Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Rosie Roo on June 06, 2023, 07:24:27 PM
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Hello Ladies . I’m due to have a total hysterectomy in a couple of weeks . Can i ask the ladies who have had one if they can give me any tips and advice on anything that you recommend I take to hospital or just any advice in general etc . Very nervous and Not looking forward to it at all. Thanks in advance xx
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Is this your decision or do you feel rushed into surgery?
When I had breast surgery I took: button up nighties - not those that pull over the head as the whole body may feel sore afterwards. Button up are far easier and quicker if Drs come round to see how your stitches are etc..
Ear plugs. Panties. Small soaps and talc.
Do any cooking for the freezer B4 U go as you will probably be told not to lift anything heavier than a pair of tweezers. Small packs of food that you might fancy on discharge that you can pop under the grill or into the microwave. What support will U have at home after? Time to delegate those chores ;-).
My friend had 'enough wind to fly a kite' after her surgery ::) so make sure that you have advice B4 - I had peppermint tea but the Nurse wouldn't let me have the secret. It certainly worked!
:foryou:
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Hi,
I had a complete hysterectomy and the results were disastrous. What happened to me was very rare and I had become complacent about surgery, I’d had so much surgeries my life without complication but this was different.
Make sure you ask the right questions and are s fit as you can be going in, sure it will all go fine. Most of my friends who have had such surgery have said it’s a walk in the park compared to the problems that necessitated it,
Wishing you the very best x
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Thanks for your replies . I have womb cancer that was picked up on a biopsy 2 weeks ago so things are moving fast . Just wanted some practical tips and suggestions from ladies who have been through a hysterectomy. Things that they wished they had taken in hospital or practical tips for returning home . Thank you x
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Hi Rosie Roo
I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago via laparoscopy. I stopped drinking as soon as I found out I was to have the op (don’t drink much anyway) but to give my body the best chance of recovery.
I also drank only peppermint or camomile tea or water after surgery and still am. They really help in calming bladder, stomach etc.
The other advice is to walk a little bit every day and build it up slowly. Don’t overdo it obviously and follow doctors orders re not lifting or driving.
Oh and don’t sleep on your stomach.
Wishing you well, I’m sure you’ll be fine xx
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Thank you perinowpost …
I will get some peppermint tea in !
Thank you xx
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You probably feel a little bit rushed and confused? Ring the Hospital to see if there is a dedicated cancer nurse for support. Let us know how you get on. Is there any1 at home to care for you?
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Good luck I’ve had full hysterectomy 10 weeks ago because of abnormal cells and things for me happened quickly too. We did a spring clean before and stocked the freezer up with easy meals. Everyone is different with recovery even though I had key hole/ vaginal hysterectomy I’m still experiencing problems. Take a day at a time we have had no choice to have surgery and every dr reminds me it is major pelvic surgery. I got all the clear from pathology and hadn’t spread hope it’s the same for you x
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4 U Donna-paul :foryou:
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I am 6 months post op, it is only now that I can see the benefits. Do not rush your recovery, only do what you really need to. sleep when you need too. Started pelvic floor exercises straight away and prepare for no bowel movements!!! I found a stool softeners a life saver as it saved the straining. Some ladies swear by love heart sweets to help with the trapped gas afterwards. Where are you having it done? Message me anytime. Good luck xxxxx
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Cant thank you ladies enough ! Obviously im worried and stressed but Thank you for the support and the advice .. this forum is amazing . Xx
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When I had breast surgery my Consultant expected a list of queries each morning on his rounds. Might be worth while taking a small pen/paper to jot any worries down?
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Will do CLKD .. thank you x
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Hi Rosie Roo,
Great tips from everyone. If this helps on the practical tips, I also found one of those V foam shaped pillows really helpful for when recovering back at home, ear plugs for the hospital, loose clothing - couldn’t hack any tight waistbands, nice backup snacks for the hospital, slip on shoes as I found it tricky to bend down in the early days post-op to faff around with shoe laces and also some body wipes in case the idea of a shower after your operation at the hospital is too much if feeling a little knocked around. Steer clear, if you can, of too much Dr Google :) I hope it all goes well for you. I had womb cancer last year and found the waiting for biopsy results, then waiting for staging scan results and then waiting for the actual op date in some ways more difficult and a rollercoaster. You are on the road now with it all and before you know it will be done and you will be back home recovering. Take it gently and sending you a virtual hug. Sum xx
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Thank you Summer -sky for your really helpful post . The last few weeks have been very stressful like you said . Thank you for taking the time to reply . I have now ordered a pillow and some slip on sandals . Thank you xx
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Group :hug:
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Hello Rosie Roo,
Hope you are doing ok and getting through one step at a time in anyway which might help until you have your operation.
Great you got the slip on sandals and pillow. Thinking of you xx
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Thank you Summer-sky . In hospital at the moment waiting to go home after op . Feel so relieved I’ve got to this point .. it’s been so stressful. They managed to do key hole so it’s just the wait now for pathology. Thanks very much for your good wishes , and kindness .
