Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

Hysterectomy help

161 replies

Momstheword91 · 29/10/2022 17:16

Hi,

just looking for advice as such.

I am booked in for a hysterectomy on the 18th of November. Been waiting nearly 2 years. Had my pre op last week, was given a leaflet and also told my the person I spoke to prior that I’d be in hospital 3-5days as it’s abdominal (either horizontal or vertical).
I had a letter come today confirming the date (unless it’s cancelled beforehand). The letter states it will be in day case unit. On the letter it says no one is allowed to wait and they will be contacted when I’m allowed to go home usually within a few hours. Am I right in thinking this doesn’t apply to me? I’m thinking they messed up because surely they know I won’t be going home the same day or even the next day? Anyone have any advice etc?
I am going to ring up on Monday and ask because it’s not open of a weekend. Just seeing if anyone has anything similar.

thanks :)

OP posts:
Seasidemumma77 · 29/10/2022 21:44

I had horizontal incision, was told would be sent home same day if everything went smoothly. Stayed in for 2nights due to complications

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 29/10/2022 21:47

Seasidemumma77 · 29/10/2022 21:44

I had horizontal incision, was told would be sent home same day if everything went smoothly. Stayed in for 2nights due to complications

Really? I’ve been told minimum three nights regardless. Crazy how there’s so much difference between info given. On the thing they gave me it says they don’t take the catheter out til day one and then I think moving was day two but I can’t remember without looking.

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 29/10/2022 21:47

I had a vertical abdominal hysterectomy and was in hospital 6 days due to having a stent. I was also absolutely terrified too but honestly, it’s nowhere near as bad as you think it’s going to be.
wishing you well and don’t forget the peppermint tea!

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 08:35

Pegsmum · 29/10/2022 21:47

I had a vertical abdominal hysterectomy and was in hospital 6 days due to having a stent. I was also absolutely terrified too but honestly, it’s nowhere near as bad as you think it’s going to be.
wishing you well and don’t forget the peppermint tea!

Once I’m out the other side I may agree but atm I’m terrified of it all lol. At first I was like nah all I’m scared about is being put to sleep but now it’s all of it.

thanks so much 😊 I have got peppermint capsules. They any good?x

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 09:33

Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 08:35

Once I’m out the other side I may agree but atm I’m terrified of it all lol. At first I was like nah all I’m scared about is being put to sleep but now it’s all of it.

thanks so much 😊 I have got peppermint capsules. They any good?x

Show quote history

I can relate to the terror! I asked if I could have an epidural instead of a general anaesthetic. I had to keep singing to myself on the way to theatre to try and calm myself. But honestly, once you’re there and with the other ladies it’s somehow not as terrifying. I know whatever I say won’t calm you down I’m exactly the same!
I’m not sure about the peppermint capsules but I hope they help you. If you think of any questions fell free to ask…I’ll be thinking of you x

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 09:53

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 09:33

I can relate to the terror! I asked if I could have an epidural instead of a general anaesthetic. I had to keep singing to myself on the way to theatre to try and calm myself. But honestly, once you’re there and with the other ladies it’s somehow not as terrifying. I know whatever I say won’t calm you down I’m exactly the same!
I’m not sure about the peppermint capsules but I hope they help you. If you think of any questions fell free to ask…I’ll be thinking of you x

Show quote history

I was going to ask about epidural but I wouldn’t have one to give birth so don’t wanna have one now lol. I’m just over thinking everything and it makes it 10x worse. When I went to the pre op I was that nervous my heart was racing and had to have ECG even though I knew it was nerves and there’s wasn’t even anything to be nervous about then.

How long was it before they got you up and out of bed?

Thank you. Really appreciate it x

OP posts:
ancientgran · 30/10/2022 10:22

I was up the following morning, walked to the bathroom with a nurse walking beside me just in case I got wobbly. The other 3 ladies in my bay wouldn't try walking to the shower so they had a wheelchair to bathroom and hoist into the bath. I think I recovered more quickly for being up and about but then they might say I was up and about because I was recovering more quickly. Who knows.

I did have more removed, I had womb ovaries tubes and cervix so I don't know if that makes a difference.

I don't get anxious about surgery so initially declined a premed but the anaesthetist advised me to have it, she said it doesn't just help before the op but makes you more relaxed afterwards so I did have it. Don't know if that helped.

Try not to worry too much, it can be such a life changing op.

