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Abdominal Hysterectomy

Posted , 4 users are following.

michelle48889
michelle48889

Hi; Firstly I would like to commend all you ladies, having a hysterectomy is invasive not only physically but mentally, you have to be made of stern stuff.

I had my op 3 weeks ago. It was supposed to be keyhole but ended up a full abdominal.My womb and fibroids were so large it had to be taken out in two parts. I've had everything removed including ovaries, tubes and cervix.

I've not had too much pain, its more discomfort and you certainly know when you've attempted too much. My stomach is still very swollen and numb to touch and there are periods of internal stabbing and pulling pains. Week 1 was the worse, feeling like a tortoise on its back trying to find the easiest way of getting out of bed to go to the toilet.

Sitting for long periods is a problem as I'm putting pressure on my incision. It is better since I had my staples removed. However, I'm more comfortable walking or laying down.

My husband made me a little bolster with a tightly rolled hand towel secured with gaffer tape. It's been my best friend when you want to sneeze, cough or you have those end of days where you feel its all heading south. I just press it into my lower belly for support, you'd be amazed at the difference.

Advice is to rest, rest, rest and not feel stressed by peer pressure. Just because you look OK at face value does not reflect what your body is feeling and doing too much will just set you back at a later date.

I keep getting told that although you have a scar on the outside which is visibly healing day by day; its all the layers on the inside that you can't see which are going to take much longer.

Do only what you feel comfortable doing. I know its drastic but there is never going to be a time in a womans life were we get 6 to 8+ weeks of being spoiled and doing nothing.

3 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • sally82533
    sally82533 michelle48889

    Posted

    HI hun

    your last paragraph made me lol its a very true point and one i shall definitely keep in my mind! I'm due to have total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a months time. I'm feeling ridiculously nervous but know it absolutely needs to be done. I've read a lot....the best advice i've seen...is yours lol....6-8 weeks of being spoiled and doing nothing when that'll never happen again is a magnificent bonus lol x

    • michelle48889
      michelle48889 sally82533

      Posted

      Hi Sally

      I'm glad I made you laugh.

      I read hundreds of comments on forums and read about every bit of information i could get my hands on. It's scary waiting for your op and you try to prepare as much as you can.

      We are all different, we cope and heal in different ways but retaining your sense of humour even on those days when you feel down is a must.

      I was like a cleaning mad woman before my op as I knew that the house would resemble a war zone within weeks but you do have to turn a blind eye that any cleaning done, will never be to your standard. Plus why have attention paid to the house when it should be lavished on you.

      There is lots of information provided but theres an awful lot of unmentionables that I wasn't prepared for.I'm not one for beating about the bush so here is my survival kit post op.

      Going to the toilet is an absolute nightmare especially when you're as fiercely independant as me. In the first week after your op you need to be an olympic gymnastic!! there is no way you are going to be able to get to those places you need. Believe me you will throw your dignity straight out the window and accept that for a while you need to be inventive. So here is my little post op survival kit.

      • Long handled gadget that holds both moist and dry toilet paper. You can get them on Amazon. Sounds horrid but believe me it'll be your best friend.
      • Long handled body buffer for the shower to get to hard to reach places.
      • Two wash mits one for washing your wound if you have an incision and one to dry.
      • Do not use soap on your wounds. Sounds silly but I used femfresh as its gentle and neutral.
      • Use a hairdryer to thoroughly dry again a bit odd but you'd be amazed, it'll dry those bits a towel won't reach.
      • A little carry caddy by the bed to contain any medications safely. You will also need a bottle of stool softner you'll need it in the first week.
      • Long night shirts that way you haven't got anything restrictive around your middle. Plus it allows you to be knickerless for a few weeks!
      • Don't bog yourself down with anything taxing you need to chill out. If you enjoy reading get some light hearted books. When you get a bit more mobile do crafts or a jigsaw.
      • Put everything you need to use at waist height NO BENDING down.
      • Make yourself a little bolster using a rolled up towel for when you're walking around.
      • If you have wind and you will, just let it go no matter who you are with at the time. It's very painful. I just forewarned - lol.

