I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy, at least one ovary removed and excision of endo from my bowel and some ligaments. Unsure where else it is as unable to have an MRI due to metal work in my shoulder. I'm 34 years old and just wondering if there's any dos or don't with regards to aiding recovery.
I'm not looking forward to the op but equally I'm keen to no longer be living in pain on a cocktail of strong drugs!
I had mine a year ago. Make sure you have complete rest, legs up, for the first 2 weeks. After that start taking 5 minute walks and build up. Don't lift anything heavy for at least 3 months.Start to take laxatives as soon as you can, drink lots of water and eat fruit/vegetables. I was so constipated after and I don't recommend it.
Take a cushion with you to put over your tummy on the way home and to have when you get home.
I also asked for an extra pair of pressure stockings as you have to wear them for a few weeks.
Good luck 
x
Thank you, that's really helpful.I'm going to really struggle with not walking the dogs or doing the horses but I have bought loads of books to occupy me!
I have a cushion ready and do have some laxatives at home luckily.
Is your quality of life better post op?
In some ways it is but mine wasn't done for Endo, it was for fibroids and adeno. The pain has returned so now they think it is Endo after all. It will be different for you as they are removing it
You can't walk the dogs or deal with horses.I am surprised at such a young age of 34yrs that you are wanting this done. Yes the pain with Endo does make life difficult.
In the operation a sling will be put in which is to support your remaining organs which needs to heal. It will be 6mths before you can do anything heavy or the sling could fail. That would mean another operation.
Check with your Surgeon about your needs and general lifestyle expectations for your abilities.
Just because you have Hysto won't necessarily mean your Endo will stop especially if it has setup its own extended areas away from Reproduction Organs.
Wishing you the best and speedy recovery.
x
It's not that I want the op per say it's that I can't live with the pain any longer. I'm on so many pain meds my liver is unhappy and I'm regularly sent to hospital for iv pain relief. At this point I just want some quality of life back.
I will ask the surgeon about further information for recovery and my lifestyle. I think because I've been moved hospitals and surgeons to speed the wait up there's still alot of answers I require.
I will see what answers they provide and will make sure I follow it as I will be glad to see the back of hospitals after this!
⁷I understand you at your wits end. I know how this pain is. Its too much sometimes.I was there too at 28yrs but in the end through studying myself, the Endo my depth of Endo in, bowel and symptoms of lung pain that all the medical journals pointed out too many negatives with the Hysto.
The other thing that bothered me was hormone replacement, how that would effect any Endo to grow after or that I could age earlier. Because of my bowel was seriously effected that Hysto and trying to remove all Endo implanted areas could effect bowel/ bladder increased chance of incontinence.
A very interesting website about Serious Endometriosis[DIE] it talks about drseckin.com/deep-infiltrat...
Read the section on Hysterectomy
I hope you get all the answers to achieve the right thing for you.
I think your very brave certainly with my Endo I couldn't chance doing the Hysterectomy.
My hugs x
Thank you, I have deep infiltrating endometriosis so will have a read on the link! It's very frustrating that you're not given much information regarding this when you're given a diagnosis and it's a minefield to navigate.
Why can't you have an MRI with metal if it's not near it? I have 2 metal plates in my jaw and I've had 2 MRI scans x
No idea! I'm not sure if it depends on the trust you're a patient at but mine have refused to do further MRIs as I have some screws in my shoulder. I assumed it would be fine but apparently not!
I wondered the same. My daughter has metal after a knee surgery and she had to have an MRI for the other knee (joys of gymnastics!) and it wasn't an issue. Could you get a 2nd opinion re the MRI?
To be honest it's probably too late to argue the MRI as my op is in 2 weeks but I'll argue in future if im refused them again.
I have 24 screws in my face - how strange x
Have one of those reacher/grabber tools to help you pick up anything lying around.
Learn to logroll out of bed. I had an abdominal removal and couldn't do much that involved my core.
I started walking the day after surgery. At first just to the end of the hospital corridor, then at home just 1 or 2 minutes in the garden and slowly, slowly built up.
All the best!
