Dates 2015?

bowel does go into sleep mode for a bit after and im still trying to get myself sorted

Im back to work on tues, feel very weird about it all

Yeah my nurse said I'm not to do ANYTHING for the first 6 weeks!!! I thought that was only the first couple of weeks, but I questioned her and she said no, nothing for 6 weeks! She also said no work for 8 weeks and only then if I'm PROMISED a phased return to light duties, she said there is no way I can go back to my rather physical job for at least 3 months!

What type are you having?  They are being very strict with us aren't they, I've been reading about ladies doing bits and bobs at 2/3 weeks and gradually building up to the rest.  I can't even iron for 6/8 weeks, but I can walk Rosie, my Shih Tzu at 1 - 2 weeks, mind you she does not pull at all and is happy at any pace I set, I am very pleased about being able to walk her very quickly.  I asked about when I could do Kegels again and she said they would have me doing them a few hours after I am back on the ward, brilliant, no time for slacking and then up and walking great but ........... in dark green stockings ugh!  Good news I can bend down whenever I want if it is comfortable, also I can stand.  She said no cooking but Ian told her we had devised a system, I would stir, chop and give orders and Ian would lift pots and pans, pour, and put things in and out of the oven, so she said yes.  

Isn't it strange how different each hospital is, very confusing!  

is having to wait 6 weeks as least before you can do anything going to make things very difficult for you?  What sort of work do you do?  You are going to have to be very very careful when you return aren't you?  

My nurse had the perfect answer whenever I tried to get a sooner date on doing things, "if you want to be back in that chair in a year's time at a pre-op assessment for a repair"  - obviously no way do I want that so it is obey to the letter!  

I think we are going to have to accept we are on holiday for at least 2 months, (seems like I am going on a walking holiday) so we must try and enjoy it and pamper ourselves rotten!

I've been given a list of things I will need, and there is even more on it than I have packed already!  Ian keeps saying "you are only in for a day and a half!"  

Love Jacqui 

I'm having a Total Abdominal Hyst, so that could be why I'll not be up and about quite so quickly What are Kegels? Great you can walk your dog, I'm wondering how my cat will be with me, he loves a cuddle and follows me everywhere, he is actually called Shadow as that is what he is, my shadow! LOL

I'm lucky as my hubby is quite domesticated really, he does most of our cooking anyway as I hate doing it. Also the kids already have their own jobs that they get pocket money for so I think they might welcome the extra earning potential LOL

I work with special needs adults, so lots of pushing of heavy wheelchairs, bending and stretching, again I'm lucky though as it's local council so they have policies in place so should not be an issue to arrange a phased return to light duties (in the office).

Your nurse is spot on with not wanting to go ack in for a repair. Can you please post your packing list as mine is just basic slippers, nightwear, sanitary pads etc.

xx

thats exactly like me, I was on morphine drip then a paracetamol drip as well as catheter oxygen and wound drain, halusanations were amazing I did stay in bed for first 24 hours then was only allowed to stand briefly.

please listen when they say do nothing for first 6 weeks, mind you I really didnt want to.

i did start to potter about, light dusting etc after 4 but kept it quiet from hubby im 9 1/2 weeks and going back to work tues, being phased in for first 2 weeks.

I have to say it has gone alot quicker than I thought. everyone said at the start"enjoy the rest, make the most of it"

bY the time I felt ok ish its time to go back to work typical lol.

Good luck with the return to work next week , I hope it goes well and you're not too tired xx

Ps. Do you think I can pre order my hallucinations? If so I'd like to be on some exotic beach, with deep blue seas, palm trees and cocktails being served by sexy waiters! Is that too much to ask!? xx

wish I could have pre ordered halusanations but unfortunately all I saw were legs and arms coming out the walls like manikins lol

in fact they were the lights and arms

Very sorry have not replied before, but I didn't get a notification email like normal, I have just been reading through the comments and found your reply.  Yes you are right I am a chatter box, but not as bad as I am emailing.  I love typing and the keys just run away with my fingers!

