Practical question about hysterectomy

I’m currently in that very situation, but also having to contend with a broken left arn…I wore very light super stretchy palazzo trousers and a camisole and that’s also what I wore home today…I’m fat so I look like I’m currently expecting triplets! I packed some big comfortable pants, a size up from what I normally wear…it was so hot I’m glad I took my little battery powered desk fan, it came in very handy…I also took ear plugs,which were definitely needed with the woman in the next bed, and an eye mask although admittedly I didn’t get much sleep.

My husband brought in a soft cushion for the journey home by taxi which I used under the seat belt, there were a few bumps in the road so I’m glad I had it.

I also packed some pads and have needed them but that seems to be going off.

I won’t lie it does hurt today, I had my operation yesterday morning..but as I said I’m also sporting a broken arm so that’s not helping, I’m hoping the pain will start to reduce over the coming days.

Hope all goes well for you x

Hi Aud40, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy in October 2022 so had quite a wide incision. I wore comfortable clothes to the hospital that I planned to wear afterwards so loose pull on trousers with elasticated waist, loose tops and, most importantly, big pants which didn't chafe the incision! Anything tight is a 'no no'. You could wear a dress, again if it's loose, but as we're getting into Autumn trousers are probably better. A nightie is better than pj's whilst you in hospital. I took loads of pads and panty liners but had very little bleeding so hardly used them but would suggest taking them. I wasn't in too much pain post op, more discomfort and found lying on my back in bed with a raised pillow was the best position. The hospital beds are adjustable so you can adjust it to your needs. On the ride home I placed a soft cushion between the seat belt and my body which seemed to work OK. Hope all goes well. 

Hello Aud40

I found loose comfy clothes were best. Nothing tight around your tummy. Layers. Nightie for hospital (although I only wore the gown and then got dressed)- nightie is easier with the catheter- although it is normally removed fairly soon. Bigger knickers felt more comfortable. 

I took pads with me but didn't really need them- it was more in case I had any bleeding but I never did. Ride home was fine- just took things steady. I had very little pain. It was more a case of taking things slowly, resting up and not overdoing it. In fact I would say I had more discomfort from the injections into my tummy post op- than the actual surgery. Even then it was just bruising. 

Good Luck and if there is anything else you want to ask, please do so

Jane

Hi I have a touch of bladder weakness so took my trusty Tena pads. The hospital usually have pads though they have no sticky bits.

Loose clothing is a must. I had my surgery in mid March and preferred to stick with nightdresses for some weeks after as anything touching my stomach area was uncomfortable. I was advised to go a size up and so bought myself some loose joggers from M&S. Same with knickers, full briefs in a larger size.

 I also had a soft loose fitting midi dress that I wore often until the tenderness dissipated.

Overall avoid tight clothing. 

Hi Aud40, I had laparoscopic surgery which left me with three incisions - one in my belly button, one just below and to the right, and one over on the left. I wore t shirt, joggers and hoodie to the hospital and wore the same going home. I wore a massively oversized t shirt instead of a nightie whilst in hospital. When I woke up after surgery, I had no knickers on and there was a pad underneath me with just two tiny drops of dried blood on it. That stayed the same, with no fresh blood overnight, so when I got dressed the next day I put a thin panty liner in just in case for the journey home but there was nothing on it, so I didn’t bother with pads at all after that. Following advice on here I had taken a cushion with me to put between the seat belt and my tummy but I didn’t need it. My tummy wasn’t sore at all and I just wore my normal pants, not the size bigger than I’d bought. Re pain, I had some tenderness but didn’t have any pain at all after the catheter was removed and didn’t need any pain relief. When I got home I went straight out for a short gentle 5 minute walk. I took a couple of paracetamol at bedtime for the first couple of nights home just in case, but didn’t really need anything. The next day I did a 5 minute walk morning and afternoon, but rested with my feet up in the evening. 

Hi Aud40,

I had my laparascopic hysterectomy 11 days ago.  I took a nightie (large over-sized t-shirt style) to wear in the hospital, and changed into it a few hours after the operation (the physio came in and wanted to get me moving).  It was on that really hot weekend, so I took a loose cotton dress to come home in, but since then have been in loose / elasticated trousers or leggings and t-shirts at home, and have been varying the placement of the waistband so it doesn't irritate the belly button scar (which is my most tender one).  

I wore sanitary pads for the first 2 days, but there was nothing on them, so I've stopped that now.

I didn't find the ride home painful - just made sure the seatbelt wasn't pressing on my scars.

I took the prescribed painkillers for the first 2-3 days, mainly to make sure I could get up and move and also to help with sleeping.  I found the pain manageable and haven't needed anything for the past week.

For me, the thought of the operation beforehand was worse than my experience.  It all went very smoothly, and my biggest problem now is a bit of frustration about needing to take things easy for a few more weeks.

I hope all goes well for you. x

Thank you Duffers Mum, that is very useful. My surgery is on the 10th of october I will prepare baggy clothes, pillows and earplugs. I hope you will feel better soon and that your arm does not hurt too much either xx

Hi MarmiteFan59. Thanks for this. I was worried about the bleeding. I had a hysteroscopy and polypectomy in June and it was quit bloody when I woke up. I am glad to read to your tummy was not sore. I really expected this procedure to be a lot more painful. I will take a pillow just in case. I think i will try the 5 min walk and feet up too after the operation. thank you for your advise

Hi Green61, thanks for sharing, I am glad your surgery went well & wasn't too painful. I was worried about the ride home but reading you and other ladies, it seems it's gonna be ok. I am with you there where I think the thought of the operation is going to be worse that the experience itself. I am glad there isn't much bleeding after the procedure as well. I was not expecting that. I will defo be mindful with elasticated trousers and the belly button scare. xx

Hi Muse, thanks for the advise. I will take some pads too just in case.