Vaginal hysterectomy plus ovaries

[KathieFerrars]

Hello. Finally got an operation date! Hurrah! Does anyone have any experience of this op? How long will I be in hosp in for?

Any advice on what to take with me, clothing, pillows and stuff for when I am home, gratefully received.

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 2.5 weeks ago. It was meant to be vaginal/keyhole but converted to open surgery during the op.

I was in hospital for 4 days, but apparently had it been vaginal it would have been one night.

Recommend taking earplugs, headphones, sleep mask. Prepare to be too hot. Have some plain snacks for after - by the time I got to the ward I'd missed dinner and had nothing to eat or drink until next day.

Prepare to have a swollen tummy. Large knickers and roomy joggers that don't have a tight waistband.

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy (including ovaries) two weeks ago and I went home the same day. It was robot assisted - I don't know if that makes a difference to the speed of being sent home.

Prepare for 'wind' pains in your shoulder - mine was by my collarbone mainly - lasted a couple of days. Apparently it's from the gas they pump in so they can see what they're doing. Peppermint tea is supposed to help.

Definitely big knickers! And fairly loose, comfortable clothes. My lower abdomen was a bit swollen. I had an incision in my navel and I'm still finding trousers with a waistband and a button are uncomfortable. But with a vaginal hysterectomy you may not find that an issue...

They also sent me home with decent painkillers and laxatives (TMI, but you don't want to put too much pressure on healing tissue if you find it hard to go to the loo!)
When I got home, I found a V shaped pillow really helpful for being comfortable in bed - I also used it across my stomach for protection against my cats jumping on me! Useful to have some sort of pillow/cushion to hand to hold on your abdomen to make coughing or laughing more comfortable.

I hope it goes really well!

Agree with responses so far. I had keyhole but lots of endometriosis removed too, was in 2 nights, but realised this was mainly due to the drain hurting. Also had to beg for food the first night (it was during covid) and really appreciated being able to msg my friends on phone. Eye mask for hospital. Very loose clothes around waist at home. Heals quicker if you can follow the strict rules not to bend down or lift things, and I had very little pain because of this advice (I felt sort of wobbly and disjointed in my tummy area but not in pain).

It's a few years since I had mine, which was with excision for endo. Was in for 2 nights and went home in my skinny jeans, so you may not need loose clothing (and that was with 5 incisions)
First bowel movement post op may well be difficult.
Insist on a catheter if they don't suggest it
Prepare to be very tired/sleeping during the day for a few weeks afterwards.
It's quite common to get an infection in the vaginal cuff - if you start producing any discharge (particularly if it has a meaty/off smell) then you need to see your GP for antibiotics ASAP as it will slow healing. I ended up back in hospital as when the stitches dissolved I had a massive bleed when the wound partially opened up due to this.

I am having vaginal laparoscopic in 2 weeks time. I have been told I will be staying in one night. A lot depends on if you’re in any pain and if you bladder is working ok. I have packed an overnight bag, change of clothes, nightie, wash bag, eye mask, phone chargers and some sweets to suck (your throat might be sore when you wake up).

Im already worried about the first bowel movement 😬, I have had smaller abdominal surgery before and going for a poo was the worst bit.

Thank you all. @Lovemusic82 Good luck. Keep me posted. I will take arnica for a couple of days before hand - it really helps with bruising.