Abdominal hysterectomy

[MogHog]

Hi
Ive been given the go ahead for a hysterectomy which will more than likely be abdominal due to the size of my fibroids. They will try and take the cervix too but at this stage are saying will leave the ovaries as I'm only 41.
I'm just wondering if anyone has had one recently and can give me an honest idea of the recovery time, any issues or helpful advice. I know everyone is different but it would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance.

I had an abdominal total hysterectomy on 21 July, and still recovering. I too had large fibroids. One ovary was removed too. Because of the size they didn’t do a bikini line cut, but a vertical one, from the belly button down. I believe this makes the recovery slower. I am now over 5 weeks after operation and still feel pain and/or exhaustion after some physical exertion. Walking is fine, but I get pain in my pelvis and need to catch my breath if I’m walking for more than an hour. Standing up is fine, but it’s the same if I do that for 2 hours or so (attended a party yesterday, suffering now). Bending is painful immediately after I stand upright again. The first week I was walking like a 90 year old - shuffling, very small steps. Changing position from lying to sitting, or sitting to standing, hurt. Now I walk normally and getting up is nearly painless, but can’t have a brisk walk yet. It seems the bigger the step, the more pain in my pelvis. They say recovery is 6 to 8 weeks. For me it’s going to be more like 8 weeks than 6. Probably longer before I have my pre-op fitness back.6

Can I ask how long u had to wait? I have large fibroids only seen yesterday so assuming hysterectomy I'm hoping not long wait as am in pain and can't work as I drive a bus!

Hi sorry to hear you are in pain.
Have you been put forward for a hysterectomy now?
I’m on the beginning of problems just recently told I have a bulky cervix was you told this ?

About the same as a c-section. I have had both and I can say that pain-wise, they're virtually identical. Recovery time also - roughly 6 weeks. You will be sore for a few days, then almost entirely pain-free and pretty normal for rest of that time, the uterus is a highly vascular organ and you will have quite a lot of internal inflammation. It is quite easy to overdo things (like lifting laundry baskets, etc) and cause minor bleeds. You will find that you get tired easily, etc. Another thing of note is that you will not be covered by insurance until you have been cleared to drive by a doctor. *I do recommend getting up and moving - gently - as soon as possible after surgery, and walking around as much as possible to help avoid adhesions. (Internal scar tissue) This will help you avoid bladder & bowel problems, etc... And specialist physio is also recommended to help ensure that your lady garden recovers tone after surgery. (Also vital for pelvic floor, etc.... I don't know how old you are, but not enough women are informed about this, and I am discovering how many women have issues with continence, etc.)