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Hysterectomy advice on recovery and travel

Posted , 7 users are following.

Glennie68
Glennie68

Hi!

Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice! I am waiting for a full hysterectomy - and waiting times being as they are - it will probably be in about 12 weeks - this will take me to mid April. I have a holiday booked for mid June - but it would mean a 7 hour car journey from home to go there. I am thinking this will be too soon - I am a good healer - but I know this is a major op - and have been told because of the size of my uterus and fibriods attached that I will be having an abdominal cut. Should I cancel my holiday now - or chance that i might be alright? 

Thanks in advance!

0 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • karen47058
    karen47058 Glennie68

    Posted

    Hello Hun I thought I would bounce back and everyone recovers differently but I'm 11 weeks and probably need another 2 weeks before I return to work! I've struggled a bit with my mental state and only being 39 and hitting the menopause early with HRT has probably had an impact on me :-( all I will say is don't underestimate how big this op is! No driving or lifting anything heavy for 6 weeks at least good luck Hun xx

    • karen47058
      karen47058

      Posted

      Ps I've had a full abdominal cut hystectomy :-)

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 karen47058

      Posted

      Thanks Karen,

      I am thinking will be too soon. We were going to share the driving - so I don't think we will be able to make it!

  • caroline_19506
    caroline_19506 Glennie68

    Posted

    Well it depends on what you are doing on holiday if you are having a relaxing holiday you should be ok as it takes about six to eight weeks to get back to normal I went back to work after eight weeks though I had a very good surgeon all the best
    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 caroline_19506

      Posted

      Thanks Caroline,

      Would be relaxing - but I think because we were going to share the driving duites it will be too much. We booked not knowing I would need this operation - otherwise we would not have bothered until I was recovered.

  • lynda20916
    lynda20916 Glennie68

    Posted

    Hi, Glennie,

    How you recover depends on your age and overall physical condition.  Your external stitches can take 6-8 weeks to heal, but internal stitches (with an uncomplicated operation, such as the one with the small incisions) take longer--6 to 8 months. So, it might be longer with an abdominal incision, which you'll need to be particularly careful with.

    You will need to be careful about moving, cleaning, lifting, etc. for that time.  Also, as Karen pointed out, this surgery will push you into complete menopause with the associated discomforts, so it will take time for you to find an equilibrium, including with your diet.

    My idea of a holiday is that I will be travelling and moving without being uncomfortable or having any anxiety about the way I eat or eliminate.  I want to eat what I want and go where I want and be relaxed.  Frankly, I think you'd be taking a chance--and may not be able to thoroughly enjoy yourself!

    Hope this helps!xx  

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 lynda20916

      Posted

      Thanks Lynda,

      Not so worried about the menopause - as I actually went through this at 30 - I have already had 1 ovary removed at 28 as an emergency op - and I was up and about within 6 weeks - I did have a fairly large incision then - but i was younger! The other ovary failed - so I was eventually put on HRT after full blown menopause for about 6-7 months! Not relishing the idea - am told I will be put on another form of HRT post-op though. I am gonna cancel my trip now - it was booked ages ago - when I didn't know about the operation. 

      Will try and find somewhere that's warm in the winter when I am fixed :-)

      Thanks!

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 caroline_19506

      Posted

      It's difficult at any age. Took me a long time to come to terms with it. Hugs!

       

    • caroline_19506
      caroline_19506 Glennie68

      Posted

      That's true I had mine in Nov 2015 the same year my dad died it's difficult to come to terms with but worth it for your health

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 caroline_19506

      Posted

      I need it - no other alternative to sort my health issues. Sad you lost your Dad too - I just lost my Mum 5 months ago - miss her - but she would be the first one to say 'get sorted and live life to the full!' xx

    • caroline_19506
      caroline_19506 Glennie68

      Posted

      That's true nothing can make up for their loss just get your health sorted la life's too short to worry

    • lynda20916
      lynda20916 Glennie68

      Posted

      Please do let me know how you get on, especially when you get your surgery date!  smile

    • Glennie68
      Glennie68 lynda20916

      Posted

      Thanks. Will let you know when I know - have to get the pre-op date first though! 
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