Honest hysterectomy experiences please

[lozzylizzy]

What should I prepare myself for. Don't worry its not going to scare me witless but I feel I should be asking questions - but I don't know what to ask! 5 weeks on Monday is my op date......

A bit of background. Hysterectomy due to fibroid which cannot be removed and bad periods. I have had a couple of iron infusions. I'm early 30s with 3 kids (3, 5 and 9) and they are leaving my ovaries and cervix (as its attached to my bladder)

Any tips for comfortable clothing etc would be appreciated

Sounds a bit similar to what I had mine for 2 summers ago, although I'm older than you. I found having loose, long cotton nighties useful for in hospital plus the usual dressing gown and also flip flops for going for showers as they get you up quite fast, probably the next day after op. I also had loose shift type dresses for leaving hospital. I also treated myself to nice shower gel. It's really lovely to shower when you're allowed. Also you may bleed a bit afterwards so take some pads. I expect the hospital will have told you that. Oh, by the way, are you having abdominal removal?

Make sure you have plenty of stuff for entertainment post operatively. You will probably be very tired and have poor concentration levels. I found audiobooks and stuff pre downloaded on my iPad great, so I could doze. Don't forget headphones! I found an eye mask great as lighting on wards was harsh.

Afterwards be incredibly strict on yourself about resting. I'm very lazy and had help from dh, teen ds and adult dd so was very lucky. Take the no lifting rule very seriously. It's true that lifting a full kettle is not to be done. You absolutely must have help for your recovery. Be very careful also to follow the gentle exercise guidelines, going for very short walks etc.

I have to say my whole experience was pretty great. I was looked after very well in hospital. It's completely brilliant no longer having periods.

There's a current hysterectomy support thread on here. Also use the search for old mumsnet hysterectomy threads. The website and forums hyster sisters is also really useful. You'll find there will have been people who've already asked most the questions you will have had.

All the best, it's worth it in the end!

Ps knickers can be tricky. Maybe little tiny ones that go below your scar? I had some big special hysterectomy ones I got from hysterectomy association which were good but skimpy ones that couldn't rub on my scar.

Thank you for your kind reply! I have had a c section with my youngest which I recovered quite slowly from and had some issues with the wound but I have put that down to having little kids and now they are a bit older I am hoping that this isn't the case this time - I suspect removing your womb hurts more 'inside' than a baby.

I was wondering about pants as 'big pants' seem to go to that area and if you are bleeding a bit you will need something to hold your pad in place. I will go and get a few cotton t shirt nighties as I find those comfortable!

I have a tablet that is broken, I think the part it needs is quite cheap but DH has never got round to fixing it so I think I will get that sorted. He is having 2 weeks off to help out at first so I think everything in that way will be ok.

Oh wow I had abdominal surgery for the brood but your recovery will be longer

Rest rest and rest you will really need to
Get help in and get signed off work
Consider a cleaner for the first month (use an agency)
Tena lady for the post OP bleeding
Go to primary and get some too size bigger cotton leggings for the first few weeks
Hot water bottles really helped for comfort

The pain was actually OK I managed with regular paracetamol and ibuprofen

Do you have a hand held hoover ? I treated myself
Post OP as you won't be able to use a major hoover for a while

Don't underestimate the recovery time OP . Please I implore you to put
Measures in as with 3 kids you will be very busy !

I am very happy with
My surgery overall the only issue is that Major abdominal surgery can weaken the lower back so whatever physio they recommend and consider core strengthening when you are further down the line

Good
Luck !!! Hospital is a fiddle it's the at home recovery very that's hard

I had it done laparascopically and had zero pain after. I forced myself to stay off work for two weeks, but could have gone back the day after the operation. That day I was at home making tea for visitors, (despite DH and DCs and visitors telling me not to).

Best thing I ever did. Don't worry, I hope you have a similar experience. Six months on, I still feel fabulous, and have lost over two stone, as I feel so energised.

Sorry I realise my account seems a bit OTT! Do rest, and don't overdo it, as others suggest. My experience was just so great, I find it not to share.

You sound similar to me but I was a bit older early 40's. Because I had two c sections I had to have staples to stop the wound opening up which made it very tight and difficult to walk. I was lucky I stayed with my mum for several days and she really looked after me. You cannot compare it to a c section btw it's nothing like it. Glad your husband taking a couple of weeks off as you will not be able to do anything for a couple of weeks. I wasn't even allowed to lift a kettle. But it was the best thing I ever did as I got my life back. Good luck.

I am just trying to get a plan together for the kids. Generally at home they are quite happy to play etc. Eldest can put together sandwiches and snacks so when DH is back at work they will be able to eat something until DH gets home to cook dinner.

MIL will clean a couple of times a week for us and my mum will pick up from school and maybe take the little two away in her caravan for a weekend so that will break up the boredom. I am a little worried about half term which is the fourth week in. I will hopefully be ok by then but won't be able to drive etc (my car is old and quite heavy on the steering anyway!)

I have a sister and a sister in law that will help out with kids where needed. I am lucky!

I had a hysterectomy on the 6th June, retained ovaries and procedure was done laparoscopically. I'm 48 and have 2 DS 14 & 17.

Op went fine and I was only in hospital for 24 hours. I'd lost a bit of weight beforehand and have always been a bit of a gym goer so was quite fit - I think that helped.

I'd say the first 3 weeks were the worst - not that they were terrible but during that time you need to take things slowly. I had very little bleeding just very slight spotting for about 4 weeks. My DP was brilliant and really looked after me well.

If you go over to the Hysterectomy Association site I wrote a daily blog everyday for June over there.

Good luck. You won't regret it.

Stock your cupboards and freezer with healthy food- vegetable soup will be your friend in avoiding constipation. Rest rest and rest as much as you can. Use a hairdryer on low heat to airdry the incision and stitches - I dabbed some saline on mine very gently every day after shower and this helped keep it clean. Lots of water as your bladder may feel odd but keep flushing through the twinges. Legs raised on couch when you can. I had c sections as well as abdominal hyst and the hyst was a lot tougher. When you begin to feel like you can walk for half an hour stop at 15!! Pain will tell you after the event when you have overdone it. Recovery is steady and 18 months later I think it was a big improvement in my health. If budget allows treat yourself to a fan - assists a lot at night