My Chat at My Referral Hospital Yesterday

Hello WishingWell.46, sorry to hear about your change in surgery options. I was scheduled to have keyhole surgery but my womb was very bulky like yours, so it was changed to what I like to call half and half. They cut the incision from my belly button down and because they pump air into the abdomen to expand it so they have a better view of everything I found that most of the incision is not seen, just a small incision under the belly button and the incision either side of the abdomen so hopefully they can do something similar. I know a few have had fully abdominal surgery and although it can take longer to heal from most have found it not as bad as expected. So I wanted to send you best wishes and good luck for next Wednesday, we are all here wishing you well. Fingers crossed for you that your covid test is negative 

sending a gentle bear hug  

Just wanted to wish you all the best. At least you will get rid of it, it doesn't matter how! xxx

Hi Wishing well, I had full abdominal hysterectomy, oopherectomy, lymphadenectomy, para aortic sampling and Omentum sampling on 7th October. So I am nearly 12 weeks post op and I was a regular sporting cyclist right up to the op. It is a big operation, no doubting that and I have followed advice on post op exercise and rest, not lifting etc. This week I have been walking more than an hour each day on hilly ground which is more than I should (60mins recommended at this stage) and I am in mild abdominal pain in the evenings. Other than that I feel well but still have a bruise over my naval, the incision was from just above my naval down to mid public area. I am hoping to get back on a bike in January, weather permitting.

So yes, it is a big op but be kind to yourself and stick to the rules afterwards even if you feel fine, my surgeon did a really neat job and I didn't need further treatment, I consider myself very lucky as pathology showed stage 1a grade 3.

I found deep breathing very calming after the op, also it is good for your lungs to clear them after the anaesthetic. I took prescribed laxative powders in with me and had 1 morning and 1 at night. I was so glad I had those so don't be afraid to ask for them. Take the pain relief they offer you for as long as you have pain and it will help your recovery.

I laid only on my back at night for nearly 5 weeks after surgery as it was too painful to lay on my side but I put a cushion under my knees.

I would do it all again as just knowing the cancer was out was such a huge relief. I hope it all goes well for you and that you recover well. 

Sending positive vibes and a big hug, you'll be fine xx