[tbristow]

You guys have always been great on other things so I thought I'd toss the question out to those that have been there. I won't go into all of it, but life got put in perspective recently. At any rate, they've scheduled a hysterectomy for me on October 14th. I've had two c-sections so I hope it won't be any worse than that. I'd appreciate any advice on what to do or not to do before surgery, things you wish you had known, recovery tips or anything else you think might be helpful, please post or PM me if you would prefer the privacy.

As a public service announcement...don't forget your annual exam...it could end up saving your life!!

[beckyww]

I had a hysterectomy after one c-section and two v-births. One of the v-births was for my 11 lbs, 6 oz. third DD. (whew) The c-section was EASIER than any of the three births. I bought "supplies" like I needed for after birth - took them back to Wal-mart as soon as I could drive again, I didn't need them. Didn't take most of the pain pills then - I ended up taking them for headaches later.

What I did notice was that I really did need an afternoon nap for about a month. I really did. I wasn't getting thru the day without that 30-minute nap.

I was back at work in six weeks. Absolutely don't miss any of it. I can wear white any time I want to. :-)

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[CarolinaWife]

I PM'ed you!

[DancinBear63]

I second the aftenoon nap experience. I PM'ed you too!

[momraine]

I also had one. It was not bad at all, and I don't miss all that mess at all! I had a few days in the hospital. I also needed the nap afterwards.

[GCS]

I have no advice but wanted to say I am thinking of you and hope things go well!

[Kasey]

I underwent a total hysterectomy in May, I was able to have it done via the DaVinci lap, so 5 small incisions and that was it. I was in the hospital overnight.
I got alot of projects done ahead of time especially ones that required lifting.
Set up help for DH and the kids.
Researched alternatives to HRT.

Postop I felt really good, no abdominal pain, only used pain meds the first 48 hours.
The fatigue was a biggie, just taking a shower exhausted me. It took about 6 weeks for me to not need a nap.
I couldn't pick up the kids for 10 days,so that was hard.
I did have two post op issues, UTI and then a case of shingles!
I got alot of great help from online group called Hystersisters, you will get alot of great ideas, experiences and advice.
Since mine was done via lap, I went back to work PT at week 3 and FT the following week.

I had mine done due to endo and a suspicious area on my ovary. It is wonderful not to live with the pain of endo after all these years anymore. I am so glad I did it!

Best wishes to you and hope all goes smoothly!!

[Bcelli]

Also no advice or experience, but I can offer prayers for a complete and speedy recovery. It's good you take care of yourself.

[ophelia72]

No Advice but prayer!

[ddahl]

Having had many abdominal surgeries, my advice is to take all the pain meds you can get while you are in the hospital. If you get an IV pump, topush your own pain meds then take it as often as you can. Its proven that if you are in less pain, you will heal faster and better. One surgery, I had little pain meds and was totally miserable. Another one, my mom was ther and she kept pumping me up with drugs, of course she is a nurse and at her advice, I went along with the pain med program. I was up in no time and healed so much faster than the other surgery.

Also, eat very lightly for a few days prior to surgery. Not much meat at all. Likely you will have a bowel prep and its much easier if you have little to clear out. I also was told by my gyn that ensuring you are well hydrated will help as well, of course prior to the midnight no food no liquids cut off.

My prayers and best wishes are with you my friend! Hugs! Dixie

[amyfk]

I have no experience whatsoever in this area, but wishing you the best during surgery.
Amy K, NJ