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 10:27

ancientgran · 30/10/2022 10:22

I was up the following morning, walked to the bathroom with a nurse walking beside me just in case I got wobbly. The other 3 ladies in my bay wouldn't try walking to the shower so they had a wheelchair to bathroom and hoist into the bath. I think I recovered more quickly for being up and about but then they might say I was up and about because I was recovering more quickly. Who knows.

I did have more removed, I had womb ovaries tubes and cervix so I don't know if that makes a difference.

I don't get anxious about surgery so initially declined a premed but the anaesthetist advised me to have it, she said it doesn't just help before the op but makes you more relaxed afterwards so I did have it. Don't know if that helped.

Try not to worry too much, it can be such a life changing op.

Yeah they say the more active you are the quicker you heal. I guess it depends on pain threshold as well. It’s obviously gonna hurt so it’s whether you let it defeat you or not. I’ll try and not be a wuss lol.

I am having everything apart from ovaries removed. She said because I’m only 30 it’s best to leave them alone so I don’t go into menopause so young.

I am DREADING having to drink these pre-op drinks. I’m not good when it comes to stuff like that. I was going to ask whether I have to have them but I’m guessing if I didn’t, they wouldn’t have given me them.

The recovery I know is going to be hard in the sense of life carrying on around me. Got so much to think about.

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:28

Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 09:53

I was going to ask about epidural but I wouldn’t have one to give birth so don’t wanna have one now lol. I’m just over thinking everything and it makes it 10x worse. When I went to the pre op I was that nervous my heart was racing and had to have ECG even though I knew it was nerves and there’s wasn’t even anything to be nervous about then.

How long was it before they got you up and out of bed?

Thank you. Really appreciate it x

Show quote history

I had one full day and night in bed, fully dosed up on amazing painkillers! The next morning I was told to get up 🤣. I managed to have a shower that day, you may find it difficult to stand straight for quite a while and also to figure out how to transport your catheter without a tangle!.
I was taken for an X-ray a couple of days after surgery and was told to lie on the table, I just said I couldn’t so they did it with me standing up. I tried to do a couple of laps of the ward each day, it does help to move.
X

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 10:40

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:28

I had one full day and night in bed, fully dosed up on amazing painkillers! The next morning I was told to get up 🤣. I managed to have a shower that day, you may find it difficult to stand straight for quite a while and also to figure out how to transport your catheter without a tangle!.
I was taken for an X-ray a couple of days after surgery and was told to lie on the table, I just said I couldn’t so they did it with me standing up. I tried to do a couple of laps of the ward each day, it does help to move.
X

Show quote history

How could they even expect you to? I’ll just have to tell myself I can do it because if I tell myself I can’t, then I won’t x

OP posts:
Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:50

Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 10:40

How could they even expect you to? I’ll just have to tell myself I can do it because if I tell myself I can’t, then I won’t x

Show quote history

I’m not sure they knew what I’d had done at the X-ray department, I would normally do as I’m told but that was a step too far! I remember being slightly bent over for a while, so didn’t lie flat in bed or stand up straight. That wasn’t all due to pain, I think I was sort of protecting my scar.
I was surprised at what I could do though and I’m sure you will be too. x

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:51

Oh and drink the pre-op drinks through a straw, it helps get them down.

ancientgran · 30/10/2022 10:54

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:50

I’m not sure they knew what I’d had done at the X-ray department, I would normally do as I’m told but that was a step too far! I remember being slightly bent over for a while, so didn’t lie flat in bed or stand up straight. That wasn’t all due to pain, I think I was sort of protecting my scar.
I was surprised at what I could do though and I’m sure you will be too. x

Show quote history

The physio saw me and told me to stand up as straight as I could, she said it was harder at first but better in the long run. Hard to know really but it did work OK for me.

I'm not a good patient, I always want to be doing more than I should, always get discharged earlier than predicted. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 11:04

ancientgran · 30/10/2022 10:54

The physio saw me and told me to stand up as straight as I could, she said it was harder at first but better in the long run. Hard to know really but it did work OK for me.

I'm not a good patient, I always want to be doing more than I should, always get discharged earlier than predicted. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Show quote history

It was probably very good advice, I think most of it was psychological with me.

ancientgran · 30/10/2022 11:08

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 11:04

It was probably very good advice, I think most of it was psychological with me.

Show quote history

I think it was with me as well but once she told me I did try and it seemed to work out OK.

Ridingladybugs · 30/10/2022 11:39

This thread is so helpful. I am nervous about surgery ( partly as had previously experience where I came round and no one was about and had the tube down my throat - Tbf nurses prob did get to me quickly but it seemed like an eternity!). So knowing pre op meds are a possibility is helpful!

