Is there a hysterectomy support thread?

[ALemonyPea]

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.

I swing the other way when my period starts and while the relief from constipation is a relief (!) it gets rather messy. But I can't eat properly for days because of the pain, so it does make quite good weight control. I'm a bit worried that when I'm all recovered there will be no barrier to my appetite!

Bastard stupid period is arriving. Of course now I'm focused on it, it feels worse than usual. But at least I'm able to give myself permission to take it easier, now I know what is wrong and that yes, any one would find it rubbish.

I'm reading a lot of what to take to the hospital threads on hystersisters. They all seem to take thank you notes. Who are they thanking and why does it have to be done then?

Ha! Robots I believe you are referring to what I call Bathroom Armageddon.

Theres a current MN thread on sanpro kit with talk of "wingless panty liners" and "mooncups" . I chuckled, realising that chat about JCBs, chemsuits and high pressure washers would be of more pertinence in my world. .

Right, I am actively looking forward to surgery now. Bring it on!

Robots I assumed it was in anticipation of receiving 'get well' gifts and taking the opportunity whilst stuck in bed to write out the cards. The only other thing I can think of is if there's a tradition of giving them to the hospital staff in the US.

Gig I'd have needed a 'moonpintglass', I think!

Ooh Arch we get presents?
Claps hands excitedly thinks its more an American thing.

I got a lovely bouquet of flowers from my team at work, but yes, I think the mounds of gifts is probably a US thing. Perhaps we could start having 'hysterectomy showers' .

Could you link to the discussion Robot?

Awesome! Does that go with our redecorating parties they suggest?Maybe my friends could redecorate my bathroom.

I have a meluna x- large, only it's far too painful to get in and, well, doesn't actually cope.

What gifts will we get though? I'm slightly worried as to where we are going with this. A cake the shape of a uterus? tins of mint teabags and gas-eze?

one linky if you scroll down on to other threads you'll find lots more

A cake the shape of a uterus?

- laughing aloud at the idea - it'd be ideal fodder for those 'Facebook Selling' threads!

I've told my long suffering OH that instead of buying me flowers when I come out of hospital, he can buy a new sheet for the bed. We've got a super king size bed and have only got one sheet, it's white with a few additional stains.

We've only had the bed for about 16 months and there ddint seem much point in splashing out on new bedding at the moment.

oh my.

BG That's a great idea. It's really nice when you no longer have to synch what bedding you use with your period. And being able to wear white pants!

Lola the uterus lol

Good grief Robots! You wouldn't know whether to laugh or boak

Oh dear god I just google imaged "hysterectomy cake"
Dont do that if you are squeamish or currently have stitches.
Its A Thing?
Well I hope this is giving our post-op recovery team a smile.
Learning soooo much stuff. Some strange stuff......

Good gracious, they are hilarious and very awful!

There are cushions and everything!

Brill thanks

@Fauxgina is it your op today? If so I hope it goes well.

I'm feeling well enough to be a bit bored now, which has to be a good sign. Still absolutely exhausted and napping a lot but not feeling ropy. The black cloud that has been hanging over me for months seems to have buggered off too so I'm in a pretty positive mood!

I am, however, most put out at the lack of gifts and uterus themed cake. I shall have to add it to everyone's page in my little book of transgressions

I hope all the other Hyster Dwarves are recovering well and that BG has her date.

Off for another nap now...

Thank you sweary yes it is supposed to be today, still waiting to be admitted

Faux thinking of you and hope they dont keep you waiting too much longer. Trust we will all meet up here in the "recovery room" when you are ready.

Trying hard not to sing 'Hi ho, hi, ho, its off to the op we go"

Sweary good to hear all is well

Try not to worry Faux, I know the anxiety when you are late in is really difficult. Surgeons work odd hours though. Fingers crossed it's soon.