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Hysterectomy

(13 Posts)
Mayjohn Mon 06-Nov-23 11:45:20

Hello Everyone I have seen on the threads in the past that a lot of you have had a hysterectomy. I have just had a call to tell me mine is in two weeks. I am 65 and having a full one and having to be cut. Just looking for any practical advice really to make a swift recovery and ideas of what I will need to take to hospital. I know they give you guidance but thought ladies that have actually gone through this will know better.

sodapop Mon 06-Nov-23 12:59:30

Mine was over 30 years ago Mayjohn so I imagine things have changed now. I remember having three months off work and my consultant telling me that 6 weeks after the op I would be able to vacuum. Whoopee.
I made a good recovery and it was one of the best things I ever did, my life was so improved.
Sorry not to be more helpful but I'm sure you will be fine, good luck.

midgey Mon 06-Nov-23 13:13:38

Mine was even longer ago! But I would assume the same advice will apply…..take life easy! Odd things become hard work…so don’t rush them. Any help you are offered take and enjoy being waited on for awhile, if you take it steady at first you will be back to normal quicker. I would just add that I felt better as soon as I woke up. Good luck.

LadyGracie Mon 06-Nov-23 14:34:42

As others said this was the best thing I'd ever done.
I was home on day 4, after getting up as soon as I was allowed, I followed all the guidance like plenty of rest, no lifting, no driving.

I read a great deal and did lots of knitting, walked round my house and garden, not lifting a finger, using what I know now are my 'core muscles' for support and comfort.
The main thing though is to have a positive attitude.
Good luck.

Chocolatelovinggran Mon 06-Nov-23 15:15:17

Buy some large, soft cotton knickers for comfort. Plan to do no lifting ( including casserole dishes from the oven!)
Have waiting some books/ puzzles/ craftwork - whatever floats your boat- to look forward to, and a few treats to eat. I found the first - ahem- motion a little uncomfortable, so you can judge for yourself whether it's worth keeping some products in the house to ensure that you don't have to strain.
Good luck: I went in kicking and screaming, but agree absolutely with everyone here that I felt so much fitter afterwards.

MandL Mon 06-Nov-23 17:09:48

I had a total hysterectomy 2 years ago.
I would second all the advice above, and add eat a really good diet between now and your operation, including lots of protein as this is needed to heal. This advice was given to me by the hospital.
Good luck!

Imarocker Mon 06-Nov-23 17:34:54

I had a hysterectomy in my forties and it was the best thing I ever did, as others have said. You will be sore and you will be very tired. Be prepared to take it easy. The advice then was to walk a little further everyday eg measure your walk by lamp posts and go to the next one each day. I knitted a coat. I hope it goes well.

NfkDumpling Mon 06-Nov-23 17:45:24

I too had a hysterectomy in my early forties, walked a little further each day, counting the lamp posts - and haven't regretted it for a minute. I remember worrying about the lifting ban in case I forgot and did myself damage, but need not have worried. I just physically couldn't lift anything, it just didn't happen!

Granarchist Mon 06-Nov-23 18:35:36

for hospital: extra long mobile phone charger
mineral water aerosol - hospitals are HOT
a lemon or two and sharp knife - hospital water is
disgusting
salt and pepper - ditto hospital food
eye mask and ear plugs
kindle

Mayjohn Mon 06-Nov-23 19:48:04

Thank you all for you advice and insight to what it may be like. The lamp post idea is a good idea. I am want to be able to help myself the best I can to get back to normal but taking all the advice. I am very much a stick to the rules person. A positive mindset is good advice. Just have to get Christmas sorted before hand

Marydoll Mon 06-Nov-23 20:00:37

Here is the link to the other thread. www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1328856-Vaginal-Hysterectomy-and-removal-of-ovaries

Oldbat1 Mon 06-Nov-23 20:23:53

I had a total hysterectomy with ovary removal. I was still working then and signed off for six weeks. I was permitted to drive once i could do an emergency stop which was after a couple of weeks. I felt very well as up until the op i was losing lots of blood. One thing was the awful “wind” as they use gas when operating. Peppermint tea and peppermint cordial was my go to. I didnt want any visitors until i got rid of the wind!!! Best wishes.

Marydoll Mon 06-Nov-23 20:26:19

I wonder how taking a sharp knife into hospital would be allowed. In all my hospital visits, i've never taken a knife!