Hysterectomy wardrobe please

[EachandEveryone]

It’s not keyhole. I’m a 16 round the middle and I suppose it’s wishful thinking that it may go down. Fibroids size of a baby so maybe.

I’m feeling low. Op in three weeks. Paid in two. What do I need for hospital to cheer me up? Don’t say jo malone even with the game they have on it’s still too expensive. Also whatwill I wear after?

You have my sympathy Op, but hopefully once you are recovering you will start to feel a lot better, dunno what would really cheer you up in hospital, hopefully you will be as high as a kite on pain meds for a few days & wont care, maybe a nice shower gel/soap & some perfume.
Afterwards definitely loose clothing, that’s easy to get on & off soft thin track suit type bottoms & loose T-shirts & big soft knickers.

I would buy a nice nightie, something cool because hospital wards are boiling especially in the recent weather. Nighties are also good if you’re catheterised after surgery. Plus a really elegant full length cotton dressing gown to wear over so you don’t feel exposed.

I don’t know how long the recovery is for a hysterectomy though, if you’re only likely to be in for one night, I’d save the money and spend it on something you’ll get more enjoyment from after.

I agree comfy light clothes and a cover up. Plenty to read. Nice hand cream and lip salve. Cartons of juice.

If you see anything could you link. I have a Boden voucher but they don’t seem to do nighties or dressing gowns. I reckon I will be in at least three nights I have no idea really

In the long term you'll probably find that your tummy will be smaller but initially it will be quite swollen and possibly tender, I had an abdominal incsision so was rather sore for quite a while after so I couldn't bear anything fitted or tight.
I wore a nightie in hospital and took a light dressing gown too (I always find hospitals quite warm).
Fortunately we're heading toward summer so I'd get some nice loose sundresses, or some comfy leggings to wear with longer tops?
Big knickers, not lacy ones that may irritate. you may find a support band helpful too.

If you're a big reader you may find it difficult to concentrate while the anasthetic and painkillers work out of your system so get some magazines or dowload some podcasts instead.

The surgery and morphine can make you constipated so coffee, punes to snack on and Fig Activias are good to get things moving gently.

Some nice scented body wash / body lotion will make you feel better as the stuff they have in hospitals is pretty basic, maybe some dry shampoo if you can't wash your hair for a few days. Get some lipsalve and some good face cream and hand cream as you'll feel quite dehydrated after surgery.

Good luck, look after yourself and listen to your body, we all take different times to recover, so don't worry if you're not fighting fit within weeks and speak to your doctor about any hormonal changes you experience.

Each I had my op a few years ago now & was in three days, usually once you can get to the bathroom & are able to go to the loo they discharge you, do take note of the advice they give you especially around lifting/household tasks, be prepared to be very tired for a few weeks & hold onto your tummy when you get out of bed/get up from a chairs.
Hopefully you have some help at home & can rest, you will feel much better once you are on the road to recovery 💐

Anyone seen any nighties?

You are right - Boden is disappointing. Have you looked on the John Lewis and M&S websites? I love virtual shopping

Have a look at Noctu - so comfy and ethical too: www.noctu.co.uk

Uniqlo loungewear may be good for when you get home - very soft and comfy and not too expensive?www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/innerwear-and-loungewear/loungewear

And M&S has some lovely pure cotton nighties: www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-textured-short-sleeve-nightdress/p/p60147228?carousel=FUNH_RR_REFER

Mrsboyle is spot on. I love reading but couldn't concentrate, magazines and iPad were great, perhaps some games on there if that's your thing. Big knickers.

I love reading too but I won’t beable to concentrate at all. Two weeks to go!

I am currently 2 weeks in recovering from a Hysterectomy and I was in on Friday late afternoon and home Sunday lunchtime.

You will feel incredibly tired after the anaesthetic and lacking in concentration. Depending on your surgery, I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy, there is heavy bruising and stitches so wearing loose comfortable clothing is a must.

