Hysterectomy and ovary removal plus excision of endometriosis- recovery tips please!!!

[Smiles-are-free]

Hello all ❤ I had my surgery on Thursday. Does anyone have any advice to help me recover fully and well?

(I'm already using estrogen patches and gel so I don't get a hormone deficiency).

Endo was in uterus, ovaries and pelvis, plus on bowel. It's been a huge 23 slog, taking 20 years to get an endo diagnosis.

Thanks Lovelies xx

[Smokey2020]

Hi. I had very similar surgery this year and my best words of advice is take it easy. I overdid it and ended up back in hospital twice with an infection. I’m feeling fine now and endo pain is pretty much gone so has been worth it so far. I’m also on patches but also progesterone. Specialist here couldn’t guarantee all Endo excised so even though I don’t have a uterus they suggested I take progesterone to counteract estrogen. I started going for short walks about 4 weeks after surgery - you might feel able to do this much earlier but the infections set me back. I didn’t do any housework at all for first 6 weeks. After 6 weeks I phased things in slowly and went back to work about 11 weeks. Listen to your body. Some days you’ll be able to do more than others. Don’t try to go too quickly as could end up being counter productive. Take care of yourself and rest rest rest! X

[Smiles-are-free in reply to Smokey2020]

Hi Smokey2020, thanks so much for sharing your experiences and for the great advice. I'm sorry you had complications, but so pleased to hear the endo pain is all but gone. I'm on progesterone too, as consultant couldn't be 100% certain he'd removed it all. I know he'll have done a great job though. Xx

[Maviscat01]

I completely agree with previous comment. I had hysterectomy but ovaries left behind so I can’t complete compare experiences with you. Peppermint tea was my friend for trapped wind, the good old swelly belly will take a long time to calm down and will even reappear time to time. If it’s heavier then a kettle then don’t lift it! Look online and different ways to get up from laying/ sitting position as to not strain your core muscles. And remember it takes the inside of your body to heal much much much longer then the outside xx

[Smiles-are-free in reply to Maviscat01]

Hi Maviscat01, thanks so much for your great advice. Yes, must keep reminding myself that the inside is still in the early stages of healing. Bless you xx

[77yellow]

Hi, I'm 12 weeks post similar op. The best advice I can give is; to be kind to yourself, to take your recovery day by day, listen to your body, rest and nap when you need to and try to have a routine each day adding extra things as you start to feel better. Remember that everyone's recovery is different and might be quicker or slower than others, let your body guide you. Also, accept help off friends and family when offered and don't feel guilty for putting yourself first while you recover.

Hope your recovery is smooth and steady xx

[Smiles-are-free in reply to 77yellow]

Bless you 77yellow, I really appreciate the advice. I'm struggling with the not feeling guilty but, but learning to lean on family who have been brilliant. Xx

[Rainbowblues]

Be kind to yourself, remember to pace the recovery little bits and often like not attempting housework on a good day. Look at an app called Act companion it is Australian and free my Uk pain clinical psychologist recommended it. Some great reminder alerts and the therapy methodology is all is all about your values and so much better than cbt. Helps manage pain more effectively. Read, paint, eat little and often and walking regularly even if in house will keep bowels moving and build up you resilience. Wishing you a speedy recovery and balance of endo. X

[Smiles-are-free in reply to Rainbowblues]

Thanks so much Rainbowblues, a lot of great advice there! Xx

[ciaotuffy]

Hi Smiles-are-free,I'm 7mths out from having my hysterectomy+ovaries removed, severe endo excised, no hormone treatment due to breast cancer. Prior to that I had a laparoscopy 7 months earlier to remove tubes+ endometrioma, endo excised. My recovery was a little harder after the 2nd surgery since it was longer and more complex, but overall it was ok. As everybody says, take it easy, no heavy lifting, rest when you need, eat well.

I pretty much followed my dr direction for everything and did pretty well. My dr recommended taking it easy and easing back into food after surgery- liquids til you pass gas, then soft food til you have a bowel movement and taking stool softener help with not having to push too hard. I think that really helped my comfort levels, even though I wanted to eat more.

I carried around a little pillow with me for when I rode in the car, coughed, sneezed, etc or when around other people just to brace my tummy area. They encouraged me to keep moving so easy walks around the house to start, then just 1-2 blocks outside and a bit farther each day. I found some "post abdominal surgery" exercises on youtube and tried to do those 2-3 weeks after, they were mostly sitting/chair exercises, but they helped me to keep moving and blood circulating. I took the pain meds as needed at first, but I tried to wean off of the pain meds by 1-2 weeks.

Take it easy and wishing all the best for your recovery!

[Smiles-are-free in reply to ciaotuffy]

Hi ciaotuffy,Thanks so much for all the advice, it's been really useful. Xx

[Florrie2]

Hi. I also had very similar surgery 5 months ago and have felt deep relief every day. I was off work for 3 months and I needed it. Patience, patience, patience are the 3 words to remember 😄 and don’t lift anything heavy for ages!

I still have the swelly belly so don’t worry if it takes a while to go. I think some of it must be due to stretching (urgh) during surgery but it still swells and goes hard which my physio says is due to inflammation and healing from so much work being done. I was told it was also cos of gas used during the operation that gets trapped in the body.

I highly recommend seeing a women’s health physio particularly if you had abdominal surgery. I’ve found mine to be incredibly helpful.

I am definitely feeling the benefits already, just need to get the belly down and deal with menopausal vag issues….

Drink loads of water to get the anaesthetic out of your system and put your feet up on a small stool (or go on tiptoes) when going to the loo to help prevent straining.

The only way is up! (Patiently…)

[Smiles-are-free in reply to Florrie2]

Hi Florrie2, thanks so much. Lots of helpful stuff there. Yes VM gel was recommended to me, you might find it useful. I have. Xx

[Florrie2 in reply to Smiles-are-free]

Oh that is a whole other thread 😄 I’ve tried almost everything possible recommended on another forum