Post-hysterectomy

[EndoSuckss]

Hi! I am 4 days post op following my hysterectomy - this was successfully carried out laparoscopicly and my tubes, uterus and cervix were taken. With the exception of one being adhered to something, my ovaries looked relatively healthy so I kept them.

For anyone due to have a hysterectomy in the future, there are a couple of things that no one warned me about 😂

1) The constipation is real!!!! Surgery will slow down your bowels, plus all the work is carried out right in front of them so they're manhandled a bit. Add to that the fact that post-op painkillers cause constipation, and it's all just a bit much! I was prescribed laxido on discharge to help get the bowels moving, but I'd highly a stool softener alongside, like lactulose, or it will still seem impossible!

2) Massive pants and pj's/leggings are a must! I've had a couple of laps in the past, but the sensitivity of the keyhold entry wounds from this is next level! I'm wearing 2 size bigger maternity pj's, and they're still a bit too close to the wounds for my liking!

3) In an ironic twist of events, you'll feel like you have period pains! It's crazy, especially as I haven't had a period in almost 3 years, but I honestly believe I can feel my now non-existent womb contracting like I'm about to have a period!

4) Do not underestimate how much rest you'll need! I've barely done anything since getting home from hospital the day after my op, and I still feel like it's been too much! I showered and changed my pj's yesterday, and it knocked me out! Brushed my hair today, and almost cried with the effort! When you're told to rest, they mean REST!!!

Hope everyone is feeling well ❤️

[Moon_maiden]

I hope you have a relatively speedy recovery. You’re so right, not even a kettle as far as activity goes. There’s some really good info on the RCOG website after a hysterectomy. Sounds like your op went well, always a good thing.

[EndoSuckss in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you! I feel really lucky - because of adhesions and precious scarring there was a big risk of it being converted to open surgery, and a pervious c-section left my consultant with concerns there'd be some problems with my bladder but both those risks were OK in the end!

Feeling tired and uncomfortable, but really lucky ❤️

[Moon_maiden in reply to EndoSuckss]

That’s good, no complications 🙂 Sitting back and recuperating, it’s not as easy as it sounds though 🙂

[77yellow]

Well said! I couldn't agree more with your points 1-4! Fab advice 👌 xx

[EndoSuckss in reply to 77yellow]

It's so much harder than you imagine isn't it?! But pleased to be out the other side now! X

[77yellow in reply to EndoSuckss]

It is! And hard relying on other people to help with things. It is definitely good to be on the other side. Hope your recovery is smooth and steady, take it easy xx

[Kazh1209]

Hi lovely,

I had my hysterectomy three days ago. Ended up keeping ovaries but everything else went via laparoscopic hysterectomy. My shoulders are so painful and I’m absolutely exhausted so have really listened to my body. I remembered the constipation was bad from my laparoscopy so have downed water and took lactalose when I’ve used codeine, I’m coping ok with that. I can’t imagine having energy and it is weird…there are period pains and I’m bleeding which I haven’t had for seven months as was on prostap.

I’m staying on hrt for a month to kickstart my ovaries and then hopefully I can come off that.

Hope your recovery continues to go well x