Hysterectomy in 2 weeks

[welcometotheblackparadee]

As the title… I’ve been waiting for the best part of a year to get a date and today finally got the call that I’m getting my hysterectomy in exactly 2 weeks!

Sounds silly, but I’m actually excited now because it’s been years of the worst gynaecological problems. Other than shipping the kids to their dad for a few days, please can anyone give any practical advise on what to expect recover my wise? Will I really need a nightie or will joggers a few sizes too big be ok? How long til you’re back on your feet with regards to cooking/cleaning etc?

Sorry! I’m not a planner and for once, especially with it just being me, want to attempt to be organised.

Sending you luck and following the thread as waiting for my date too.

I’ve been given the printout of this: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/laparoscopic-hysterectomy-recovering-well/ and there’s a recovery timeline at the end.

I’m hoping for one night in the ward max but might still take ear plugs and an eye mask (though might have insomnia because of surgical menopause!)

Honestly, thought I’d be waiting forever, so crossing my fingers your date comes through soon too!

You’re the opposite of me then, really hoping I get kept in at least a couple of nights. My youngest is 5 and handful is often used to describe him so the longer they keep me in, the longer I get a bit of peace 😂 and eye mask is a really good idea though

I was kept in two nights because I couldn't wee when they took the catheter out. So you might be. I think it must be a thing, as the nurses didn't seem that surprised. Because of being catheterised a nightie is much easier. I took a couple of cans of pop as there really is only so much tea and water I can drink but it was COVID, so nobody was going to visit and bring me anything.

Recovery was 4 weeks for me, but I had an oophorectomy at the same time, so slightly bigger surgery. Couldn't have driven before that. and was walking pretty short distances, did feel like everything might 'fall out' so to speak, presumably because it was laparoscopic-assisted but everything was removed vaginally. Pelvic floor exercises were much needed afterwards. But I wasn't in pain. Just very tired and ginger about moving.

I bought a nightie as easier with a catheter. Once at home then back to jammies. Buy Big Knickers - very comfy, I bought a snooze band with blue tooth speakers in so I could watch and listen to iplayer, etc. the lady in the opposite bed kept us up all night so it was a godsend. I only stayed in a night. Don’t take too much in. When you get booked in you have to lug all your belongings about from one tiny room to another.

its been lifechanging and recovery was far quicker than I thought. First couple of weeks weeks was ok but then a bit tricky. Week five was hard because you start doing more and you shouldn’t! Your insides do take time to heal. Don’t lift anything!!!
also for hospital people recommend long charger leads but I got them but didn’t need them.

Ok so expect about 4 ish weeks for proper recovery? How long until you were back at work? I don’t commute far but do need to do a slightly convoluted route via school drop offs and do about 30 ish miles a day and then mostly desk job.

It didn’t even occur to me that there would be a catheter so nightie does make sense; will call into Primark soon for a cheap one for the day/night.

Thank you so much so far. It really does sound ridiculous but I’m excited for it now because it was such a fight to get the referral and approval (mainly because of my age from what I saw) and then waiting so long.

On my period now and contemplating getting a cake to celebrate it being the last one ever.

What type are you having?

my mum had a vaginal and she said it was a piece of cake, it was just the recovery from a repair that she also had that she found so bad. The only type that tends to necessitate a stay in hospital is an abdominal hysterectomy. Laparoscopic and vaginal tend to be day cases now.

It was four weeks before I was allowed to drive and that was a laparoscopic-assisted. It's to do with being able to perform an emergency stop and insurance.

Four weeks before driving. Week five not good. Went back to work on a phased return by week 7 and it was a week too early.

@WeCouldBeNiceToEachOtheras far as I know it’s laparoscopic but I do know they’re going to keep me in at least one or two nights. My consultant said it was one of her healing strategies for her ladies with young kids, especially the single mums 😅

slightly concerned at the 7 weeks being a little early to go back @Pippatpipwas hoping everyone was going to say back after 2/3 to be honest as I know work aren’t happy with me for having to have the time off. But at least I can mentally prepare for up to 2 months of not quite being myself

So the surgery was on Friday and after it all went a bit wrong laparoscopicly, ended up on the table for over 7 hours and have a lovely collection of wounds now as had to be fully opened up...

My catheter is still in situ even though I've finally been realeased and will likely remain there for at least another week as there was some damage to my bladder.

Honestly feeling pretty shit right now. The first few days weren't too bad but home now and trying to manage the pain and discomfort on paracetamol which isn't touching the sides. Also very tearful and just generally quite fragile which I'm hoping someone can confirm is a fairly normal reaction?

Sorry I didn't spot your post earlier. Definitely normal to feel tearful after such a traumatic and long procedure. Just the amount of general anaesthetic in that time can bring your mood down, nevermind anything else. Plus the shock of being told you have bladder damage. Be kind to yourself, take time to recover, and make sure you get a proper debrief appointment from your surgeon to understand what actually happened and what it means going forward xx

Had mine last year. Was in for three nights and definitely needed it. Recovery was hard for first couple of months and had eight weeks off work but im so glad I had it done.

@Ramblingawaythank you. Didn’t even occur to me that I could request a debrief appointment so will ask about it when I’m back on ward this week.

Just feels like such a slog and, despite being grateful to the nhs for finally giving me a procedure I really needed, feel like I’ve just been abandoned with inadequate pain relief, a catheter they’ve not provided enough bloody night bags for and loads of questions and unknowns.

@Barleycatsorry your recovery was hard too, but glad to hear you’re glad now. Praying once in a bit more mobile and the pain settles down I’ll be saying the same as you.

Also, I don't think you mentioned having your ovaries removed, but just be aware that even if you didn't, a proportion of women who have a hysterectomy go into menopause a bit earlier than normal and need oestrogen -only HRT to maintain bone density etc. So something to keep an eye out for, and to remind your GP of in the future if you start experiencing symptoms.

How are you now @welcometotheblackparadee ?

@Bishbashbosh24honestly? Mostly ok.. slightly concerned that I have no sensation of needing to pass urine so am relying on wearing pads and running to the toilet when I can feel myself dribbling. Which is mortifying to be honest.

Still haven’t attempted to drive but have spent the last 5 days in my own house with the kids. Exhausted and by the mid afternoon/early evening am uncomfortable and need to rest but they’re being incredible in understanding I’m still not quite myself and that Christmas isn’t quite as over the top this year.

thank you for checking in on me!!