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I’m glad the op went ok and hope the pathology comes ok too. Make sure you rest and pace yourself when you get home. Also start the pelvic floor as soon as possible. I know how relieved you must be feeling as I think the build is the worse bit. I’m now 12 weeks still feel exhausted and in bit of pain and been told it major surgery we have had💐
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No experience of hysterectomy but wanted to wish you well on your healing journey and hope the results come back good too - at least hopefully it's all gone!
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Well done! :foryou:
Little steps. Get everything around you that you might require during the day so that you don't need to stretch too often.
'love hearts' - now there's an idea ;-)
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Thank you Ladies . Much appreciated x
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Was it as bad as you expected? Do U have help at home?
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Well done Rosie Roo. Keeping fingers crossed for you for good results x
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Good to see your message Rosie Roo. It feels like an endurance test doesn't it just to get to this stage with all the challenges of being diagnosed, tests and waiting so I can feel your relief of getting the operation done! I remember that feeling well. As the other lovely ladies have said take it easy. Short 5 min walks to begin with do help when you feel ready for it. As mandss mentioned, stool softeners can be a lifesaver if needed. Rest and put yourself first and go gently and take it slowly when sitting up from lying down :) Hang in there while waiting for the pathology results and hopefully you won’t need to wait too long. If it helps, if your head starts spinning with the waiting for results, just try and focus on recovering from the operation as this is something you can control with going at your own speed and setting your own limits. Well done. Happy to hear you will be on your way home today. xx
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I believe that in most operations bits are taken for biopsy on an 'in case' basis as well as for research purposes. Did U ask the Surgeon give any ideas as to what is to be expected?
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Recovering at home now . Nurses and doctors were amazing ! Thanks for all your good wishes . Feeling like I’ve been kicked by a horse … a shire horse !
Clkd .. they are looking for spread of the womb cancer . Hopefully it has been contained in the womb . They have also discovered recently that there is a link between this kind of cancer and colon cancer and will do tests to see for markers . It’s incredible what they are learning. Thanks ladies xxx
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U R now in the system to make regular checks when necessary.
Let us know how you get on. :tulips2:
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Hi Rosie Roo,
I just wanted to say get well soon
discogirl xxx
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Get well soon Rosie Roo. Sending you Very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery xxx
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Hello Rosie Roo,
Glad to hear you had amazing care in hospital and hope recovery at home going well although feeling like your body has been through the wringer. As CLKD says you are now in the system for regular checks which is reassuring going forward. It's great they now test for Lynch Syndrome if going through treatment for womb cancer. Wishing you well and take it steady :) xx
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Thank you to all you ladies for your lovely messages . They mean a lot. It’s so comforting to know other women are supportive and caring even when we are strangers . X
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Let us know the biopsy results? In the meantime, get into the shade with a cuppa and rest ;)
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Hi Rosie Roo,
Just wanted to say hello and hope you are doing ok with recovery and feeling on the up physically after the initial aches and pains from the op and anaesthetic etc Keep taking it easy, Sum x
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Thank you so much for all the lovely comments . I’m ok, week 2 post op , it’s been a rollercoaster. Couldn’t stop crying yesterday .. came out of nowhere , guessing it all just caught up with me . The c diagnosis , the operation , now recovery and waiting for pathology. Better day today . Thank god for fibre gel though . Wish my bowels would waken up 😂.
You ladies are so kind .. just comforting to have encouragement and kindness xx
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Morning. Usually it's the anaesthetic that causes tears: plus stress, a certain amount of shock ...... I remember Sister Jones saying "I don't know what's in the mix this morning but they are all coming back crying from theatre".
I also remember being totally overwhelmed with tiredness 10 days after my wisdom teeth were removed. I had to go to bed to sleep, no arguments.
It must seem ages to you waiting for biopsy results! By now I would be ringing up!
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So pleased its all done, take your time with your recovery, you only get once chance to heal. I am now 7 months po, and am feeling great. It did take time tho. Good luck xxx
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My pathology took 3-4 weeks to come back so know how you are feeling. Did the hospital send you home with some bowel softeners if they not helping get your Gp to prescribe some laxatives sachets they will help. I’m now 12 weeks and won’t lie it’s been very up and down still have pain. But gratefully caught early and everything taken away we have had no choice but to go on this journey good luck
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Hi Rosie Roo,
Sending a big virtual hug your way. It can be a bit one step forward and two back for awhile physically and emotionally but you’ll get there. In the end I had to chuck everything at my bowels to get them moving. It’s a big old operation and everything has to find its new place inside and settle ;) Never an easy time waiting again for the pathology but I hope they come through soon. Take it gently xx
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Ladies … for fear of repeating myself .. but honestly, cant say how much I appreciate all your kind words of encouragement . It’s a fairly lonely journey because as much as family have been amazing you don't want to burden them with all what’s going on, not only in your head, but every issue post op. Thank you for holding my hand xx
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U R very welcome. Do let your family know as they may be worried but don't want to 'keep on'. ::) I got fed up supporting others and feeling brave for them ....... so took days off to have a very good bawl.