Thank you, i shall buy one before I go in as hadn't thought of that.
Hopefully I can do little walks like you did and build up!
Hey if you don’t mind me asking, how long were you in hospital for post op. I’ve read so many different things. I know everyone is different. I’m booked in for 3 weeks time for abdominal removal. X
I'm in Australia and was in a private hospital. The surgeon recommended three nights, but I wanted to go home after two and he was happy to discharge me.
I had my surgery in Dec (I am 44), the first week was a bit of blur, I think because of the meds and your body is healing. You will need lots of sleep and rest for at least 6 weeks, but each week you will feel like you are getting back to your normal self. Drink lots and lots of water (helps with constipation), I also found peppermint tea helped with the post op wind!, try and eat as healthy as you can, but also allow yourself that chocolate/ biscuit / what you fancy. For me the recovery was far better than I expected and knowing each day you will get better was easier than an endo flare up, for me it was imediate relief (full hysterectomy both ovaries, stage 4 endo attached to bowel etc) no more pain.
Make sure you follow the aftercare advise, don't push yourself, no heavy lifting. I did buy some postpartum leggings and they were nice and comfortable around my tummy and stitches (I did have key hole so only 3 entry points) although I was only in pjs for first 2 weeks.
Having the op was by far the best choice I could have made. I am now 8 weeks, i still get sleepy and need the occasional afternoon nap but I am back to work and looking forward.
Good luck with the surgery, look after yourself, YOU HAVE GOT THIS xx
Thank you!
I will follow advice as I don't want anything to go wrong and am desperate not to be in constant pain any longer.
I believe my op is meant to be keyhole unless there are complications.
I have arranged for help from family for 6 weeks so I hope that let's me rest and recover enough xx
Good luck. I have mine booked for 3 weeks time. Total hysterectomy. Unable to have keyhole so will be abdominal.
I’m nervous too but hopefully looking forward to not being in so much pain once recovered. This thread has been really helpful. ☺️
I hope it goes well. Its awful that we look forward to such a big life changing op just to have some quality of life!
I had a complete hysterectomy last year (39) and my after advice would be a grabby stick/claw 😆 I got mine for a couple of quid at home bargains.
Take it slow don’t rush recovery , everyone heals differently, I started to watch YouTube videos and compared myself to those that seemed ok so quickly but its ok to feel bit useless for a few weeks just let everyone else take care of you and if your body is telling you to sleep then just relax and sleep!!
Best of luck xxx
Thank you, definitely going to get one of those!
Hopefully i get good pain meds and can just rest and let my body heal. Xx
I had a radical hysterectomy and only spent one night in hospital.
My best buy was a toddler step, used to increase reach in cupboards and when visiting the loo!
Make sure you have a range of paps at home for after (my hubby kept buying g the wrong sort)🤣
Thank you hadn't thought of a step! I'm assuming I won't be in hospital long as they'll need my bed so trying to make sure I'm well equipped at home!
Oh, not sure if this has been mentioned but dry shampoo was a life saver.
🍀
Oh yes good idea as won't be easy to wash hair! Will add to the list, thank you!
My total hysterectomy was just over a year ago now and like you I am so grateful to not be in pain anymore. My endometriosis was far worse than what had showed up on my MRI so although it must be strange not having had one I wouldn't give it much thought. My husband waiting for me had a worse time with this as my operation was much longer than anticipated. Waiting with no news isn't good I don't think!
Post op was far better than I imagined and just took it slow which was hard but there wasn't really any choice and it helped me get better easier. I kept a notebook/ diary so that when I was frustrated at what felt like no progress I could see that actually this time last week a walk round the block was major. Definitely get some good books/ boxset/ little project of some sort to help. Peppermint tea was good incase of any trapped air after the op too.
Finally, ask about menopause care afterwards. Surgical menopause is the next thing to tackle!
Thank you, i do need to ask about menopause care as I've not really had any information on that.
I've been waiting for this urgent op for nearly 2 years now and as much as the op scares me, the pain is too much and I just want life back.
Hadn't thought of a diary, that's a good idea as I get very bored and frustrated!
