What to expect having hysterectomy 30th Aug

[Dolcie]

Hello girls,

Been to Addenbrooks today for my post op checks.any tips for a full hysterectomy? And what is debaulking ? I've read it quiet a lot on this site having the op 30th of this month just wondered really what to expect ! Getting a bit nervous x

[Hidden]

Hi Dolci,

Debulking just means that the surgeon will take out anything that he thinks that the cancer has gone or will go to..for instance the ommentum is a fatty apron...that lines the abdomen so they usually take that away as a precaution... as it tends to be the first place that cancer will go to..there are other places like the apendix or lymph nodes... so it is really taking away what is necessary.. at the time of operating..I found the operation ok.. But you will need to rest afterwards and not pick up heavy stuff or stretch to put washing on the line or to clean windows..basically taking it easy..if you don't you will get a hernia..I know because I have one..but try not to worry as I recovered quickly after the operation...I wish you all the very best love x G x

[Dolcie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Gwyn , had appendix removed last year & repair of hernia at this rate I won't have a lot left to take out x

[Hidden in reply to Dolcie]

Hi Dolcie,

You've cracked it...you're halfway there already haha should be a doddle LOL

I wonder what you are going to do with all that space... ......you sound like a professional on the operating table..seriously though you'll be fine best wishes x G x

[angelina]

Hi Dolcie.

I had this operation too and must say it isnt anywhere near as bad as you are thinking

it will be. You are given lots of pain killers and the only pain I felt, was like a period

pain and I had the worst type of op - cut straight down the front as I also had 22cm

cyst.You are also given lots of painkillers to take at home.

Good Luck.

Angie x

[Dolcie in reply to angelina]

This will be the third time cut down the front . The last time I got an infection which lasted 11 weeks , I know this might not happen again let's hope x

[suse]

Hi Dolcie, I was very nervous before the surgery, but all the nurses where very good and put you at ease. It was not as bad as i had thought it would be,all went well and i was home within 5 days.The worst for me was the wind i had after the surgery, but once i was up out of bed i was fine. Take it very easy when you get home, don't rush things.

Good luck Sue xx

[Dolcie in reply to suse]

Thank you I've noted mint tea for wind pears for constipation x

[Whippit]

Dear Dolcie

Please don't worry overmuch about the op. I can't tell you how professional the staff are and how compassionate and understanding of our situation. They know we're terrified inside but keeping a smile for the world to see. It really was done very quickly - just a couple of hours and you'll be coming round. I couldn't believe how they could take out so much and stitch me up again so I could even get out of bed hours after recovery.

It is good to get up as soon as you can and the nurses will encourage this as it does help the wind. You're right about peppermint - that really helped me - but you might like to think of taking in a vacuum flask to be filled by the nurse before lights out so you can have a sip when you want to at night. Walking is absolutely brilliant so take in some loose comfortable clothes so you can get out and about as soon as possible and the wind will disappear like a deflating balloon. Whatever you do don't take in carbonated drinks for the first few days as that adds to the wind.

I can't say I experienced any other discomfort and the staff and patients in my ward were absolutely lovely. It was a specialist ward and organised so we could get to know one another - for instance having a table in the centre of the ward where we could all eat together, etc. I also liked having a laptop and my own internet access as that helps while away the hours. I can't imagine why hospitals don't have free wi-fi as they must have the internet for all the thousands of staff. Perhaps at Addenbrooks they are more advanced than here.

Wishing you well for 30th. Meanwhile treat yourself to some nice new jim-jams - ah another tip that my daughter gave me - take in a nightie rather than pyjamas for the first night as it's more comfortable for a cathater which you'll have for a day or two.

Hope this is helpful and reassuring. Very best wishes. xxxx Annie

[Dolcie in reply to Whippit]

Thanks Annie for your tips went and got a night shirt today as the nurse said about catheter and maybe other tubes x

[charlie12]

Hi Dolcie

This is a big operation , but honestly wasn't half as bad as I expected. I stayed in for 5 days, as we have private insurance through my hubby's work, and felt really fine from about day three. You really must rest afterwards , my surgoen said that people with significant findings often take longer to recover , as our poor little immune systems are a bit battered. Obviously you have had abdominal surgery before so you know what to expect.

There is a really good forum called "hysterectomy forum" with loads of information. Towards the end of the home page there is a section called monthly clubs , you can "join" the August club and chat to other ladies being operated on at the same time.

Good luck and good luck with the rest of your treatment.

Love

Charlie xxx

[Dolcie]

Thanks Charlie, I'll look into that website. I have been given some carton drinks to drink before the op. trials have shown that they have carbs in to make u feel better after the op x