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[Gnatty]

Hello everyone,

So I am having the op because of a very large fibroid, I want to continue with my HRT but I wondered if anyone who has previously had a hysterectomy might have some words of advice or reassurance to help me feel less anxious and also to aid recovery. It won't be vaginal as fibroid is large so it will be a bikini scar. Also any recommends re anaesthetic? I have a friend who had a spinal block and sedation which she felt aided recovery. I am 55 and as I am already taking oestrogel and recently added in testosterone I have decided to have ovaries removed. Mum had the exact same op twenty five years ago and said it was the best thing she ever did. Hoping for the same!

[CLKD]

Morning.

B4 each surgical intervention DH batched cooked - so that he had food after work and there was grub on my return from Hospital.

My friend had 'enough wind to fly a kite' after 

Make sure that you rest when you get home.  Getting laundry up2date B4 your appt. will help.  After, it can wait. 

Your Consultant should have discussed the GA and recovery aspect etc. at the appt. B4 you went onto the waiting list.  I would ring and ask during this week for the options.  Make notes ;-)

 

[Suza]

I had a subtotal hysterectomy age 41 in 1999, cervix and ovaries left.
My scar virtually disappeared within months, now just looks like a fat fold!
Be prepared to feel very weak after surgery for at least a month, that's what hit me the hardest, inability to walk more than a few steps without being exhausted initially.
If found doing sit ups and stomach exercises before surgery and afterwards, after 6 week checkup, with doctor's approval, built up my stomach muscles
As well accept people's help in the first few weeks as you'll not be able to do much
Good luck

[Gnatty]

Thank you both. Yes thought a few sit ups squats would be good idea. I imagine I will discuss GA beforehand, just wondered if anyone had any views before I decide.

Batch cooking a good idea!

Hoping weather improves so I can just lie outside and read lots of books.

[Machair]

All good advice. I would also say make a plan for the week before as you will be nervous it is very normal! I am having surgery next saturday for a polyp and it is scary! What I did last time was I made a list of to dos for the week ahead as otherwise your mind wanders and drifts into panic.Write everything down - eg complete laundry, charge phone, pack bag, get clothes ready for the morning you go in, stock up on all your favourite things to eat, plan what movie you will watch when you get home, do some beauty things like face mask or long relaxing bath soaks, don't drink alcohol but get hydrated with things like coconut water, and do as much as you can so you can have a "holiday" at home afterwards. Look beyond the day of the op and see it as a passport to a lovely summer meadow!

[CLKD]

   Machair ............

[Gnatty]

Hmm, my last post didn't work for seem reason, thank you Machair. Yes I plan to keep busy over next three weeks, sort out veg garden, plan food. Great ideas for nice plans too. Won't be drinking alcohol apart from maybe odd bottle of beer!
I think my husband is gearing up to looking after me which is good.
Good luck with your polyp removal on Saturday.

[red elephants]

1. Tidy up before you go in for your operation as you could have 8 weeks of just watching the house become dirtier.
2. Sort out what you are going to do for food. I bought meals on wheels for 8 weeks. The rest was salads and a simple breakfast.
3.Stool softeners are your friend.
4. If you have to take blood thinners by injection set up a routine. Mine was to wake up each morning with everything I needed beside my bed. I would then inject the site, put things away and get up giving me something else to think about. Also this meant that it was over and done with for the day.
5. Have a little area that is just yours near a chair with everything you might want at hand.
6.  When you shower put your back to the water and use  flannels to clean the front.  Pat your body dry gently after.
7. Listen to your body before it screams at you.
8. Remember you only get one chance to heal.
9.Rest is key after a hysterectomy. When you do start to do things be gentle.
10. Sunlight is a great healer ( in moderation of course).   I use to expose my wounds to the sun each morning after the shower for a few minutes.
11. Scars will heal.
12. I didn't get in a bath or go swimming until I was sure that I was watertight. They said 8 weeks was ok I waited until 12.
Good luck.

[Gnatty]

Thank you so much red elephants. Goodness never even thought about needing to be watertight, eek. Shall miss my baths. Yes very important point, no. 8. And I like the idea of exposing scar to sunlight, in moderation of course. Hmm definitely don't want to be straining on the loo, that would be scary. What happens if I need to sneeze or cough??

[Joaniepat]

If you need to sneeze or cough, clutch a cushion to your abdomen.
JP x

[CLKD]

After my appendix was removed, Valentine's Day, 1991, I would bend over to sneeze or cough holding the op site.  Same as rolling onto my side to get out of bed, leaning over.  Then straightening slowly.  Don't wait until you need a wee in the night, get moving ASAP 

Will U B alone on your return?

[Postmeno3]

Lots of great tips, but remember to try to trust that you'll know instinctively what to do and when and will get information at the hospital. Spend these days now building up a practice of stillness and delegation! x

[Gnatty]

Hi, no I won't be alone I will have my husband here which is good. Cushion to abdomen, good plan thank you.

Quite like the idea of practicing stillness along with delegation!

[Gnatty]

Is it worth me getting super fit by the way? I know I only have three weeks but a lot can be achieved in three weeks! Fairly fit anyway, not overweight etc.

[applespider]

Do some pelvic floor exercises - 3-4 times a day - if nothing else.

If you have more time, some core exercises (remember the back as well as the abs) and some extra walking (holding in tummy).

And try to eat quite cleanly - reduce or cut out alcohol and sugar/white carbs. 

There is a US site - Hyster Sisters - which, it seems, many people recommend for tips and for having a group of people who will be having surgery in the same week so you can ask questions to one another.  Most of their main tips have already been covered by the lovely ladies here.  The only one I can't see is buying a 'grabber' so that if you drop something, it's easier to pick it up.

Good luck - I too have a large fibroid and am expecting an abdominal hysterectomy later in the summer.