Hysterectomy Day Case

I’d have loved to be home the same day! Oh to have had my catheter removed sooner! As soon as my catheter was out (6am the next morning) I was up and about and didn’t get back onto the bed at all!  My consultant/surgeon was new to the hospital (had come from London) and is planning to introduce a same day hysterectomy option later this year. They’ll make sure you can pee before they discharge you and that you’re all ok. They will also give you the ward phone number in case of any issues. I’m pleased for you (and a tad envious!) and am sure you will be fine. I got virtually no sleep in my night at hospital, as so much was going on through the night! You may not even need any pain relief, but make sure you have some in just in case. One thing I’d recommend is asking for a spare pair of compression stockings to take home with you, so that you have a pair to wear when you wash yours. 

Thanks MarmiteFan59. I'm feeling a bit dizzy after that call as I wasn't expecting it!

I think the catheter is the deal breaker for getting out isn't it? So as long as I can wee I'll be fine to go home. I've had a UTI the past month so I'm really nervous about that more than anything. I think I'm best off out of there ASAP without the bright lights, beeps and strangers. As long as I have someone to call if something goes wrong I guess it doesn't matter. I only live 10 mins drive away from my hospital which is probably why I've been considered for it.

I asked him about pain relief and he said I'll be going home with everything I need and he will see me after surgery to make sure I am OK. Good point about the socks - I will be sure to ask.

My ward nurses take phone calls 24/7 so all through the night former patients were phoning for advice (I heard it all!), there was maintenance being done on the toilet opposite my ward, obs were being done all night, so it couldn’t be helped but was SO NOISY! Re pain relief, I had it on my first day but then as soon as my catheter was out I wasn’t in pain any more and didn’t need any! Turns out THAT was the sole source of my pain! My op just felt like vertical pulled muscles either side of my tummy, and though slightly uncomfortable at times it didn’t hurt and I didn’t need any pain relief when I got home ( though took two paracetamol at night just in case). Bet you can’t wait now!

Hi Cakenport. Lucky you! I do recall another lady was in and out on the same day but can't for the life of me remember who it was, sorry. 

It seems as long as you can pee (once catheter's been removed) you can go home. They'll give you all medication you need. I was given an extra pair of compression stockings, came with the carrier bag full of drugs, injections and needle disposal container!

Don't forget to ask hubby to put the pillow in to protect your tummy on the journey home.

Big hugs, Barb xx

Hi - I was in for about 36 hours but I recall at least one of the ladies on this forum went home the same day.

After the operation, the anaesthetic clouded my judgement a little for (I reckon) a day or two. I had experienced this before, so I left myself a note at home to not make any financial decisions for the first few days.

I was sent home with a packet of drugs and instructions, which I didn't fully understand as I was still a bit affected, so ask for any instructions in writing so you can refer to them again. Make sure you have a phone number for who to contact in an emergency. Take your list of questions into hospital so you can ask them on the ward before you are sent home.

I didn't have any emergencies after surgery and I made a good recovery, but it is a bit scary to get home and wonder what is going to happen next. It turned out to be a lot of sleeping! I was fatigued but made sure to get up, showered and dressed every day. I didn't know what to do about my dressings, perhaps I was told but couldn't remember, so a friend who is a nurse came round to supervise when I removed them.

Some ladies here say take a cushion to put between tummy and seat-belt for the car-journey home, although I managed without. Take your stuff in a wheelie-case. Wear stretchy clothes and slip-on shoes which are big enough to accommodate the thick anti-thrombosis stockings. My tummy was covered in some orange lotion which they put on in the operating theatre, so I suggest wear something washable which won't get ruined. I had jogging trousers, a long Tshirt, stretchy jacket and flat slip-ons. Good luck, it is great to get home again.

LittleRunner, I was the same - asked my husband to bring a pillow for my tummy in the car, but I didn’t need it and was more comfortable without it. Yes that awful pinky orange antiseptic stuff or whatever it is! Good mention!

Re dressings, I had no dressings on my wounds when I came round from my op so I left them that way! 

I remember reading your diary and picturing myself being in that position. I am so sensitive to noise and light too. I need a fully blacked out room and fan going to even contemplate sleeping. Just get the blimmin' thing out now!

Thanks so much. I think you're right I'll probably be groggy. I'll be sure my husband gets a briefing if I'm still woozy if he's allowed on the ward. I think it's going to be warm on Friday and 20 degrees so I can probably get away with a baggy shirt dress and treat the socks as leggings. I'm sure I won't see anyone I know ;)

I had keyhole surgery on my stomach before and had little waterproof pouches over my incisions to help with showering. Did you not even have that MarmiteFan59?