Kegels are very strong pelvic floor exercises (they are supposed to stop all the problems that I have!)  but my pelvic floor was tested and is as strong as an ox, so they think it was the menopause that did me in plus some of the pilates exercises I used to do!  After your op if you want to keep your pelvic floor toned up (when you get permission, of course!) go to YouTube and type in Michelle Kenway, she is a hysterectomy and pelvic floor physiotherapy nurse and she has some great videos on doing kegels.  I use her as my cheer leader when I am doing mine.  She always makes me do them stronger, she is well worth a look.

Sounds like you have everything worked out for your recovery, it is lovely when hubbies are willing and able.  Poor Ian is going to do the best that he can.  He is already doing one of Rosie's walks to try and strengthen up a bit, but it is taking its toll!  

Gosh your job has a lot of heavy lifting doesn't it?  Great that there is a phased return with light duties, very sensible.  

Packing LIst - Wait for it, it is long!

Light loose clothing, baggy jumper, harlem trousers (bright hot pink!)

ballet pumps (got to get walking!)

Makeup (got to glam up, helps the spirits)

Makeup Remover

Tissues 

Magnifying Mirror

Hairbrush, Comb, Hairdryer, Styling Lotion 

Shampoo, Conditioner

Toothpaste, Brush, Mouthwash  

Tablet and Charger  (have 800 books on it so should be enough!)

Phone and Charger

Baby Wipes

Body Wash

Large Soft Towel (Been told that hospital towels are rough)

Nail file, scissors, emery board

Body Lotion 

Day Cream for face

Night Cream for face

All my medication 

Dressing Gown, Nightie 

Bra and 4 pairs loose knickers 

Loose change for bits and pieces

Bottled Water (In case nurses are busy, we have to drink loads to stop infections!) 

Japanese Peppermint Oil (for the gas!)

Throat spray (apparently your throat can be very sore) 

Face cloth

Tummy pillow 

Sanitary Pads

Deodorant 

Lip balm (hospitals very drying on the lips!)

Keep a journal to note your progress (good for when you feel blue!)

Hope this helps!  Also hope your germs have gone and your nerves are calm, remember being calm before op helps the healing process!

Love

Jacqui 

Me again, forgot to say, keep a pillow over your tummy when sitting down, so Shadow can still cuddle up to you.  My specialist nurse said keep pillows everywhere and just grab one on your tummy when the animals want some loving.  It is very good for our recovery to have cuddles with our babies.  Also in the car going home from the hospital, pillow between you and the seat belt.  

Rosie said hi and love and kisses to Shadow.  She loves cats, unfortunately they don't seem to like her very much!  

Love Jacqui 

I worked out what Kegels are, thanks. Though I had to have a TVT in 2006 as my pelvic floor was shot back then and I had stress issues, I hope that won't be disturbed in this op as it has been to date the best medically related decision of my life (can even play on the trampoline with my kids ) I do still do pelvic floor excercises but I'm fairly certain that it's not as strong as it should be.

Wow! What a list! How long you going in for!? LOL Thank you x

Don't want to count my chickens before the eggs have hatched but I've felt LOADS better today

I had already been told about the pillows but thanks great advice x

Shadow said hi to Rosie but he also said he won't pop round for tea as he is a bit scared of dogs, for that matter he is scared of his own shadow!! LOL xx

So glad to hear you are feeling much better.  Keep working on the kegels, it takes 6 months to get them strengthened to full capacity, and then you have to do them 5 times a day, every day, no slacking!  

I know my list is terrible, my hospital's fault, after I thought I had packed everything they supplied me with another list!  The case is full now, so that is it!  Considering I am only in for a day and a half - still I have never travelled light in my life!

Rosie said she will admire Shadow from afar so she does not frighten him.  When we see a cat she squeaks with excitment and wants so much to be friendly, they usually take one look and bolt!  This will make you laugh, there is a farm just up the hill from us, it is part of the Sandringham estate, and they have the most beautiful chickens and roosters and I have to take Rosie every day to see them.  She stands watching them and her eyes get bigger and bigger with utter amazement.  The chickens have got so used to her now they just carry on, sometimes they come close and cluck at her.  Then one of the horses comes over and gives her a kiss, it is like being part of some story book!  

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy your fabulous family.

Love

Jacqui