Radical hysterectomy: pre-op appointment with surgeon

L2025 6 months ago

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Hi everyone,

I had my initial pre-op appointment with the surgeon today. He explained more about my diagnosis, surgery and what to expect afterwards, giving me the opportunity to ask questions and checking that I understood along the way. A very helpful meeting where I felt listened to and well cared for.

I will be having an open radical hysterectomy with fallopian tubes, ovaries and lymph nodes also removed as a precaution. I have been told to expect to be in hospital for 4 or 5 days after surgery.

I have an appointment next week for pre-op health checks and to meet the recovery team for info and advice then I’ll have another blood test 2 or 3 days before surgery. I’m awaiting confirmation of the surgery date - the surgeon said that it will be in February but not the first week of February as he is already fully booked that week. So it shouldn’t be long to wait for surgery - the sooner it takes place then the sooner I can start recovery.

If anyone has any tips/experience to share, that would be much appreciated. All general tips/experience welcomed - below are a few things I would particularly like to ask about if anyone is able to help.

Things to take with me to the hospital that I might not think of (I’ve never stayed in hospital before but I have looked up general things to take like nighties, day clothes, etc).
Anything that you found you couldn’t do after surgery while recovering that you hadn’t anticipated/expected in advance (I’m trying to think about anything I can prepare/put in place before surgery that will make it easier afterwards).
Did anyone else need to be able to step over the side of the bath to access the shower once at home (I only have a shower over the bath, no shower cubicle)? If so, did you manage this okay in the first few days/weeks of being back home?

Thanks,

Louise

L2025 6 months ago in reply to Lynney

Hi, Lynne. Thanks for your reply. Good tip about the step - I have several of those spread around the house already as I’m quite short so I can easily move one into the bathroom for when needed. x

L1sa 6 months ago

Thanks for this post, wanted to ask similar. I’m having exactly this op on Wednesday after a diagnosis in late November. Good luck.

SarahH21 6 months ago in reply to L1sa

Hi L1sa and welcome to our group.

All the best for your surgery and hope everything goes well. Please feel free to ask any questions and I hope you’ll let us know how you get on.

Sarah xx

Cervical Cancer Forum

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

L2025 6 months ago in reply to L1sa

Hi L1sa . Thanks for your message. Sending you my kindest wishes for Wednesday. x

L2025 5 months ago

Hi everyone,

Quick update: I’ve now had my surgery date confirmed for Tuesday (11th Feb).

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

Louise x

SarahH21 5 months ago in reply to L2025

Hi Louise (L2025

All the best for next week-take things gently and I hope you’re soon on the way to recovery.

Sarah xx

Cervical Cancer Forum

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Seffie 5 months ago in reply to L2025

Hi Louise just wanted to wish you all the best for your op and recovery! i am 3.5 weeks post op for the same surgery and am doing ok, able to walk about ok, do light cooking, tidy round etc in more discomfort than pain but its gradually improving. The first 2 weeks were abit rough but the time passes quickly and you soon start feeling better. Its important to find the balance between rest and activity, in the 2nd week i was doing too much and my pain and swelling increased so i would say do less than you think you can in the first 2-3 weeks as that will give you a strong foundation for recovery. The things i wasnt expecting were the amount of numbness over my stomach and tops of thighs but ghis is gradually clearing, my pain was higher as well but this is subjective and i didnt take codeine, just paracetomol and ibuprofen. On days i was struggling i did some guided meditations from youtube and these helped to calm my mind and relax my body which helped the pain and overall mood. I am sure everything will go really well for you but any questions come back here as everyone is very supportive. Wishing you a successful op and speedy recovery! xx

L2025 5 months ago in reply to Seffie

Thanks Seffie

Really appreciate this message with your recent and current experience.

Hope your recovery continues well.

Louise x

Seffie 5 months ago in reply to L2025

Thank you! xx

Cercan2025 5 months ago

Morning, good luck with everything, Exactly the same procedure in 2023.

My advice don't leave that hospital without laxatives xxx

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Radical hysterectomy: pre-op appointment with surgeon