. Just think of tomorrow as Day 1 of a new you. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and we will look forward to hearing from you when you can.

Gig.

RobotsinDisguise · 18/04/2017 21:16

awww, thanks Gig, I'm glad you've had a good day. Shame about your topiary!
Feeling calmer than earlier :)

totoromama · 18/04/2017 22:11

Good luck tomorrow Robots I'll be thinking of you x

RobotsinDisguise · 18/04/2017 22:26

You too toto, see you at the other end :)

Hysterectomyhysteria · 18/04/2017 22:47

Good luck tomorrow ladies! X x x

RobotsinDisguise · 19/04/2017 05:31

Thanks Hysterectomy :)

totoromama · 19/04/2017 06:15

Thanks hysterSmile

BG2015 · 19/04/2017 06:51

Good luck Robots and Toto. Looking forward to hearing your updates when you get chance.

Gighasmokedhalibutisawesome · 19/04/2017 08:17

Thinking of you both Toto and Robots

ArchNotImpudent · 19/04/2017 16:51

Hope it went well today for Toto and Robots - looking forward to hearing from you both.

MyBeloved · 19/04/2017 20:29

Hello all, can I join in please? I have just got back from my consultation and am now on the pathway for a total abdominal hysterectomy ×/-removal of ovaries/cervix depending on whether my consultant finds endometriosis on them or not.

I'm relieved - but slightly scared also now it's real. It's been a long, hard slog getting to this point.

ArchNotImpudent · 19/04/2017 20:43

Welcome to the thread Smile. I think the mixture of fear and relief when you get the go-ahead for the op is very common. Have you any idea of timescales as yet?

totoromama · 19/04/2017 20:49

Hi all. I'm at home. It all went well i think. I went down to theater at 9 and came round and back on day ward by 2. Very tender. My stomach looks about 5 months pregnant. Also very hard so I'm guessing that it's the gas though no farting yet.
Drink lots of water but my pee is very stingy and sore a but like a uti .
Got discharged at 6 they phoned dh at 4 so he gathered the dd's and took them to KFC before coming to get me. Then we got a taxi home
I feel ok but that's probably because i have oramorph. Got a sharp pain in shoulder but i think its gas.
I'll check back in later. Thanks for all the support and thoughts

Robots- how did it go? I hope all is well. Xx

MyBeloved · 19/04/2017 20:59

Thank you arch. They told me it takes between 12 and 24 weeks but I would prefer to wait until around October as we are away over the summer. They said I am able to defer. I'm dreading telling work - I've only just started a new job and I really love it Sad How do I handle that one?!

toto did you have a hysterectomy this morning, and are back home already? That's incredible. I was told I'm going to be in for 3 days! Wishing you a speedy recovery Flowers

MyBeloved · 19/04/2017 21:00

*14 weeks, not 24

totoromama · 19/04/2017 21:04

Hi beloved. I had a bilateral saplingo oophorectomy ( basically ovaries and tubes out).

MyBeloved · 19/04/2017 21:08

Please take it easy Toto Flowers

RobotsinDisguise · 19/04/2017 22:42

Quick check-in. doing OK, cept was sicky for a few hours. scared to take more oramorph in case it was that, so just taken some tramadol.
They thought my urine output was way limited. Turned out there was a kink in the catheter. Something for people to watch for. Not normal to feel like you are busting for a wee when catheterised apparently.

RobotsinDisguise · 19/04/2017 22:46

Was taught how to inject myself with fragmin tonight. Managed it fine. Go me!

MyBeloved · 19/04/2017 23:00

robots wishing you a speedy recovery Flowers

missfiftyseven · 19/04/2017 23:39

Gig here on my other phone to say a great big yay and welcome back to robots and toto
Sleep well both and catch up with you in the morning.