What questions do I ask before my Hysterectomy?

Hi Tracey 

Are you having ovaries out as well and will you experience menopause if you haven't been though it. 

What supplements you may need after surgery?

How they will assess what sort of hysterectomy you will have?  I had a la para cop but my womb was bulkier than expected and I had  (rares) post op complications. In someone had felt my abdomen before surgery they would have had a better idea of size. 

What aftercare  will you need?  Possible antibiotics and injections 

Do they have a post op recovery plan for you to follow re exercise? 

Hope thatt is some help. Al the best to you 

Sorry Iean I had a laparoscipic. In the back of the car on phone! 

Hi Claracat!

Thanks for the speedy reply... those question examples are really helpful, I'll add them to my list

I know I'm having my womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed and have already gone through the menopause (I see that as a positive!)

I'd never thought about post-op supplements though my GP has put me on Iron tablets... I'll definitely ask about that

Loved your second reply by the way... cracked me up ha ha!

xxx

I'm still in the back of the car, it's now dark so my phone thumbs will be even worse. 

I was told I needed calcium, iron (take with vitamin c) and vitamin d but niot the amount. The calcium and vit d are forever and the iron for 3 months post op for me. I was taking liquid iron and realised its staining my teeth so am going to switch to a tablet

What about your cervix? My husband and I came away from my first appt not sure which bits were going or staying! In the end I had a total hysterectomy with BSO. 

Hi Tracey, here are some more suggestions:

What movements and activities to avoid during recovery, and for how long (I was told not to lift anything for 6 weeks so I needed help for shopping, vacuuming, cleaning, taking the rubbish out).

How long until you can drive again.

Will you need the anti-thrombosis injections and who will show you how to do them (don't worry, it's not difficult).

What do they suggest you bring into hospital with you.

When it came to signing the consent form I asked the doctor to draw me a diagram of what would be removed.

Like you, I had an appointment to see a doctor and then on the day they asked if I wanted to have the pre-op checks there and then.  As far as I can remember they checked my height, weight, blood-pressure, medical history (so a list of any medication you are taking is useful).  I had a chest Xray, ECG, blood sample taken (I don't know what for) and my skin was swabbed for MRSA.  It was quite a long day.  I never got told specific results of any of these tests so I guess they were all OK and I was in top condition.

Just thought of another one... anything you need to do to prepare for surgery, e.g. last meal/drink how many hours before anaesthetic.

Ha ha!... I hope your thumbs are ok

I think based on what you've said I'll simply ask them to tell me what bits are being removed and maybe ask for a diagram. I've a feeling they'll say they can't be sure 'til they have a proper look but better to ask!

It's interesting you say you were told you needed calcium, iron and vitamin D. I've often wondered whether I need extra calcium anyway. Can I ask? Why did they say you need to take Calcium and Vit D forever? 

The more I find out the more questions I have ha ha!

Thanks Claracat x 

Hi Littlerunner,

Some great suggestions there... I'm going to have a very long list ha ha!

I especially like the idea of asking the Doctor to draw me a diagram... that's top of my list as I'm more likely to absorb visual information rather than purely verbal or written text

I'm also going to ask if I can see the ward I'm going to be on; another visualisation kind of thing... simple things like knowing where to put my stuff, where the toilets are and how to operate the pay as you go TV. Not very important things at all but every little helps as they say. Plus I think it will help my Hubby if he can see what to expect.

Wow your Pre-op was very thorough! I had one before my Hysteroscopy but that didn't include an ECG or a chest xray. I think the blood will be to check my blood type just in case I need a top up.

As for what to take into hospital maybe I should start a new thread I'm definitely taking earplugs and an eye mask and have already bought new slippers and 2 new nighties... I'm hoping to have keyhole surgery which is usually an overnight stay... Here's hoping I only need the one nighty!

Thanks a million x

Hi Tracey,

You have already had fab advice about questions, my pre op appointment was as the others described, the blood test I had was a general health check, blood count, etc. They tested my blood to do blood type on the morning of my op and I signed a consent form about blood transfusion then too. I didn't need a transfusion (they said it's rare to have one).

Earplugs are top of my hospital list, I bought new nighties and a dressing gown, I was fine in my loose pjs too. I also wished I'd taken lozenges / sweets as I woke with a really dry throat and windeez for the post op bloat. Other than that the worst bit is post op constipation, I waited too long to act (4 days) so if you are prepared with pills or some prune juice you should hopefully avoid it. If things go too loose I find a banana good for getting back on track. Sorry if this is too much information lol, it's the things I wish I'd known before my op.

lots of love

xxx

Vitamin supplements, to be taken either before or after surgery, were never mentioned by a single member of the medical staff at my hospital when I had my operation last week. We were released as quickly as possible- I understand why - with a box of heparin injections, a disposal box for the used syringes and a large packet of paracetamol.  Plus a rather general cyclostyled discharge leaflet from the gynaecology ward and a follow up appointment. A, Macmillan nurse put in the most fleeting of appearances, just waved hello, and the physio popped her head round the bed to say don't forget your pelvic floor exercises. I was disappointed we were not given any advice on vitamins or diet. Or when the stitches would dissolve. Or indeed warned about possible bowel problems.  Can anyone point me in direction of diet and vitamins?