Hysterectomy this week - how to prepare?

Hi Alex, bless you as you prepare to go in. What time do you have to be there? I can’t remember if I’ve already shared it with you, but here’s a link to a diary thread I did from operation day onwards in case it helps https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/womb-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis-and-treatment/232566/hysterectomy-day-and-after---diary?pifragment-13906=1#1679182

I’m glad you’ve read the what to pack thread and hope you’ve paid lots of attention to the snacks and sweets to suck afterwards! I even took in my own breakfast with me as I’m picky (I made up some overnight oats with dried fruit and took in a bottle of water so I could soak it). I also took in some squash so that I didn’t have to just drink water. 

have they asked you to have a shower with special gel at home before you go in?

Hi  

Yes I had a good read through one lunchtime! Very helpful.

I need to be there at 730am, I’ve not been asked to do anything. I went for my pre op a few weeks ago, had a call this week to remind me of surgery  And that’s it really. Covid test tomorrow then I guess I just turn up? 

Yes indeed! There will probably be a queue! And they will then decide the order after you check in. I’d suggest asking for a second set of Norah Batty stockings - makes it easier for washing them as you will be wearing them for a while! 

Good to know, thank you! 

Hi

I found that after my op that eating solid food was impossible as everything seemed to stick in my mouth  - even though I was starving I didn't seem to have any saliva, so would suggest maybe taking those little pots of fruit or jelly you can get.  I only managed to eat a few slices of tinned peach as it was moist and easier to swallow.

Hopefully you will have someone who can help you with household tasks...my husband and parents alternated being with with me for the first few weeks so helped out with cleaning, washing and shopping etc.

Good luck for Thursday, hopefully you wont be kept waiting around too long.

Alicat Good morning Alex, firstly sorry that you have to go though surgery for cancer and its always difficult to know what to expect. I am glad you found the what to take in your overnight pack helpful list very useful actually its a great list and people add to it with things that have helped them. Obviously depending on whether you have keyhole or open surgery depends on how long it takes to heal etc but what is a definite is to try to avoid and unnecessary lifting or stretching having someone to help with the children is great iam sure this is a huge weight off your shoulders. But one thing i found useful was to put everything I normally use each day at a level that reduces the need to stretch up to or indeed reach too. I found i managed to pull a few stitches simply reaching for the kettle so having it near for example will help and only fill it with what you need for that use reduces weight, simple stuff yes but it’s surprising how we forget these things. The ladies here a just fabulous lots of good advice already but I definitely wanted you to know about the kettle thing. I would also suggest that maybe you do some batch cooking and having meals put into containers and freezer so they can simply put in the microwave, this will help reduce standing for long periods cooking. You will feel very tired after surgery but be aware you could also feel so fantastic because of the medication you may forget yourself, rest is important in healing a cushion between you and the seatbelt when your in the car will help a lot. I and so many others had issues with the bowel, i found peppermint tea really helpful to keep me refreshed and make the bowels abit more comfortable they do get knocked about and they do take a little snooze when your under anesthetic and so so could be a bit troublesome after, some found prune juice great too. The most important yet obvious thing is listening to your body its ok to rest, fatigue is very normal afterwards and the lovely stockings are great too and better definitely as said to have extra so ask if you can have a extra set so you can wash them. The length of time you need to wear them depends on many things how mobile you are etc but they will let you know, i was told to wear them for 4 weeks but i had swelling issues and so i had them a bit longer and even now especially on longer journey i wear them. 

I wish you every luck for Thursday i really hope that everything goes really well and a little about me well i had my hysterectomy at 38 so a little earlier then yourself but near enough and i had what i call half and half. Part keyhole, part abdominal due to bulky womb, so they cut a down from my bellybutton and i have a nice little scar there and the two smaller incisions either side of the abdomen have now disappeared. I had my surgery in 2017 and now been realised from regular checks and on telephone calls and will be seen as necessary. I unfortunately i have other health issues which has made my recovery difficult but i have to say i was totally impressed with my gynaecology team they were and are fantastic and feel very confident speaking with them.

sending gentle bear hugs

Thank you, I've added some to my shopping.  My mum and husband will be doing the same as helping out x

Thank you for such a detailed response!  I have noted all that you have said, some really helpful tips.  My womb have been described the same as slightly bulky.  Can I ask how long you were in for?  Luckily hubby is great with the cooking and cleaning and my mum will be here when he needs to go to work.   I just want it over now, once I wake up I will be grateful that I made it! Thank you x

Hi Alicat. I can't add anything to what the other ladies have already said. Great you've got a trained hubby and supportive mum! 

It'll all be over before you know it and you'll be back home. Don't bend or lift anything heavier than a mug and take it easy with short walks as soon as you feel up to it.

Be thinking of you Thursday, come back and tell us how it went when you're up to it!

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Alex, there’s one extra thing I’ve thought of for preparation for your op. To help minimise bowel issues after your op, I’d suggest a light diet in the day or two up to your op. The day before my op, I had my main meal at lunchtime and then something very light in the evening so that you’re likely to have a poo later that evening or first thing in the morning when you get up - which will make for easier times post op.