Scared after getting hysterectomy op date

[Makesha]

Hello my name is Caroline and I am 54. I am going to have a vaginal hysterectomy on 11th June. I have a grade 3 prolapse. I've been on waiting list since September and my 1st op was cancelled. So I feel quite anxious. I've been told it will take six weeks to recover. What should I expect? I have 2 kids (12 & 15) how fragile will I be? My husband is there too but like a lot of women I do most of the house stuff and I will find it really hard not to do stuff . Is it true we can't lift anything - not even a kettle!? Also other women have told me going to the loo can be painful/tricky. Please can anyone give any tips? Gratefully received! Caroline 😊

[Charliebh12]

Hi Makesha,

I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy and it really isn't that bad. Do ask all these questions beforehand as it's your body, you have a right to feel nervous!

Yes you can lift a kettle just don't lift heavier things until you are ready like the hoover. This won't last the full 6 weeks but just until you feel ready.

I actually found the worst pain was the packing they put in your vagina afterwards for 24 hours. once that and all the tubes are removed you a free to walk around in hospital. I stayed one night only and the next day I was out in my garden watching my little boy ride his bike by teatime!!

Afterwards it's sore but not impossibly so, you can't have a bath for a bit but you can shower.

You will find you get sooo tired for a while, so managing energy levels is hard at first, I found it tough as my son was 3 at the time but again as a few days after goes by you will start to know your limitations and rest when the kids don't need you. Its very important to rest.

It does take a while to completely recover. The 6 weeks is a good estimation for initial recovery. You wont be in pain for 6 weeks but your energy levels will be lower and you will know if you've over done it. I found I had a dragging feeling in my legs and pelvis which kind of told me to stop.

My best advice would be to take things gradually and slowly but keep moving afterwards as this helps you heal. If they give you exercises to do definitely do them.

Honestly it really isn't too bad, and it's a relief to get rid of all the bits that hurt!!

I wish you all the best xxx

[Makesha in reply to Charliebh12]

Dear Charlie Thanks so much for taking the time to write this reply - this sounds like really good advice. It all feels a bit daunting but I am looking forward to feeling more normal again! Caroline x

[Lewchar18]

Hi I'm 5 days post op. Had a laparoscopic hysterectomy. So far I've found the worst part was the constipation I had days 3/4. I wasn't eating much or the right things. I would advise lots of fruit and veg. I was given lactolose and I took a laxative too. Once I went I felt better. My pain has been quite good but I have taken it easy. I also was worried how my family would cope but my partner and sons (15&19) have been fantastic. Its hard to sit and give orders when u r do used to doing it all but they need to help. The advice on here is always good as there is always someone who is experiencing the same as u. Good luck with everything xx

[Makesha in reply to Lewchar18]

Dear Lewchar

I think I sent a reply but it may not have worked! Blame pre-op nerves! Thank you for your reply I really appreciate it. I hope you are continuing to heal well in your recovery.

Caroline x

[Makesha]

I would also like to ask for some more advice. My husband is a musician and has a very important project on the weekend after my op. I should come home on Tues and he had planned to be away Fri/sat/sun - I have a very capable 15-yr-old daughter and a son,12. Do you think I would be ok to just be at home with them? Or would it be foolish?

[Alicepirate]

Yes think you will be ok I was home alone with teens after my op and managed . I've had a rubbish recovery but could manage without extra help just really make sure you don't get constipated and beware of the gas leaving you from the laparoscopic inflation so lots of peppermint tea from the beginning . Lots of prunes and oranges grapes just overdo the squishy fiber before you get any problems and drink tones of water. Drink drink drink and I managed mostly just on the paracetamol and ibruprofen the pain I had was most the gas leaving my body. Moving about and peppermint tea helps this.

Good luck hope all goes well for you 💗 Maybe get friend you feel comfortable to ask help from to pop in everyday day when husband away arrange before he goes just to help with anything kids can't manage. Think it can be a bit stressful for kids else you don't realize how much you do til you can't do a lot 😖 Be really organized with easy food in fridge and tones of fruit and veg you can easily eat 👍

[Makesha]

Hi Alicepirate

Thanks for your reply - this is all really useful information and I will definitely get some peppermint tea. I am trying to up my water intake but I am also bad at drinking plain water. Do they fill us with air to do the operation or is it something which happens "naturally"? I am also worried in case the NHS cancel it (again!) but if all goes to plan I will have the op this Monday. What has been rubbish about your recovery? I hope you are feeling better as I write this.

All the best - Caroline