I would recommend harem or loose jogging bottoms from Hush or Next and some sliders. I couldn’t wear pyjamas as they were uncomfortable at night, wear a loose nightdress or long baggy t shirt.
Drink plenty of water as this will flush through your system quick and enable you to go to the toilet. I couldn’t shower due to the stitches and dressings....I had a strip wash.
Walk around the ward and get someone to wheel you in a wheelchair to the garden....it was wonderful just getting some fresh air.
I am currently signed off for 6 weeks and walk everyday and this is doing wonders for my recovery....don’t do any lifting for at least 10 days. Be kind to yourself and all the best with your surgery.

Thank you. I’m having a full cut. Dreading it.

My Fibroid was the size of a large grapefruit (their way of telling me the size!) and so keyhole was not an option and I had a full vertical cut - up and not across. However, other than the first couple of days and the constipation, I felt better than I had in a very long time, as the fibroid had caused all sorts of other niggles including severe anaemia. I was back at work in a month, my choice, and I felt better than I had in years and my only concession to clothing was something not too tight over the scar, to let it heal well. Try Lands End for soft trousers. We are all very different, so just listen to your body and take it easy.

Thanks for that. I’m on my own so I’m just trying to judge what it will be like when I’m first home.

Each - I was you 18 months ago. Fibroid the size of a 5 month pregnancy. Keyhole impossible because of the size. Same size 14/16 too.

First the good news - 18 months down the line i am SO much better. No bleeding is amazing, my iron levels are better than they have been in years and I can live my life without the constant worry of flooding. You will be better too and it's so worth it.

Practicalities - you'll have a catheter in after the operation so will need a nightie or nightshirt. I just got a couple of cheapies from Primark. Your scar will be sore and tender and your abdomen will be swollen and feel weird. The first month I lived in leggings, tunic dresses, jogging bottoms. Anything soft and high waisted which will not put pressure on your abdomen. Pants - get the full brief type or hi-leg which will not cut into your scarred area. Do not scrimp on pants, I bought cheap full briefs from Primark and they were awful, the M&S ones are well worth the money.

I was in hospital three nights then home, by that stage I was managing to get up and down stairs, shower etc by myself. I could make a cup of coffee but you really can't be lifting things. Lots of ready meals until you're able to cook again. I found standing was very tiring the first few days, needed a sit down after coming out of the shower for example. It does get better day by day though.

Good luck. Just remember it will ALL be worth it.

Something loose over the cut. Facial wipes. Wipes generally. I couldn't shower. I had the same last summer. Its taken ages for my distended stomach to start looking more normal again - almost a year. I was in mat wear before and after. Couldnt wsit to be rid of it but took time. So be prepared for some disappointment that you arent back to a flatter stomach quickly.
Its been so worth it for me. I feel so much better. Body works better again.
I had big post surgery complications but thats not common. However i was surprised at how quickly all that trauma faded and the first bit of recovery is remarkable.
I must say despite being hugely into perfume everything stank in hospital. Turns out it was the antibiotics they had me on. So my stash of lovely things to smell didnt help. My skin was rank. What was helpful was audiobooks. I found i was too exhausted to care much about looks or dressing but maybe you'll fare better. Take a few things that might help but maybe nothing will hit the spot. Water and sleep was all i really wanted.

Get yourself a small cushion for hospital and home. You'll need it for whenever you sneeze, cough, sit up or anything else (hold against stomach).
Everyone will be obsessed with your bowel movements so take in whatever works for you (strawberries for me!)

I was in for a week as I had everything out - including a massive cancerous tumour.

Massive cut from boobs to bum - was massively worried about having the staples out but I didn't need to be at all. It was mildly uncomfortable once or twice. Make sure they give you the tool the nurse will need to take them out.

I wish people had told me how emotionally weak I would feel afterwards. I felt very vulnerable, I had no confidence, I was petrified of everything (sitting up, going to the loo, walking), I cried a lot. This is NORMAL but it's not normal for me...

It will all be OK OP. Just take it easy and know that you will recover.

I asked the surgeon to take a photo of the fibroid when she removed it - could post it if you wish but I think it'd gross a lot of people out...

To be honest having fresh clothes to change into mattered more than nice clothes. I was horribly sweaty and smelly. Getting clean and fresh once a day felt great despite how tired i was.

At this rate I’m wondering whether to get a fan

Are you keeping your ovaries? If not, you might especially want a fan!

Yes im keeping them