Hysterectomy

[Jobuttery]

I am on the waiting list for a hysterectomy I was just wondering if anyone to tell me about the recovery and returning to work thanks x

[WinnieWoo]

Hi...I had mine on 24th June and starting to feel quite good apart from the odd pulling sensation in my stomach, 5 incision areas have healed amazingly. I had total hysterectomy, ovaries out and part of bladder removed.

GP has given me another 4 weeks off. Went for follow up apt. with consultant yesterday and he says he's happy for me to drive now but I cant walk the dog until I reach the 6 weeks mark (although I go for short walks with my family/partner when they take my dog for me).

First 3 weeks were hardest in the recovery but I did have a catheter and stents for that time. I think you really have to follow guidelines and remember it's major surgery so you have to rest, do nothing and let others help. It's so frustrating at times but we'll worth it for speedy recovery.

I am doing bits around the house now but still no heavy lifting, gardening, hoovering etc. Still find I need sleeps in the day, your body tells you if you've done too much. It's a fine balance as you need to be up and about doing little walk, however small, each day to help recovery.

Picking up my prescription today for low dose HRT.

Wish you all the best with yours and I'm here if you any more info x

[Jobuttery in reply to WinnieWoo]

Aww thanks for the reply and I am glad you are on the road to recovery how long was you in hospital and what was the first few days like I am having everything out x

[WinnieWoo in reply to Jobuttery]

First few days in hospital were very uncomfortable but I was on the morphine pain relief (you press the button whenever you feel you need the morphine but it doesn't allow you to take too much ). It did relieve pain but made me sick a few times.

My stomach was very bloated with the gas they pump in for the op and I did get the bad pains in the shoulder because of it. Nurses are on hand to offer any pain relief they can and they like you to come off the morphine drip as soon as you can. I didn't properly empty my bowels until I got back home, they try and encourage you to walk about and get out of bed as soon as possible, you might not feel like but it does help if you can. I found it uncomfortable sitting in the chair after couple days as I had a catheter in and didn't feel like sitting upright. I had a couple bad experiences with my catheter and clots causing a backup in my bladder but most of my surgery in loved the bladder (nurses were shocked to see some much blood in the catheter bag but surgeon had pre-warned me about that).

I was quite surprised they managed all the operation by laproscopic means, my 5 small cuts didn't even have bandages on (I think they spray them instead).

I was out of hospital by the Saturday (4 days after op). It's scary coming home as you don't know how you will feel. I had district nurses coming for a few days to continue with the anti-clotting injection (ouch it hurts, didn't want to do this myself).

I was in pain for a few days after and found it difficult to get comfy....They gave me codeine but these made me sick so I stopped them so I took ibuprofen and paracetamol 2 hrs apart. Pains get better every day and after 2 to 3 weeks I didn't need any pain relief. When I eventually managed a nice shower I was exhausted after for the day and I'm normally quite a fit person.

I spent my first couple weeks with a heat pad, blanket, comfy v-pillow on the settee catching up on films, reading and sleeping. I had good support with my partner and family and you really do rely on them. I do think you need 24 hr care for the first week or so at home cos it's not easy and there will be discomfort. Drink loads of fluids and have small meals, I struggled to sit at table for a while without getting uncomfortable. Basically you do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

I did have one moment when I wondered if I'd done the right thing but I can guarantee 4 weeks in I feel I absolutely did. My bladder still works even though it's smaller and I feel free from waiting for periods!

I don't regret mine for a minute.....just remember each days is a bit easier, accept all the help that's offered and rest rest rest xx

[Jobuttery in reply to WinnieWoo]

Aww thanks for that my hubby is really good and I don't have young children so rest shouldn't be a problem x

[blanes01]

Hi I had full hysterectomy 2 weeks ago.was in hospital for 4 days and found it all pretty daunting when I came home...everyday seems like a new challenge but definitely feel better than I did the first week but still not finding things easy.

Your body will guide you and tell you when you are over doing things and I think it depends on what type of type you have ( mine was abdominal across my bikini line ) you just have to take each day as it comes and accept help when its offered.the first few days are the worst but then it gets a little bit easier every day.....hope it all goes well for you and try not to worry about it all x

[Hidden]

I was told about six weeks but I was off work for about 2 months and then returned part-time for another two months. Work were very good and allowed me to do a gradual return and most should offer this after major surgery. I had everything out too (ovaries and uterus) and they had to cut me across the pelvic line rather than go in non-invasively because of the weight and damage already done. However, long-term it took me about six months to fully recover though they left endo on my bowel due to the time I had been under (8 hours).

The first few days were very painful (and like another I had a morphine drip); the gas was embarrassing to get rid of but you can't help it.

[esbjorn]

Hi

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oophorectomy on the 11th of June and was soo grateful for the daily e-mails and support information from The Hysterectomy Association - fabulous! See hysterectomy-association.or...

Wishing you all the best. Take it easy and take care (I've suddenly started having pains again (9+ weeks after op) which is probably a sign that I am doing too much.. (back to work and all that)). The website is a fantastic source of information and support and Linda at the Association is lovely.

xx