Pain after Hysteroscopy

Hello robotxxx

I am sorry to hear that you are having pains following your hysteroscopy that are feeling like period pains. I did have a bit of pain and bleeding after my hysteroscopy but only for a few days. I wonder if it may be an idea to check with your CNS if you have one or even speak with your GP for some reassurance. 

I see it is not long until your hysterectomy and I expect you probably will be glad to get it done. Mine was in April 2022. I found it fairly straightforward, I didn't have a lot of pain and I recovered well from it. 

Mine was key hole so I went in on the day it was done. I went home the next morning. There was a bit of waiting around before I went to theatre so it's good to take something to read or puzzles to do. I took in my phone and tablet but didn't actually use it much. I spent most of my time chatting. Nighties are better than pyjamas as when you wake up you will have a catheter and it is just easier. Take plenty of pads in case you have some bleeding. I had very little. Wash bag with a few bits and pieces- I took in some wipes to freshen up my hands and face. Hand gel was useful. A dressing gown and/ or comfy loose clothes to go home with. Nothing tight around the waist. You will feel a bit sore around your tummy. Phone charger. A bag to put your paperwork in. I was given a lot of pamphlets etc that got a bit scrunched up in my bag. Bring any meds from home that you are on. Phone numbers for contacts etc.

At home it was about having things within easy reach. Well stocked cupboards and a few easy ready meals or snack type foods. Things that are gentle on the tummy as you may feel a bit queasy after. I made sure all my washing and cleaning etc was done so I could relax and take it easy. There's no heavy lifting/hoovering etc for 6 weeks. No baths, just showers. Phone numbers close by. I got a few magazines etc. A fan- if it is hot. 

I'm sure others will think of other things that helped them and add to the list. 

I hope that it all goes well when you have your surgery and in the meantime if there is anything else that we can do to help please just ask.

Jane

Jane has provided a good list. Definitely I would suggest investing in a few nightgowns and comfy knickers. I was advised to go a size up as there will be bloating for a while after the surgery and it can be quite uncomfortable . I couldn’t stand anything around my waist for some weeks. 
You will be in a hospital gown for a bit certainly while the catheter is in.

Dressing gown important as it’s likely you will be encouraged to sit up as soon as the catheter is out and to go to the loo. I was in an extra few days as there was a complication in my surgery and I needed to be observed. I was pleased that I had brought my phone and tablet and chargers as I had time to fill. 

I'm quite concerned about the catheter, it doesn't sound at all pleasant. I'm also really nervous about having to inject myself with the dvt stuff.

Hi robotxxx

Dont worry about the catheter it isn’t in for very long and you only really feel it’s there when they take it out. They teach you how to inject yourself… I found the best way was not to think about it in advance and be as firm and quick as you can. One time I was very hesitant and it was a lot more uncomfortable than when I did it quickly. You’ll get used to it and before you know it the four weeks will be up.

Linda

Thank you, that’s reassuring!

I found it relatively easy to have the injections in my leg rather than my stomach. At home I alternated which leg I used! 

Hi robot, this is a super thread for what to pack https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/womb-cancer-forum/f/general/217904/what-to-take-in-my-overnight-bag?pifragment-13906=1

For me, the best things I took in with me were SNACKS for the evening of my op, and things for my breakfast the next day. 

I had my hysterectomy in January 2022 - I took a pack of new pants a size bigger than normal - but they were too big! Thankfully I’d taken a couple of normal size too. I took peppermint tea in and didn’t need it so donated it to the ward! My surgery was laparoscopic, and I was up and about at 6am the day after my op - I hopped out of bed literally as soon as my catheter was taken out. I also didn’t need any further pain relief as soon as the catheter was removed (for me I could feel the catheter as soon as I came round from the GA and it was very uncomfortable). I started gentle walks around my ward and up to the nurses’ station and back every 15-30 minutes. My husband came to get me around 1.30pm - I walked to the lift, then when we got to the ground floor my husband offered to go and get the car but I reckoned I’d be fine to walk, given the practice I’d had on the ward and I was! I didn’t need a cushion between the seat belt and my tummy. Almost as soon as we got home, I went for a gentle 5 minute stroll around the block near my home and continued doing this twice a day thereafter, gradually increasing a tiny bit as soon as I felt able. I had decided to refuse the injections (after the one at the hospital) so prioritised being gently and sensibly active as soon as possible. I listened to my body, which meant resting when I needed to but also being active when I felt able to. I had my post op check and histology results two weeks later, and was delighted to be told that, as I was walking an hour or so per day, I didn’t need to wear my Norah Batty stockings any more, and could also have a bath the following week. 

i wrote a diary thread for my op and the days after - I will try and look it up and post a link for you. If you have any questions please do ask! 

Here it is! community.macmillan.org.uk/.../hysterectomy-day-and-after---diary

I had a bad bruise on my abdomen after my hysterectomy (due to bleeding during surgery) and so I couldn’t jab my abdomen and nurse said upper thigh was fine, you do get used to it  

Honestly the catheter isn’t uncomfortable at all. It’s inserted when you are under and it does the job of allowing your urine to just drain away. There’s a second or two of pressure when it’s taken out. I have a low pain threshold and I didn’t hardly notice,