Hysterectomy coming up help

Hi Vivh.  I had my hysterectomy in Mid November and was full of anxiety beforehand - I think that is normal really.  My last anaesthetic was when I had my tonsils out, aged 5, so I was very worried generally.  I kept telling myself that they see so many women every week, I will just be another - that is their specialty!

 I know you will still be anxious, but I really want to try to reassure you that I was amazed how well I felt afterwards - I woke up in recovery and had a nurse there all the time, but I felt fine straight away.  You will probably have a catheter overnight, which helps you to rest without needing the loo, but that is removed next morning.  If you feel pain at all or any sickness, they give you something to help - but I didn’t need that and managed with paracetamol and was able to start pottering about gently - I was amazed!

I was discharged the next afternoon- my hubby came to get me and, quite honestly, i was fine not having him there - knowing I was going home later.  My ward was very small and sociable - we had a good laugh comparing notes!  Take a long charging wire for your phone, so that you feel in contact.  The other things that I really needed were:  ear plugs, eye mask ( the lights kept being turned on), big knickers, elastic waisted jog pants to go home in,   Ginger biscuits (the food was not great), mints or mint tea.  I am sure others will have more suggestions.

Try not to worry too much - I know that is easier said than done.  Take care x

Thanks for the great advice  I also have a hysterectomy looming..iv a face to face with my consultant on Tue where il be told all the gory details and be given more information on "my plan" I'm not telling my grown-up kids about the appointment coz there's no point everyone worrying so..in short.. I'm a basket case over all this..I work full time and won't be able to manage on sick pay while I'm recovering (sickpay dosent even cover my rent) so any financial advice is most welcome..I seem to be worrying and anxious about everything. please help..thanku

Hi @bigbangtheory. I also waited to tell my grown up kids until I knew what was going to happen - one appointment meant that my daughter needed to arrange other childcare, so I had to tell her.  Actually both daughters were amazingly supportive and a little upset that I had gone through those worrying weeks without their help.  However I still feel that it was unnecessary for us all to worry, until we knew the plan - I did enough worrying for all of us!

i am afraid I don’t have any financial advice, but I think Macmillan has a financial section, so it might be an idea to ring them - they will know all the up to date info

Take care - we all understand what a difficult time this is - the whole shock to the system is hard, but you will find a lot of support here x

Thanku so much for replying so quickly..I'm in tears rite now. I didn't know this kind of help existed but my ignorance of my own health has led me here.. I didn't just spot after menopause..I bled badly for a year b4 I done anything about it so I also feel guilt for not taking care of myself..But anyways thanks again xx

Hi Vivh, bless you. I just got my own full hysterectomy date through as well - for 22nd January so just under two weeks after yours. You will be well on the mend by the time I have mine! My consultant told me that the op would probably take just 45 mins so that was encouraging. I’m trying to think of it as a slightly more comprehensive hysteroscopy. And like GwenDot I’m also focussing on the fact that my consultant is a skilled specialist who does these ops everyday and to him mine is just another operation. I think we will be quite sleepy after our ops, even after we’ve come round from the anaesthetic, and I think even with staying overnight it will pass quite quickly. Wishing you all the very best,

Hi Gwendot, thank you so much for your reply and reassurance. I am trying to keep my anxiety in check and not focus on what they are going to do so will keep going. I know my surgeon is good at what he does and when I saw him was very reassuring. Like you say he does this all the time. Thanks also for the things I need to take. Ginger biscuits are my favourite : ) Thanks again & Happy New Year XXX

Hi Marmitefan59 That's a good way to think about it although I found the hysteroscopy very traumatic as they couldn't get through my cervix despite local anaesthetic and a lot of trying so when I was offered another under a general or a hysterectomy which they recommended after seeing my MRI I went for the hysterectomy as didn't want to end up having 2 procedures and at least I wont know anything about it. Just going to have a sleep and when I wake up will all be over hopefully. Hope it all goes well for yours on 22nd and I can let you know how mine went if you like XXX

Please do let us know how you get on, and wishing you all the best! 

X

Hi Vivh. Now you've got the date pencilled in on your calendar it's time to batch cook for the freezer, clean out your kitchen cupboards, amazing how many things you'll find with a sell by date of 2018 LOL. One lady even started hemming curtains - what !!! Put things within easy reach.

You might also find this link to what to take in my overnight bag useful.

You might be able to have your hubby but you can zoom or whatsapp call. I was quite happy with a bit of peace and quiet and being able to concentrate on passing a bowel motion!

The day and night will be over in a flash. I can honestly say I felt only a little discomfort but if you do feel pain don't hesitate to let the nurses know. My staff nurse said shout before it takes over but I didn't need anything except the drugs given.

Sending hugs your way, Barb xx