I am 3 weeks out from a vaginally assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy (fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix removed). Recovery is slow. I stayed one night in hospital and went home the next day (late afternoon). I was on Oramorph for the first two days along with paracetamol and ibuprofen but quickly dropped down to only ibuprofen and paracetamol. I stopped taking ibuprofen at day 4 because I had a gastritis flare up. I've only just stopped taking 3 doses of paracetamol every day. I only really need to take it as an when now. Things I would suggest you buy/do before surgery.A wedge pillow - using it to sleep on at night for the first 2 weeks at least and when you are on the sofa, using it for back support
Panty liners or period pants - you may have discharge up to 6 weeks post surgery. I am still having a little bit at 3 weeks.
A shower stool - so helpful for the first couple of weeks - showering is EXHAUSTING!
clip your finger nails and toenails - I realise how weird this sounds but you will have a hard time reaching your toes for WEEKS afterwards.
Get yourself plenty of boredom busting projects that you can do from the bed/sofa - I got colouring books, loaded up my kindle and got some new games for my switch.
Help - I know this is broad but honestly you are going to need help to get dressed, shower (my husband was cleaning my legs and feet for about 10 days) back to my previous comment about being able to reach your feet!
Plenty of fibre - you NEED to keep things regular. I didn't need to use laxatives AT ALL. This is because I am eating lots of fibre. Boring as it is, All Bran for breakfast is a life saver. But that being said, use a laxative if you need to, you DO NOT want to be bearing down to get a poop out. Another tip, maybe TMI but wait until you are REALLY ready to poop before sitting on the toilet and BREATHE through the poop, DON'T hold your breath and push!
Don't do too much too soon! You shouldn't be lifting anything heavier than a 1l bottle of water!
Walk as soon as you can, but don't overdo it, a little walk around your home a couple of times a day is enough for at least 2 weeks. I ventured out the other day for a short walk to the shop near my home (5min walk each way) and I was spent and my pain spiked. Your body has a good defence mechanism to tell you if you have done too much - DON'T ignore it!
Sorry this was long but I'm right in the thick of recovery right now so everything is very fresh!
Thank you this is really helpful! Hospital have been so vague and I just want to prepare myself as much as I can.
I've started a shopping list for things to get to aid me at home and I'm so glad I made this post as its been so much help.
It sounds like recovery is going to be harder than I anticipated but at least I'm now aware it's going to be long and slow!
I have actually been shocked at the pace of my recovery. I've had 4 laps previously for Endo and I thought those recoveries were slow until this. At this point after my laps I was back in my car making short trips and feeling pretty good. I got in my car the other day to start the engine (hasn't been started in over 3 weeks) but I couldn't sit comfortably behind the wheel. I couldn't imagine what driving would feel like so that is on the back burner for now.I keep being reminded by people that it's a MAJOR surgery and literal parts of you are being removed. You are also having an endo lap as well so you will be sore from that too. I had some adhesions removed as well as scar tissue and my ovary was detached from my pelvic wall. That alone would be a big surgery but having organs removed on top is huge trauma to your body!
Try not to get frustrated with the recovery as pushing yourself to recover quicker will do the opposite. I told my work that I'd be off for 8 weeks minimum so I'm taking each day as it comes.
Good luck for when the day finally arrives, and be kind to yourself. You and your body are going through a big trauma.
I wish the hospital provided you with information prior to the surgery so you could be prepared. Thankfully I have family that have booked holiday to help me for 6 weeks so I hope that's enough!
I had an emergency c section and bounced back from that but I was younger, fitter and healthier then 🤣
I had keyhole and had everything removed. People have already given other advice I'd recommend but along with the peppermint tea, chicken noodle soup was a godsend. If you have money, one of those hot water dispenser things is good if you are on your own and have a heavy kettle. Manuka Honey lozenges as your throat WILL be sore after the anaesthetic. Yes, they are expensive but totally worth it and recommended to me by a theatre nurse friend. Milk of Magnesium also helps with constipation and I swore by the disposable mesh knickers the hospital sent me home in. So very, very comfortable and easy to buy online. Go easy on yourself and please, please, please do NOT rush recovery. Even with keyhole surgery, there is a lot that will be done to your insides and that will take time to heal. Don't refuse any help offered. Good luck!