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Just got the all clear from pathology . The cancer has luckily been contained in the womb ,and i dont need any further treatment. Thank goodness . Wont be able to take hrt going forward as it was oestrogen driven . Not sure about vagifem ?
Anyways just to say, ladies …thank you again for all your kind encouragement. It means a lot ! And ladies .. any unexpected bleeding … get it checked !
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What a huge relief for you Rosie Roo :) Now you can concentrate on making a full recovery after your op. Really pleased for you X
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That's great news, really pleased for you!
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Just got the all clear from pathology . The cancer has luckily been contained in the womb ,and i dont need any further treatment. Thank goodness . Wont be able to take hrt going forward as it was oestrogen driven . Not sure about vagifem ?
Anyways just to say, ladies …thank you again for all your kind encouragement. It means a lot ! And ladies .. any unexpected bleeding … get it checked !
I just wanted to say I'm so very pleased xxx
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I don't think that vaginal atrophy treatment is considered HRT as other types might be following surgery, so it might be worth while sending an e-mail to Dr Currie asking the question? She can then discuss if necessary with colleagues ......... there is a charge.
It annoys me that Surgeons still don't 'get it', that women will require some way of relieving symptoms.
Have :foryou: and I am SO PLEASED that your cancer was contained. PHEW!
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Brilliant news all contained Rosie Roo and no further treatment required. Delighted to hear this news. What a relief for you. Talk to your oncologist/consultant about it as some do consider VA treatment differently and do prescribe it post gynae cancers depending on the type/stage/grade etc. Or as CKLD suggests email Dr Currie. I've just been allowed to give some Ovestin cream a go, so it's worth asking if you have symptoms going on. Well done with it all, a tough ride for the last few months. xx
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Thank you ladies xx
Thank you Summer-sky .. I will do that , I will email dr currie , its just that I can feel already, 4 weeks post op ,that I will definitely benefit from the vagifem that I’ve used for the last few years . X
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Morning both and :thankyou: Summer-sky 4 your input.
let us know how you get on over the next few months?
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Hi Rosie Roo,
How are you getting on with your recovery? I hope you are feeling on the up and getting stronger each day. xx
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Hello Summer-sky … I’m good thanks . 6 weeks post op tomorrow , and every week I’ve gotten stronger with more energy. The bowels settled and the fatigue is disappearing thank goodness . I couldn’t email dr currie re : starting vagifem again as she isn’t taking any emails at the moment. But I am going to message my oncology nurse tomorrow. I was on hrt and vagifem for many years and am now having quite bad Gsm symptoms . Ideally I would like to start vagifem again . My gp has said he doesn’t have a problem prescribing it but will need the ok from consultant . It is such a small dose of localised oestrogen but makes such a difference . I’m aware there isn’t any data on it and thats why so many doctors have different opinions re any form of oestrogen when you have had cancer . I’m also going to book a womens physiotherapist to help me with my pelvic floor . I just don’t know whether I’m doing the exercises correctly or not !
The last couple of months have been exhausting and extremely trying but I’m grateful that it wasn’t a worse outcome and I do appreciate this forum of ladies that are kind and so very supportive. Thanks for asking after me Summer -sky .. x
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Criky 6 weeks :o
I think that getting VA under control will help overall recovery. Can't remember whether you required it nightly or 'managed' occasionally each week?
:tulips2: :tulips:
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Hi Rosie Roo,
Glad to hear you are getting stronger by the week. I remember between the 6 and 8 week mark things definitely became like they were moving more forward than backwards! I think the womens physio sounds a great idea and something I am looking at too due to bladder and pelvic floor stuff. How did you get on with speaking to your oncology nurse? I hope you are also doing ok emotionally with all that has happened. If not, I've found it does get easier to process as time goes on and my thoughts don't revolve around cancer and what if's so much anymore etc etc. I get a bit of 'scanxiety' when the time comes but learning (slowly!) to park the thoughts. Glad the fatigue is disappearing and bowels have settled too. Look after yourself, you are doing brilliantly! xx
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Thank you Summer -sky for your lovely supportive message . Am feeling much better mentally and physically at week 7 . And happier, as now my consultant has said yes to vagifem . A good result as far as I’m concerned … it’s a game changer for me !! I’m due a follow up appointment in the next few months .. just glad that I can now go forward and try to put the stress and worry of the last few months behind me . Hope you keep well and thanks xxx
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Hi Rosie Roo, that's a good result re the yes to vagifem from your consultant. I wish you well for your follow up and moving forward back into the rhythm of life with the endometrial cancer and all the worry firmly planted in the rear view mirror! Take good care and onwards and upwards. xx
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So pleased you don’t need any more treatment . It is right that this is like an endurance course , and a hard one sometimes. The waiting is mind bending. I’m 2 weeks post op and waiting on results. It is so lovely reading all the supportive comments. So pleased for you re your results take care xxx