One week to go until my hysterectomy

Hi Lulabell

Not long now! In the UK, pain after surgery is very well managed and I’m sure it will be for you. You will need to take it easy afterwards, no lifting, no housework etc.

For hospital I took too much but here would be my suggestions:

Nightshirts, not pyjamas as you will likely have a catheter in and it makes everything easier for nurses to get access to everything

Lip balm, some nice body spray, body lotion (hospitals have a very dry atmosphere)

Long charging cable for phone/ipad

Slippers and dressing gown

Snacks!

Downloaded films etc on iPad/phone 

Something to read/puzzle book-hospital is boring!

Eye mask and ear plugs to help with sleeping.

Loose clothes for the journey home and a cushion or pillow to put over your tummy under the seatbelt

My surgery involved a 2 week hospital stay but yours will be much shorter. It’s natural to be scared of the surgery but it will be over before you know it.

Sarah xx

Hi Lulabell

Hoping you’re doing ok now-how did everything go? 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your message. Well it's done but I have to be honest it's been a lot harder than I thought. 

They removed my womb, ovaries, tubes and lymph nodes. After the surgery they told me that one of the lymph nodes was positive, although it still needs to be confirmed in the pathology report which should be ready in the next week. They have told me that I will need to have some therapy, and from the report they will decide which.

When I woke up I couldn't feel my left leg as they had touched a nerve whilst digging for the lymph nodes. I had physio and steroid shots in hospital which helped a lot and I can walk again now although the top of my leg still feels numb. Then I also had a bout of cystitis after they took the catheter out, so they filled me up with antibiotics and I feel better now. My bladder isn't functioning at full capacity either, so it doesn't empty enough, so they have sent me home with the kits to auto- catheterise myself. It's been challenging to say the least but I'm glad to be home again now.

Onwards and upwards, hoping for the best.

Thanks again for checking up on me Sarah,

Lulabell