Having a hysterectomy - tips/reassurance

Also, to whom was I offensive? Perhaps you could explain that too when you tell me what angered you?
Only you won’t be back to explain, will you? I think you are one of those people who makes a comment and then stands back to see who you annoy! Have you nothing better to do?

I had one 11 years ago... Everything out due to Endometrial Cancer. They went in via my CSection scar. I was home within 4 days.
I found it was just general fatigue of getting over the operation, and Wind!
I had to inject my self with Clexane, though they might now give you oral tablets, that was a skill but it wasn't bad post op. It was all fine just don't do to much for several weeks. Tbh Orthopedic surgery ( had knee plus both hips replaced) is worse especially the Knee. You will be fine just take it easy.
Good luck

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Sue65

Not funny at all about surgeon not fancying you
Offensive

Oh for goodness sake! I explained why I said that but I should have known someone would take umbrage. It’s fast getting to the stage where people can’t say anything on here without someone commenting negatively.
And what’s more, I can’t see the problem with what I said so perhaps you could explain what angered you?

I had a total hysterectomy when I was 40. It was the best thing that I've ever had done. I do hope that your op goes well - I'm sure that you will not regret having it done!

Not funny at all about surgeon not fancying you
Offensive

TwinLolly - I had the lot out in 2013 due to huge ovarian cyst.
I took myself home, via taxi and the driver kindly carried small case in for me. I was absolutely fine, no painkillers needed but had to go for checkups every 6 months for a while.

I had a total hysterectomy a few years ago, I was up and about on day 2, as morphine doesn’t agree with me I had pain relief pessaries which were magic. I went home on day 4 and was told to rest in bed for at least a few hours a day. I was signed off work for 12 weeks. Unfortunately my mother died 3 weeks into my recovery and we had to make a 300 mile drive home. This thankfully did not affect my recovery, you just have to be sensible and accept your limitations.
I have a very neat bikini line scar, I rubbed bio oil into it daily once it was healed, that made a big difference.
Think positive and you’ll be fine.
Good luck.

The best thing I did post surgery, was to drink plenty of water and get out of bed and walk up and down the ward.

When you get home, a sensible mix of rest and walking is best for you.

Thank you for your kind words and advice. I will pay heed ☺️, I promise.💐

I had my hysterectomy many years ago but it was one of the best things I have ever done. My life was so improved after the op it was a better life for me.
French hospitals and treatment are generally good but unfortunately not the food, get your visitors to bring in snacks. I think the operation is much less invasive now and recovery quicker.
Get a good translation app on your phone like DeepL. Bonne chance.

That should be c.section.

I had mine at 48. I lost ovaries cervix the lot. I rested as much as I could but still had kids at primary school and was my disabled husband's carer so not easy to rest enough.

I had an office chair on casters so I could whizz round the kitchen without having to stand.

It wasn't as bad as I expected and they tidied up a bad scar from an emergency c.dection which was nice.

My main advice would be think positive and in hospital get up and about as soon as they say you can.

Good luck.

I agree with others, don't try Google translate for medical issues. Speak English. It's too important an issue to be misunderstood.
Is there someone with language skills who can accompany you, or visit? I used to attend a large French hospital with British patients to translate for them. The hospital had my phone number if needed.

Excellent advice here TwinLolly. Stock up on painkillers, in case you do need them, and definitely aim for a very high fibre diet for the first few weeks.
I felt a new woman in a very short time, and was back teaching in six weeks, although I was a little anxious when on playground duty, as small heads were exactly at the height of my scar!

You've done very well, TwinLolly, if you are almost ready for major surgery but you're still worried as your French is 'limited'. Don't worry. It's quite stressful enough thinking about having an intervention without panicking that you might not understand all the details. Hopefully you have already told your Surgeon that you don't fully understand French; you've probably recently seen your Anaesthetist and discussed your history and answered his questions. If you're anxious at any time, it's always best to ask that they speak in English - if that puts your mind at rest. Most patients can struggle to understand medical jargon and it's worse if you are afraid or anxious.......or not French!

Please take seriously the point that has been raised here about rest and about not lifting anything even slightly heavy, at least until you see your Surgeon again. Rest is paramount - and not just putting your feet up on a couch and reading or watching TV. Each afternoon make a point of going to bed - it's likely that you will sleep for a couple of hours, which will promote healing and make you feel a lot stronger much quicker.

