Please tell me about your hysterectomy ?

[janets77]

I am due to have one in a few months and would love to hear anything I can buy or do to prepare - anything I need to know? Thank you in advance

Hi. I had one approximately ten years ago. I had a very good, easy recovery.

I would advise you to take peppermint capsules before and afterwards. They help to get rid of wind - you'll be pumped full of air during the operation. I would also wear nightdresses/nightshirts and take some hoodies (zip up) to wear over the top.

I also took some slippers, flip flops (to wear in the shower) and some large, soft bath towels. Plenty to read.

I was off work for six weeks, I had no choice in that. I was told to walk outside every single day. I started off walking for ten minutes and then increased it each day. It really helped to get me up and about and outside in the fresh air. I was also told not to lift anything for six weeks that was heavier than a can of soup.

I was given morphine (oral) to use at home but didn't need it. I was able to bathe afterwards with a huge waterproof plaster type thing over the wound (I was cut open as if I were having a c section).

All in all it was much less painful than I imagined it would be and I had an easy recovery without any complications. Obviously everyone is different but I wish you all the best.

I had one about fifteen years ago - transvaginally - so no external scar to manage - off work six weeks and no lifting anything heavier than a full kettle - I took all the pain killers offered and found a paracetamol drip helped more than morphine on the first night. You’ll need pads - I was raging about this! 😂 - and massive comfy knickers if you have any outside wounds. And I got m and s slinky pj’s and posh slippers for hospital 😝

One thing I wish I had been fitter and less heavy - no clue if either applies to you but my lack of fitness then meant I had a hard time with my energy levels for months after - I’d suddenly run out of life force and have to lay down for a nap

I had one 8 years ago. I made sure I had nice big knickers in, leggings and comfy bottoms, and comfy slippers as your in compression socks so they were slippy on my wooden floor.
i was off work ten weeks by drs orders and went out walking every single day. I didn’t use any high strength pain killers as just didn’t need them and I didn’t need pads either! I had a cold and warm heat pack and used the heat one daily when I had a bit of discomfort.
I was 38 and have never regretted it

Can I ask if anyone has a desk job and could sit working before 6 weeks?
Thanks to you all!

I had a keyhole hysterectomy at 45. I only had pain afterwards because I felt so well and foolishly overdid things! After a couple of days rest, I was back to normal.

Back at work after a month, on my feet teaching.

Best thing I've ever done. The relief to not suffer periods anymore!

I had an emergency hysterectomy a number of years ago after loads of scans, and 2 units of blood. Very long story. My recovery was very slow partly due to the fact I had undiagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism! I had a TAH with both ovaries removed. It was abdominal too. Number one pain relief. Take everything you are given! If you feel nauseous ask for antiemetics. Move around as soon as possible. Wear the white stockings to prevent DVTs as prescribed. Get as much help as possible. Don't do housework. A dirty house won't kill you!