Anyone had hysterectomy but with baby/toddler to look after?

[Abihattie]

I'm in on the 9th to have it done. Consultant won't know until I'm in theatre whether it'll be done vaginally or via abdominal incision.
Worried about not being able to bend or pick up DC's (7mo & 2yrs) for 6 weeks. I've got family support but there may be times when I'm on my own.
Anyone been through this? How did you feel after the surgery? How long did it take before you felt well again? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.

I've had surgery with a similar recovery time although not a hysterectomy. I would strongly advise you to ensure that you are not left alone with your children until you are fit.

Can your DH take any leave? Does he have any holiday saved up? Or does he work for a large company which can offer some form of special leave for a fortnight? Or can you afford for him to take some unpaid parental leave? Or can he maybe work from home for a bit, so he's there until (eg) 9am, around for lunch and "home" at 5 or 6pm?

Can you arrange a rota of family and friends? Can you afford a part time nanny/mother's help?
You can mix and match these options.

I really would do whatever you can to make sure you don't put your recovery at risk.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy in the summer. At the time DS was 2.8yo and dd was 10mo old. I wasn't left on my own with them for a moment until I got to 6 weeks post-op, and even then that was mostly at night (am a lone parent). My family had a rota for the dc's care so I could concentrate on recovering without risking any injury. I was fine pottering about on my own after about 5 days, but I did literally nothing except MN except make myself sandwiches and issue childcare instructions.

I felt ok after about 4 weeks but I called the hospital and they very sternly told me not to risk lifting until 6 weeks as the internal stiches take longer to heal. Once the 6 weeks were up I slowly got back to normal bit by bit.

If you can't get family / friends care 24/7 do you know a good local nursery as the carers often do babysitting to earn extra money and they might be able to fill in any childcare gaps.

However, I was well enough to be back at the gym at 12 weeks post-op. You won't be laid up forever, just don't take the risk in the first few weeks.

Thanks for your replies Ladies. My family are going to help and DH has just told me that he'll take some time off.
Can I ask - were you able to let someone sit your DC's on your knee or is that too risky?
Also, I like to sleep on my tummy or side. Is it too uncomfortable to do that after this type of surgery?

As for the risk, that's something you'll have to ask your surgeon after your surgery. They can always cuddle up next to you on the sofa.

Your children may be a bit cross at you for not being "there" but they will get over it very very quickly. Just don't be cross with them for being distant. My DS2 was about 18 months when I had my first major surgery and he was a bit mystified. He withdrew from me quite a lot. He wasn't cross with me, and as I got better it was sweet to see him begin to test what he could do with me.

Dh was at home for a month, [two weeks off and two weeks working from home] after mine and then when he went back friends came and helped quite a bit.

Ds2 was 15 months and didn't really understand but I made sure I sat down with a pillow on me to give him a cuddle and that helped.

You really must rest for six weeks. I was pottering around quite happily by then and it's hard not to get carried away but you can get adhesions which are really painful so its important to be fully healed inside.

omg i need one but really cant take all that time off work i am a childminder and have 17 different children in the week so i would let alot of people down