      You will have a few day when you just want to cry and thats normal and there are going to be days of frustration. You need to remember its your body and you need to listen to it. Sleep when you need to.

      I wish you lots of luck and it will be lovely to hear how you get on. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

    • sally82533
      sally82533 michelle48889

      Posted

      wow thank you so much for taking the time to reply with such brilliant advice! i'm really grateful. the device for the toilet paper sounds interesting i dont know if you have any idea what its called? i'm a single mum of twin girls who are nearly 14 and so at least they can help out a bit My mum has offered to come and stay for a bit which i think i'll take her up on m. I'd be v happy to let you know how i'm getting on it would be lovely to have someone to talk to about it all. And thanks again for your reply you've given me some great advice 😃 x

    • michelle48889
      michelle48889 sally82533

      Posted

      Hi Sally

      The forums are fantastic but what I found was that there wasn't any practical advice and unfortunately there is no point being polite. You need more than just rest rest rest advice.

      The gadget on Amazon is called a long handled toilet aid. Honestly they are brilliant you are not going to be able to bend enough to do the necessary as your tummy is going to be very swollen as they fill you with air during the op and you naturally swell after surgery.

      You will need help especially in the first week as you wont be able to go up and down stairs. It'll be bed rest for you.

      Get your lovely girls and mum to spoil you.

      I honestly mean it, please keep in touch and let me know how your getting on and I'm more than happy to help you with any questions and provide support during your recovery.

      We all have very busy lives and never have the time for anything. The one thing I found was that it was nice to just get off that merry go round, stop and reflect on just how wonderful family and true friends are.

    • michelle48889
      michelle48889 sally82533

      Posted

      Hi Sally

      Thought I would have a catch up with you to see how you are.Have you had your operation yet??

  • Lara1234
    Lara1234 michelle48889

    Posted

    hi michelle - im post op by 5 weeks for TLH and BSO because of endo cancer stage 1a and actually drove for first time today - (my partner had been catching the bus)s - thank god only short distance away and practised 3 emergency stops first and my stomach isnt tender any more but the mere drive and going out into the real world has made me feel tired and drained and i know im not quite ready for the real world yet!!' My partner was home with me only one week when i had my op as he just started new job but just about managed with parents doing shopping for me. it hadnt been easy - week one horrendous lots of pain and very emotional and tearful - 2nd week much the same and then i caught bladder infection - lost and passed alot of blood and infection in incision which is still taking time to heal. but feel i am on homeward run but my skin infection taking more time to heal - still scabby. Still a way to go though as internally you take at least 3 months to heal and was advised no serious exercise until then.

    did u have dissolvable stitches?

    how are u doing now? xxx

    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Lara1234

      Posted

      takes up to 12 month's for everything inside to heal and be strong again.

      I still had stitches from inside coming away 1 year on😱 he must of really done a good job of his embroidery lol.

      even 15 mths on I refuse to carry bags and lift nothing heavier than 2 pints of milk.

      good husband who is on hand to help when he is off shift. I feel I could do all those things but know what can come down if I do.

      rest up ladiesxx

    • michelle48889
      michelle48889 Lara1234

      Posted

      Hi Lara

      Awww bless ya, you've had a horrible time. It's bad enough coping with the aftermath of the operation without having to deal with infections. I think you are so brave to be driving as well. Don't push yourself too much you don't want to undo all your hard work.

      Have you had your histology report back yet? Are you now all clear?

      I feel fine in myself my incision has healed well. There was just a small area where they burnt my skin when they cut me but thats ok now. I had 16 staples. I also had a stitch under my belly button as it was initially planned to do keyhole but couldn't due to the size of my womb and fibroids.

      It will be 7 weeks post op on Wednesday and my belly is still swollen and numb. Sitting too long is painful as it puts pressure on my scar. I'm also getting a lot of stabbing pains inside which I assume is just internal healing.

      I'm going for walks most days and doing more around the house but your body certainly tells you when you've done too much!!

      We've had a massive operation and it takes time to heal so you need to be careful.

      Isn't it a strange feeling leaving the house when you've been couped up so long?

      xxxxx

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