Hysterectomy next Weds - shitting myself!

[Cheddarcheeseandsodabread]

What the title says, really.

Glad to be getting rid of my fibroids, polyps, bloating etc but I know I am going to scared shitless when I get to the hospital.

I am 52 but lost both parents in their 40's due to a blood clot on lung and stroke (both drinkers and smokers - whilst I do neither), so I think this is freaking me out a bit.

Any do's or don'ts welcome plus any hints or tips to keep calm. I am already on an anti-depressant and have beta blockers to take the day before. Can't help thinking that I may only have a week left to live

Will be laparoscopy - so any views on recovery time would also be welcome.

Thanks

You might also want to get in some glycerine suppositories, or the mini enemas (microlax I think?)
There nothing worse than trying to 'birth' a boulder after a major operation like yours - trust me, I know!
Once you've got properly bunged up at the bottom end, that is where you need to sort it.

Day 6 post op - moving a lot better now - able to negotiate stairs without my OH waiting at the bottom to catch me!

Poop still wanting to hold on to me a bit longer but am doing 'bits' when I can - some Weetabix this morning should finish the job.

Tilly This may sound an odd thing to take to hospital, especially when you are so worried about the procedure and the recovery, but depending on how often you NEED to wash your hair, you might consider some dry shampoo - it was a Godsend and made me feel a little more ready to face the world. Also, though I do not wear make-up very often, I put on some powder, lippy and mascara and felt a lot better for doing it.

I actually took in 2 large bags of stuff and barely touched any of it. All I actually needed was nightwear, essential toiletries/make-up/dry shampoo, any medications you normally take, a book or magazine - though you may not feel like reading them, big pants, a few sanitary towels, some sweets or gum. If I've left anything out, someone will add to the list.

I still haven't removed the dressing, though I was told this could come off after a couple of days. I had an experience before where a small wound reopened and am a bit windy about it happening again. Will bite the bullet though and remove it today.

I can't believe a week has gone by already! As said before by PP, it is rather hard to do nothing! I wouldn't say I am lazy but even I find it hard doing very little

Tilly you need to focus on next week, when you will be safely back home. Please remember to come back on here and let us now how you get on

HALLELUJAH! I've just done the most satisfying poop.

Normal service has resumed.

Oh Tilly one other thing - do not try to laugh! My OH is an idiot and I have to stifle my guffaws as it hurts a bit to giggle and snort.

Cheddar, that nearly made me spit my drink out! Glad you are over that hurdle .

Tilly, very best of luck for tomorrow.

Well done on your poo cheddar, I've been on steroids and tramadol so wasn't able to go properly. I had reflexology on Saturday and pooped that night. I told everyone
Good luck Tilly

Glad you're over the worst Cheddar...in both respects! No relief like that first poo .

Good luck Tilly, this time next week, you'll be grand

Post Op day 7

Lovely soft poop today - nice squidgy kind :)

Moving around much better - but still tire easily - not needing to snooze but just to sit with my eyes closed for a few minutes here and there.

Tilly - if I lived nearer I would visit you in Telford. I want to wish you the very best of luck for Friday - no matter how trivial it may seem - make sure you ask any questions you need to ask. On the day, I spoke with the anaesthetist, asst anaesthetist, the surgeon and a couple of nurses and they all were as nice as I could wish for.

Talking of visiting - I didn't feel up to a visitor so didn't have one. Don't feel you have to see people - do it in your own time.

We are all rooting for you and look forward to hearing from you afterwards - maybe we can share poop stories .

Finally had the nerve to remove my dressing yesterday - skin starting to itch now so I know it is healing. Any tips on removing dressing sticky bits would be most welcome !

Tilly - could I ask a personal question? You say you are overweight - was your consultant OK with doing a hysterectomy for fibroids at your weight.

Its just that my consultant won't do a hysterectomy for fibroids for anyone over a certain BMI - to reach that BMI I would need to lose 5 stone. I have very large. multiple fibroids, with a uterus the size of a 20 week pregnancy.

She said if I had cancer then they would do it immediately.

I am currently on Prostap to see if a) it can induce menopause and b) it can reduce the size of the biggest fibroid.

I think it is very unfair - I have been suffering with this for a number of years and have really just had enough!

Thank you so much everyone. I am laughing now..... about poo and partners making you laugh.
V frustrated as my op got postponed. Having an MRI tomorrow morning and the results won't be back in time. No shit Sherlock!!!! Had sorted work, lift for daughter to school, partner time off, people visiting.....
Will definitely be done in next 4 weeks as they still think I have ovarian cancer.
Pre op will have to be done again too.
You are all funny and wonderfully kind. I will still keep in the thread and see how tho be are progressing. X

Well I would say I was 3 stone plus overweight. Consultant wants me to starve myself before op I think..... kept saying beautifully slip for the op!!! Can't live on slim fast but eating as healthily as I can.
I have fibroids and endo too.
I think it's a case of they have to operate. It has made me worry about op more to be honest.

Oh no Tilly what a pain!
Cheddar, baby oil will take the stcky bits off.

Hello. I am going in on Tuesday. All of a sudden I am a bit scared and not feeling very prepared. Shit.
Please give me some advice on what I should be doing....

Hope you got on ok Eustacia.

And sorry Tilly, that's a real kicker, after getting all geared up for it! Fingers crossed it's not too long.

Just checking in. Post-op day 17.

Moving around quite well now - though won't be doing any vacuuming for a few weeks

Now have the 'swelly belly' which is still a bit tender, though I do look slimmer when I'm standing - the wound is healing nicely - just have loose skin now .

Has anyone heard from Tilly - she was due to have her op on Fri 12th April, then it was cancelled as she had to have an MRI - hope all is well with her

How did you get on Eustacia hope you are now on the mend and taking it easy.

All ok thanks. Low blood pressure post OP with was a bit grim. Back home after 2 days and very tired so not doing much at all.
The gynae didnt find much in the way of endo and my uterus wasnt enlarged so I am none the wiser as to the causes of the pain really which is frustrating but at least it is done nowm

Glad you got through it ok Eustacia I too had low blood pressure but it improved once I started moving about.

Just take it easy as best you can - as you said, at least it's all done now.

I've realised the past few days that I have had no low abdominal cramps, no discharge, no bleeding and no bloating since the op -

makes the swelly belly and tenderness all worth it