I’ve had 2 c sections and am wondering how different recovery will be to that ( although then I had no choice as my now ex went away for several months 3 days after both births!). I was younger then though! I am a bit worried as it is just me and my 2 DC and they aren’t really old enough to do that much to help.

AdditionalCharacter · 30/10/2022 11:45

Momstheword91 · 29/10/2022 21:28

I’m assuming worse? My births have all been vaginal so I have no idea what to expect.

Show quote history

Apologies, yes, completely different.

Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:20

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:50

I’m not sure they knew what I’d had done at the X-ray department, I would normally do as I’m told but that was a step too far! I remember being slightly bent over for a while, so didn’t lie flat in bed or stand up straight. That wasn’t all due to pain, I think I was sort of protecting my scar.
I was surprised at what I could do though and I’m sure you will be too. x

Show quote history

I will probably be exactly the same. Although sleeping is going to be an issue. I can’t sleep in any position other than on my belly but with my one leg bent up so I’ve no idea how I’m getting around that lol. X

OP posts:
Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:20

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 10:51

Oh and drink the pre-op drinks through a straw, it helps get them down.

I’m assuming in the fridge will be better too?x

OP posts:
Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:21

ancientgran · 30/10/2022 10:54

The physio saw me and told me to stand up as straight as I could, she said it was harder at first but better in the long run. Hard to know really but it did work OK for me.

I'm not a good patient, I always want to be doing more than I should, always get discharged earlier than predicted. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Show quote history

I suppose it’s like if you hurt your finger, the longer you don’t use it the worse you are in the long run. Will end up stiff. I won’t mind being in there a few days extra. Dreading going home x

OP posts:
Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:26

Ridingladybugs · 30/10/2022 11:39

This thread is so helpful. I am nervous about surgery ( partly as had previously experience where I came round and no one was about and had the tube down my throat - Tbf nurses prob did get to me quickly but it seemed like an eternity!). So knowing pre op meds are a possibility is helpful!

I’ve had 2 c sections and am wondering how different recovery will be to that ( although then I had no choice as my now ex went away for several months 3 days after both births!). I was younger then though! I am a bit worried as it is just me and my 2 DC and they aren’t really old enough to do that much to help.

The tube down my throat is freaking me out! Hopefully it’s out before I’m aware. I have terrible gag reflex and I’ll probably puke all over them if not!

can you not ask anyone to come and help you? I read on another thread about batch cooking and freezing meals etc so that you can just defrost and reheat to save the hassle of cooking. If it was just myself and children I wouldn’t be able to go through with the op. But a rough stretch with my OH lately, and I know 100% if he was to leave between now and then I physically couldn’t go through with it. I currently have two 2 year olds (one just turned 2, the other 3 December) and there’s no way on this planet I could get through it. The youngest is VERY demanding and boisterous so it would be impossible.

hopefully you manage to sort something. How old are your DC? X

OP posts:
Original poster
Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:26

AdditionalCharacter · 30/10/2022 11:45

Apologies, yes, completely different.

Show quote history

Hoping I’m stronger than I think and I manage well. This time in 3 weeks I’ll have had the op so we will soon find out. 😳

OP posts:
Ridingladybugs · 30/10/2022 12:51

Momstheword91 - they are 10 and 7 but the eldest has SEN which makes things trickier.

Unfortunately I don’t have anyone - my mum is too scared to travel since covid and my sibling has a job and children. Local friends all have kids of their own. It’s tricky. I’m thinking I might have to try and hire someone, but am a bit worried about the nights on my own the first week. The kids dad will help with them but he has a new family and my DC have a bit of a tricky relationship.

One plus of the whole cancer thing is it has meant I haven’t really had head space o stress about the actual operation. I’m kind of hoping they might keep me in a while tbh …

And I hope I didn’t make you worry about the tube in the throat - yes it is usually removed before you wake up!

Ridingladybugs · 30/10/2022 12:53

I’m also trying to think that at least post op life should hopefully become a lot easier without the extreme bleeding and worry about that. So hopefully worth it

Pegsmum · 30/10/2022 12:54

Momstheword91 · 30/10/2022 12:20

I’m assuming in the fridge will be better too?x

Show quote history

Yes, having them cold does help. They aren’t too awful but there’s quite a lot to drink.
When you first come home you may find it helpful to keep a small snack (e.g. biscuits or cereal bar) and some drinks by your bedside, along with your painkillers. Then if you are on your own you can take your painkillers and let them start to work before you need to get up. x