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Abdominal hysterectomy

6 replies

MogHog · 08/07/2021 19:19

Hi
Ive already posted this in general health before I realised I should of put this in here so sorry if you've already seen the other thread.
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.

OP posts:
User0ne · 08/07/2021 19:35

Abdominal surgery is normally 8-12 weeks recovery I think

twointhemorning · 22/07/2021 05:14

I'm 6 weeks post abdominal surgery. I'm 45 and had debulking surgery for ovarian cancer, so my operation was more extensive than yours will be. I had a total hysterectomy, spleen and appendix removed, plus work to bowel, liver and diaphragm. I had a vertical incision held together with staples. I was in kept in hospital for a couple of weeks before being discharged as had some issues with a sluggish bowel and low level infection.

My pain was kept under control well in hospital - I had a PCA with Fentanyl to use as well as IV paracetamol.
The nurses will make you a small cushion to hold against your wound when you need to cough and get out of bed.

Physio will also come and check that you are able to mobilise before going home. I was also provided with some disability equipment such as a bath board, a bed grab rail, and a toilet support rail. I don't need these now, but I was very weak when I first left hospital and it made me feel safer and reduced the risk of falling.

I had no issues with gas pain afterwards (not sure why) didn't need l peppermint tablets or tea.

I had to wear support stockings for 2 weeks. They will supply and fit you with these after surgery.

In just found myself feeling extremely weak for first 3 weeks after surgery and struggling to walk as my core strength and muscles need to build up. Which I found a bit of a shock.

Once home I was told to take paracetamol and Oramorph for pain relief. But I was really struggling to manage the pain. My GP prescribed a low dose morphine patch which gives continuous pain relief which has helped massively. I felt guilty asking for better pain relief but paracetamol just wasn't cutting it and the doctors didn't want me to have tramadol or codeine due to constipation risk.

My staples were removed in hospital. The District Nurses attended daily for the first 2 weeks to give me anti-clotting injections (too wimpy to do it myself) and change the dressings where the drains were.

I think @user0ne's estimate above of 8-12 weeks recovery is probably accurate.

I can potter about at home and cook quick meal, but struggle walking for more than 20 minutes at the moment as it feels sore in the tummy area. My DH pushes me round in a wheelchair if I have to walk longer distances or I go to the supermarket. Sleeping is uncomfortable too as I need to sleep slightly propped up if lying on my back or cushions against my tummy if lying on my side.

TheGallopingGourmet · 22/07/2021 06:01

I had an abdominal hysterectomy aged 49 ( 8 years ago) for a single large uterine fibroid. Heavy periods. On one occasion I bled every day for 6 weeks. I felt terrible.
Ovaries left in situ. Cervix removed. Performed under general anaesthetic. Day of op spent recovering from op and anaesthetic. Next day wash in bed, assisted to sit out of bed, start to mobilise gently. Catheter removed. Passed urine without any problems. Next day got myself up for a shower. Dressed in own clothes, put make up on. Discharged by Registrar. Went home. For me, they key to recovery in the first couple of days was drinking lots to keep hydrated and passing urine and keep moving, going for little walks. I had ankle oedema before the op due to the pressure of the fibroid and that resolved immediately. When I first got out of bed after the op, I felt like the magician's assisant that had been sawn in half but just gritted my teeth and got on with it. Painkillers help but will not get rid of the pain completely.
Driving at 7 days after op, doing usual housework including vacuuming. Felt great, like I was walking on air.
Took 10 weeks off work as have a physically demanding job and phased return not possible.

Whinginadeville · 22/07/2021 06:30

I had mine 8 years ago. My surgeon recommended leaving the cervix. 3 months to recover from the op, six months to start to feel better 18 months to fully regain my fitness. I slowed my recovery down by going back to work too early. My cover let me down and I thought a few hours would be OK. It wasn't.

TheWeeDonkey · 22/07/2021 18:55

I had an abdominal hysterectomy about 5 years ago due to large fibroids around about my 40th birthday. Happy birthday to me hey? Confused

It was a long recovery as its a pretty serious surgery although I had to have secondary surgery due to complications from the first on.

At first I felt very weak and would tire easily and recovery back to my previous self took a few months. What is also quite a normal occurance is that your ovaries can kind of go into shock so you have almost like a mini menopause. I had hot flushes, night sweats and memory fogs for a couple of months until things started getting back to normal.

This all sounds terrible I know but honestly its miles better than bleeding constantly and all the other issues that go with Fibroids.

At the time I go a lot of support and advice from Hysterectomy Association which is UK based and Hyster Sisters which is US based. They have their own websites and are on Facebook and Twitter if you have them. At the time there were forums for people who were having surgeries at the same time which I found invaluable at the time and just little tips from women in recovery. It was a great resource.

It is a big surgery but forewarned is forearmed. Good luck 💐

MogHog · 22/07/2021 20:56

Many thanks for the replies. I'm a tad anxious but can't carry on living with the issues the fibroids are causing, as its no longer just the heavy painful periods etc the largest is pressing on my bladder so I feel like I need the loo a lot.

@twointhemorning I wish you well in your ongoing recovery

@TheWeeDonkey I will have a look at those websites mentioned. Sounds like a 40th not to forget. If the timescales work out as expected it looks like I'll be in sometime in Nov/Dec. My DM kindly pointed out how handy that will be for Christmas Hmm

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