Don't decide that you won't need much or any pain relief - especially initially. Remember that being in pain over a lengthy period will need stronger drugs to alleviate that, as opposed to something that is dealt with early on and before you start to feel really unwell. I expect you will be surprised and pleased at the days when you feel good, and a little sorry for yourself when you don't! It's a huge adjustment for your body to make and you must promise yourself to take good care until you are fully recovered.

Otherwise, good food and plenty of gentle exercise to help get you fit again. If you have any concerns, with constipation for example as a result of taking pain killers, then do speak to your Nurse when he/she visits each day. It's very important that you have that regular support on hand, so that your wound healing can be assessed and treated, any queries can be addressed and your general recovery monitored.

Make sure that you have all your papers and documents, tests, results, information etc., to hand when you are admitted, but try not worry. The standard of health care here is excellent and I'm sure you'll be treated well.

Wishing you and swift and uncomplicated recovery!

I had a sub-total hysterectomy. Hung on to my ovaries and cervix. Felt absolutely fine afterwards. No pain. The pain relief from fibroids, endometriosis and periods was fantastic.

Like another poster, right from day one after op, I needed no pain relief. My transverse scar was discreetly along the "bikini crease" as surgeon promised " my ladies can wear a bikini afterwards, nothing will show.".

I'd really recommend a small cushion to put between your belly and the car seat belt on the way home from hospital. I was told not to lift "anything heavier than a kettle" for some weeks, so just take it very easy, gentle walking is good. I felt tired and sleepy for 6 weeks after which apparently is very common. At 6 weeks the tiredness magically disappeared and I was as good as new. With no more periods ever, hooray.

Good luck.

Be careful with the language. Swat up on medical terms.
My MiL was terrified when told she was having her little bladder removed. Turns out it's French for gall bladder

I've had a hysterectomy due to prolapse. I was 59. I was very careful to lift nothing heavier than a cup of tea for weeks afterwards. DH looked after me.
The doctor was adamant that I didn't disturb his careful stitches, so I didn't.
The doctor was from the Pacific Islands who had his medical qualifications from Glasgow.

Good luck and try not to worry.

“Wind” build up was very uncomfortable. Peppermint tea or peppermint cordial really helped. Taking a laxative too certainly helped. Best wishes. I felt fab as soon as I was awake. I had enormous fibroids melon sized and large grapefruit sized.

Google translate can be very helpful when your french is too challenged. I found the French were very relieved that l had it and would happily grab it and yap away. Just speak into it and it'll type out a translation.

A little survival tip I have just thought of! The French are hot on manners. Even though you don’t speak French and, as I said, they will probably speak good English, you can give yourself Brownie points…..When anyone enters your room, say ‘Bonjour Monsieur (or Madame)’. When they are going, say ‘Merci Monsieur (or Madame’. They will appreciate your effort even if that’s the extent of your language ability!

I also should have said that I have been to quite a few French hospitals, it was once part of my job to inspect the service there for Brits working over there, should they need to be admitted. I also visited a local friend nd he was delighted with his treatment. The only thing I might pick up on is that, when my friend’s meals were brought, the portions were small! He wasn’t on a special diet. That was the norm, but it may be different now.
All the French hospitals/clinics I saw were excellent. Most staff spoke English (they are far better than we are in that respect)?Bonne Chance!

The robot did mine!! It’s always worse than it sounds. No heavy lifting at all for 6 weeks and no housework! Are you eligible for some kind of home help in France? You are advised to walk a lot. Plus pelvic floor exercises.
Since the op also removed a huge ovarian cyst, I could say that my life was saved. I have only two tiny scars. Such is the wonder of modern surgery.

My hysterectomy was in the 90s and was carried out by a surgeon who, soon after, was struck off for inappropriate behaviour with his patients. Luckily, he obviously didn’t fancy me! (By the way, I was trying to be funny, not belittle what I know have been dreadful experiences for some, so please don’t be mad at me).
I was going to say, keeping a cushion or pillow handy is a good idea for other things too. I had a coughing fit the day after the op, and that really hurt. Luckily the nurse was in the room at the time and she quickly grabbed a pillow and pressed it to my stomach. Pressing it firmly against me while I coughed really helped. Might help you to know this.
The other advice I have is that the anticipation of the op is almost always worse than the op itself. I have had several much more recent ops since the hysterectomy, and pain relief is excellent nowadays. A nurse once told me that, in most cases, there is no cause for post-op patients to suffer.
Don’t be afraid to tell the nurse if you are in pain.
Good luck, but try not to worry. You’ll be fine! 💐