Had op and am home

Hi Stelliebug, very well done! You may find my hysterectomy diary of interest (had mine in January) - link here https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/womb-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis-and-treatment/232566/hysterectomy-day-and-after---diary?pifragment-13906=1#1679182

I found I didn’t need painkillers at all after the catheter was out! I took a couple of paracetamol before bedtime “just in case” but even stopped that after 2-3 days. I’m of the view that if I have any pains or twinges I’d rather feel them so that I know to slow down, or stop and rest, and not do that thing again! 

As for do’s and don’ts - I’d say no lifting or anything heavier than a mug of coffee for at least a month. Certainly not a kettle with any more in it than one mug full either. Not even a plate of food on a tray. Bending to pick up the odd thing may be ok if comfortable, but not repeated bending. No stretching either for quite a while. Again I’d say not at all for 4 weeks, then gradually see how you go. For do’s, I’d say gentle daily exercise is good as long as you feel like it. I did a gentle 5 minute walk as soon I got home from hospital, and then 5 mins twice a day for the next 2 days, then slowly increased from there. Until my digestion/bowels got back to normal, I kept to a light diet to make things easier on myself. I think the exercise helped with that too. Showers not baths for a couple of weeks at least - one of my laparoscopy wounds was slow to heal and I waited till I saw my consultant to ask if I could bath.

Do you have an appointment yet for seeing your consultant for your review and results? 

Hi Stelliebug

Well done on getting through the op and you sound well and focused on your journey to full recovery.  I had my op in January and can say that apart from.being able to sleep only on my back first week (I like to sleep on my side normally) I made goid quick recovery. I too had the injections for 28 days and had to wear the elasticated socks for 2 weeks. 

Like Marmitefan59 said listen to your body, definitely No lifting, eat well and gentle exercise like walking few minutes a day and build up on that  and you will surprise yourself how well you are doing!

Take care x

Hi Stelliebug. I love the "all the trimmings"! Recovery from keyhole surgery is pretty quick but you still have to be careful not to lift nor bend too much. (I managed to get away with not hoovering or a couple of months! 

I'd always recommend short walks, good for your health and wellbeing. But if, like me, you're a keen litter picker use a grabber stick. Rest when you feel like it.

If you find your tummy's getting a bit sore with the injections, check with your CNS (or the paperwork provided) and see if you can inject into the top of your legs.

Otherwise, like the others have said, listen to your body.

Big hugs, Barb xx

Hi Stelliebug,

I was in hospital for 2 nights because my bladder wouldn't work properly after having keyhole. Once at home I did daily walks, a few minutes the first day, and increased the time each day. The consultant said I would be back to normal fitness after 3 months, and that was about right. I was allowed a bath as soon as I was home, but not many people seem to be. I went away with hubby in the motorhome after 3 weeks. I got my feet up in the afternoons, but just to get out of the same 4 walls did me good. I'm coming up to 5 years post op. My advice - rest when you need to!!! xxxx

Hi, thanks for your prompt response and good advice.  I'm expecting an appointment for about 4 weeks time. x

Hi Stelliebug

Hope your doing well now you are home and can have peace of mind that your operation is done and dusted and you can relax while you start healing.

I had Robotic surgery 5 weeks yesterday and of the 5 little scares some of them barely show now. One of the larger scares which had not just been glued but stitched also, lost the stitches a day ago but they all look great.

The tummy injections and sexy stockings are a bit of a pain but a necessary evil. I totally agree with the ladies advice, we are all different so just listen to your body and remember that although you may be healing well outside  there's still alot going on inside which takes longer.

A question I have to the ladies is - How soon did you start driving again and is it just a case of asking the insurance if you can drive again or just informing them that you have had the op and intend starting again?

Hugs

Robin xx

Hi Robin, re driving, it’s basically when you would feel safely able to do an emergency stop. So not really an insurance company issue (which really only applies to the general anaesthetic) but when your consultant is happy for you to do so and you feel able. As you recover, I found it was helpful to gently try literally just getting in and out of the driver’s seat (without going anywhere). My car is in our driveway so I also progressed to starting the car, and moving forwards and backwards just on the driveway.

Thank you MarmiteFan so did you inform your insurance Company when you started again.? 

Robin x

I hadn’t informed them of my op (no need IMO) so didn’t inform them when I started again either.

Great thank you MarmiteFan.I can't wait to get behind the wheel again.

Robin x