radical hysterectomy and prolapse bowel and bladder repair

[Lynkeogh]

Help please …. I am now 7th on list for this laparoscopic surgery. Getting anxious as date is coming after a 5 year wait ….. afraid it might be worse after operation. Has anyone any advice re recovery and what benefits have been. I am a fit 72 year old now. I am expecting it to be a general anaesthetic

Any reassurance and tips would be welcome.

lynx

[LouiseD1]

Hi Lyn, I can't imagine what living with all those conditions and waiting so long for surgery must have been like. I understand the worry about the surgery and the recovery but think you should focus on the positives and that things will be better. I can only tell you about the hysterectomy part. It is major surgery and recovery will take time but just be very kind to yourself, listen to your body and take it slowly..Make sure you have family or friends to help as much as possible in the first few days and weeks - you will not be able to bend down, pick things up or lift things. Learn the log roll technique to get in and out of bed. Make sure you have good pain relief and something to help with keeping bowels working easily and smoothly - prunes were my saviour.

I had a total hysterectomy 4 years ago for huge fibroids, it was a really long tough 12 months of recovery but now I feel fit and healthy and so happy I had the surgery..

I wish you good luck and don't hesitate to ask other questions on here, hopefully someone can help x

[HGate]

Laparascopic is good news - less invasive. The '101 tips for a Happy Hysterectomy' book is a godsend. Get supplies of arnica, calendula, peppermint tea and all the treats you can imagine to make it time for you. I found an abdominal support got me moving quickly and safely - walking was my saviour, just build it up each day.

Take care xx

[Lynkeogh in reply to HGate]

sound advice HGate have abdominal support from last operation so will use it this time …. Didn’t think of peppermint tea though. Like the idea of treats and regular walks too Thank you for taking time to reply it is reassuring kindest Lynx

[HGate]

Look up specific physio exercises online - breathing (from day 1 to get the general anaesthetic out your system) and pilates type exercises (some from the bed) will really help - NOT ab cramps though. There's so much you can do with lifestyle that will really help. Rest, walk, physio, rest, walk, physio.... Little and often. I found some good advice on sleeping postures a little too late, but there is so much good stuff out there now and modern medicine is amazing. I set up a bed downstairs and a raised bed, if you can, helps - we put the bed up on blocks.

[Lynkeogh]

physio tips are great and thankfully have a high bed so rolling in and out should be relatively easy … your kind to care Thank you Lynx