Thank you! I will add these things to my shopping list.
I'm lucky I will have help for 6 weeks after so hopefully that will aid me recovery.
Oh, and if you are one of those people whose dogs sleep with them, try to avoid that for the first few weeks. If you can't, protect your abdomen with a pillow or two in case they jump on you. I was also recommended a body V-pillow to sleep with and it helped for the first few days but not really beyond that and was just too big. I was sent home with co-codamol after a 38-hour stay and really only needed those for 5 days or so and then went to ibuprofen and paracetamol alternating between the two. The key thing is to NOT let any pain get a grip as it is hard to deal with afterwards. Take any painkillers on time, even if you feel you are doing okay, for at least the first 5 days. I used day pads and night pads for the first four weeks as I had discharge up to 8 weeks, I think, if not longer. It slowly got lighter and lighter and for the last few weeks or so I just needed panty liners but I experienced it for a lot longer than I thought I would. We are each different though! If you don't already know about it, HysterSisters is a brilliant website full of support and you can meet people undergoing a hysterectomy the same day or week as you and they are such a source of encouragement and reassurance.
Luckily they both sleep downstairs so won't be with me, although I'm unsure whether I will make it upstairs in the first few days...!
I haven't heard of that website, I will have a look now thank you!
I managed. I just took it very slowly. I needed my bed. Having the hot water dispenser and peppermint tea and chicken noodle cup a soup to hand in my room (I know, but needs must!) was a godsend. Oh, and take the manuka honey lozenges with you to the hospital and suck one as soon as you feel you can after the op. They will also want to get you up and walking as soon as possible afterwards too so be aware of that. It helps wake the system up after an anaesthetic. You'll have to pass a certain amount of urine before they will let you go home and walking helps with that as well.
Thank you. I'm hoping i can get upstairs and get everything set up up there for me as I would love to be in my bed to rest!
I'm assuming they'll want me home ASAP so they can have my bed for the next patient so I'm prepared for the fact I won't be there long.
Hiya, I am 3 weeks post surgery. I had Hysterectomy and endo excision in whole pelvis including bowel shave and they also removed some fibroids they found. I am 41yrs old. My Hysterectomy was purely for stage 4 endo pain & symptoms that I've endured for 25+yrs.
Main advice i would give is TAKE YOUR TIME, it's not a sprint. Yeah there was pain but it wasn't majorly worse than an endo flare up however day 3 hit me the worst.
Other tips:
1) sleep with extra pillows i was virtually upright for first week, V Pillow was my best friend.
2) pillow for under seat belt when in car (obviously no driving until cleared, I'm told 6 weeks)
3) lots of peppermint tea and fibre for bloating, trapped wind and constipation - the pain in real!!
4) books, tv shoes/movies, jigsaw puzzles as you will be bored
5) get moving, very short walks as soon as possible even if just up and down garden/drive (if you have one) it will help with bloating and gas and also with recovery.
6) self care!
7) don't do too much too quickly!
8) this ties everything in...Don't forget you have had MAJOR surgery, you may feel much better quicker than expected...don't overdo it you will regret it if you do! They tell you 3-6 months full recovery for a reason.
Best of luck to you, wishing you all the best x
3-6 months?! They never mentioned that long i was thinking 6 weeks like a c section!
I will stock up on extra pillows as well to help me sleep, thank you.
I have quite the shopping list but at least I will be prepared and hopefully comfy!
3 months I was told until I can lift anything heavy and start running and then BY 6 months I will be totally back to doing anything I could usually do. It's a maximum guidance they have to give. I would give yourself at least 3 months though as has been said by me and others it's major and you will need the time.
Defo get the pillows and the peppermint tea, they are non-negotiables i would say!!
You will be fine, let us know how you get on
Thank you, that's really good to know. I get bored but I will follow the advice to the letter as I want my life back so can't get this wrong!
Those items are definitely on my list.
I will definitely update, in the hope I may be able to help someone else. Xx
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