Recent hysterectomy experiences please

[thepursuitofsupport]

Looking for hysterectomy experiences and support please. Would you share your experiences with me. I think I'm heading for one at some point and I'm trying to prepare myself as much as possible.

I had a hysterectomy a year ago.

There was a hysterectomy thread on women's health at the time which really helped, lots of practical advice on there!

I would say one thing, give yourself a break in terms of what you can expect from your recovery- it really wiped me out for a while and I'd completely underestimated the physical (and emotional for me) impact of the surgery. Take it easy, and don't rush back to work too early.

On a practical note, what helped me was having my DH at home for a few weeks afterwards. The first few weeks were difficult, but after that I felt I improved a little each day.

Also, nighties for hospital, and a big comfy u shaped pillow when home were godsends for me. And loose jogger/harem style trousers. I still feel a year later that I'm not comfortable in jeans- it's a bit twingey.

I'm a single mother to a toddler and very, very little support. Can you give me an idea of timescales that you experienced please? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

I think in that case youll need to put some thought into planning how you're going to manage, but it can be done!

Before op, lots of easy freezer food, as you won't be able to lift heavy pots etc. Have everything you need at easy reach- maybe make little areas around the house- everything you need easily accessible. So if the towels/bath stuff/shampoos are normally in cupboards, put them in a basket next to the bath. Things you need for tea making etc have on the worktop, rather than away. This will make a difference.

Will you have childcare for the op itself? I was in hospital from Wednesday at 7am until Friday at 8pm. Two nights, and my surgery was straightforward laparoscopic.

Within two weeks I was able to walk to the end of the street. Just very tired. It was a good six weeks before I could carry two bags of shopping. Can your toddler get into bed themselves? The bath? The car? If not it might be worth doing some training on these pre-op.

Have you had any conversations as to the type of hysterectomy you'll be having - i.e. abdominal, vaginal or keyhole? Recovery from an abdominal hysterectomy is usually longer than other types. I was off work for six weeks with my abdominal hysterectomy but after the first two weeks I was reasonably mobile, just no heavy lifting and moving from lying to sitting to standing was still slow and painful. The overwhelming tiredness is one of the worst things - I have never felt anything like it.

I would say the first thing to do is talk to your consultant about which type of operation will be most suitable - this will depend on the reason for the operation, whether you are keeping your ovaries or not, whether you have (e.g.) complex endometrial adhesions to cut out, whether your womb is larger than it should be due to your condition. If you can have the operation without abdominal surgery, do, as your recovery is likely to be faster.

Thank you both for your replies.

My toddler can do non of those things. Still in a cot in fact. I'm a while off any procedures though so just getting my head straight so I know what I'm getting myself into!