I'm home after hysterectomy

I found pillows around me helped a lot. Did you have abdominal surgery or laparoscopy? I had robot assisted laparoscopic surgery and the pain was worse for the first few days, try not to hunch when you walk, it helped me to be slow but upright. 

Hi Tashton, well for having had your op and glad you’re home! The discomfort could be wind pain from your bowels starting up again and that will literally pass with time, I’d echo B74’s advice about standing up straight - I’d also suggest a couple of gentle 5 minute strolls outside to get some fresh air and get things moving and help your circulation. I found having a light diet helped - mostly protein and fruit and I avoided starchy carbs, 

Well done !  That’s one step over with.  I also found the discomfort derived from all the gas - had pains in the shoulders and discomfort in the tummy area,  This went after a few days.  Getting up and moving around - gentle and small walks often makes all the difference.   Also drinking lots of water helps.  I’m week 3 post hysto and feel relatively mobile and comfortable.   I can do 40 min slow walks - but still lie on my back in bed!  Also doing some gentle physio that helps.  Good luck with recovery 

Hi I had an abdominal hysterectomy 7 days ago. I’m finding that cushioning my stomach with a pillow/ cushion is more comfortable as I struggle to sleep on my back. It got easier after about day 5 once I got the cushions in the most comfortable position. Definitely gets easier!

It was laparoscopic.  Just no position is comfortable. Glad I'm home though.   

Hi Tashton, I spent the first week sleeping sitting up due to pains. I was told it takes weeks for everything to move into new positions - your nearby organs adjust to the extra space. Give it two weeks and I bet you feel much better, I did, although probably more like 8 weeks for bowels and muscles to recover. My CNS and GP both said bowels don't like being interfered with and go into protest! I had abdominal hysterectomy and once the staples were out I was back walking my dog. I'm now back exercising three times a week too and that's while on chemo. Wishing you a speedy recovery x

Tashton are you taking any pain relief? 

HI Tashton

Am glad you have had your op and are back at home. Sorry to hear that you have a lot of discomfort. Have you been prescribed any pain relief? If not then call your hospital (or GP) and get some.

Some of the pain maybe due to the gas they use to inflate the abdomen during surgery and some ladies can find this causes a lot of discomfort until it passes. Pain can also be form the actual surgery and all the organs etc beginning to settle into new positions.

I found sitting upright, propped up with cushions and my feet up on a stool was the most comfortable position. I got one of those triangular soft cushions and it really helped. Also make sure with your clothes there is nothing constricting around your tummy- lose and comfy is the way to go. 

The gas will start to go as you move around. Just 5 mins to start with. I used to try to get up once an hour and stroll around the garden for the first few days. Eating smaller/lighter meals helped. Plenty to drink but avoided anything gassy. 

I would hope that within the next couple of days that you should start feeling a lot better, just take it easy and do call your CNS with any worries. 

Jane

1. Wasn't given any medication to Go home with as I only had paracetamol on ward and they don't issue it.   I have only got panadol

Paracetamol is normally what they recommend in the first instance but you could give your CNS a call for some advice. Panadol is paracetamol from what I remember but it will say on the box. I took paracetamol for the first couple of days and it made a difference.