Radical hysterectomy

Hi bentleythecat,

My hospital were really good and didn't force me home, I was welcome to stay until I was ready to go home, I'd say it's possible to stay on your own but she would need outside help with cleaning and cooking for a while. When I got home I could get myself dressed and washed and get a drink or snack but couldn't have prepared a meal or cleaned. I'd say the six weeks is a minimum before you can clean anywhere expect waist height again. I could have probably cooked a quick dinner after the first week or two.

The others will hopefully post soon and can give you their experiences too, 

Lots of love

xxx

Hi there BentleytheCat, Welcome, though I'm very sorry for the reasons you find yourself here. What a nasty shock for you and your Mum. 

I was 56 when I had my hysterectomy. It was via vertical abdominal incision and had everything including the omentum  and some lymphnodes removed.. I was reasonably fit beforehand and made a good recovery but definitely needed some help when I came home. There are very strict rules about no lifting (a mug of tea is the limit for a couple of weeks), no stretching and no bending. I couldn't bend to dry my feet after a shower, and getting stuff out of the fridge was interesting once my husband had gone back to work. I was managing a daily 20-25 minute walk by week 3 but had walked a lot before. Your Mum will have to build up her exercise etc gradually. It's easy to overdo things when you start to feel better. 

If your Mum prefers to be in her own home, would it be possible to arrange some care/support through an agency? Or a rota of friends/neighbours locally to pop in, with supermarket deliveries to keep her well stocked up. You could discuss transfer of hospital for the op etc with your Mums doctors, but I'd also ask what might happen if she were to need any extra treatment. Where might that be done? Hopefully she won't need any but might be worth checking protocols and procedures. Your Mums specialist nurse may be able to advise you too.

We have a number of older ladies on here who've had the op by incision and via keyhole. I'm sure they'll pop in soon. Do shout up with any queries and we'll do our best to help. Hugs to you both x

ps love your user name! 

Thank you Fairycake so much for replying! I really appreciate it.

We have a big black cat called Bentley  hence the name!

Fantastic advice - will ask my mum’s specialist nurse everything you have suggested.

Most of my mum’s friends have now died (my gran always told her to make some younger friends!)

And she now doesn’t have any close friends as she’s had anxiety for years and barely leaves the house.

So coming to Cambridge will be a massive undertaking for her. The mri/ct scan/biopsy we’re all terribly stressful for her - as they would be for everyone but with the added anxiety of being away from home.

However i’m worried that I should be around to visit her in hospital and take care of her afterwards. 

But as you say, I shall ask the oncologist nurse what she recommends. The treatment plan hasn’t been formalised but apparently will definitely include a hysterectomy. 

Thank you so much again xx

Hi Arla,

That’s really helpful to know, especially about the cleaning and needing meals prepared. Also that the hospital let you stay until you were ready. Thank you so much. xx

One thing I would add is that the one thing I found very uncomfortable after my hysterectomy for the first ten days or so was car journeys.  Even just a short journey in a comfy car with cushion tonsupport my tummy had me exhausted.  I was really surprised as nothing else caused me any trouble really.  Anyway what I'm getting at is if you decide you need to move your mum nearer to you I would suggest doing it before her op. Sorry I can't really offer any advice on how much helpmand support she will need and I don't think you will know till the time comes. Xxx

Thank you Arla! That’s a really good point! xxx

I would also add, find out what sort of personal care she might need with regards to managing surgical stockings and anti coagulant injections. I imagine she will probably need those for 4 to 6 weeks particularly as she us diabetic. I did my own injections but stockings were very tricky. It may be the district nurse could be of help if she stays in her own home  but I think a home help wouldn't be allowed to do injections if she struggles with that.

BentleyTheCat,

I think that it would be great if your mum could stay with you after her surgery. My mum stayed with me for a month after my surgery and it was so helpful and uplifting, though I am only 38! I could walk only with difficulty in the first days after the surgery, I was still sore and even having a shower was difficult at first. Lifting anything heavier than a small water bottle, bending or reaching up for something is also something women should avoid in the first weeks after the hysterectomy.

You can find very helpful advice here: http://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/abdominal-hysterectomy/ and http://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/laparoscopic-hysterectomy/

Joanna

Thank you Teddy’s Mum! Really helpful advice. Thanks so much.

Thank you Joanna80. Some great sites. Really helpful. Thanks so much.