Hysterectomy in 3 weeks

Hi mollysue, have you read my diary thread re my hysterectomy last year? I posted the link to you last night. What specifically are you afraid about concerning the op? I hate hospitals but I adopted a pragmatic approach and just tried to see it as something that needed to be done. I took everything I could to help me feel happier (see the packing list thread I posted for you!) and I got through it. I even took my own breakfast for the next morning as I didn’t want to have hospital food, and plenty of squash and snacks! 67 isn’t old btw - I’m not much younger than you and I’m not old! 

Hi mollysue

I can understand you feeling nervous about the surgery and about going into hospital. I am not great with medical things and was really anxious about the whole thing. However I was really well looked after and I am sure you will be. Is there anything in particular that you are worrying about?

I found I coped better by focussing on the fact that the surgery was going to take out the cancer and that the sooner it was done the better. On the day a friend took me in and I went to a ward where there were other people all waiting for different surgeries. There were chairs- no beds. The nurses did my obs and then the doctors came round and spoke to me and explained what would happen. I then changed into a gown. I walked into the operating theatre and sat on the side of the operating table where they put in the epidural and then I was given the medication via a cannula in my hand that sent me off to sleep. 

I woke up a few hours later, had pain meds topped up and went back to a single room with adjoining bathroom. I was given something to eat and drink and had my obs checked regularly. The surgeon came to see me to make sure I was doing ok. I was able to walk around my bed within a couple of hours and my catheter was removed. 

In the morning I was able to walk around the ward ok and had no particular pain, just a bit washed out and achy. I went home just after lunch. My recovery was straightforward. It was a case of resting up and not overdoing it, particularly for the first couple of weeks. After that I was able to go for short walks and potter around at home more. 

I had never had surgery before (apart from wisdom teeth removal years ago) and I can understand that it is a big thing, but it is the first step to getting this cancer out of your body and you being able to get back to your normal self. Your provisional grade and stage sound very promising and if they are confirmed post op you may well not need any further treatment. 

For me, it was scary but it was doable and you will do fine. Maybe start thinking about what you need to prepare, things you want to take with you, things for when you get home etc. Sometimes by being prepared it can keep you busy and make things feel more in control.

If there is anything in particular that worries you, please do ask. 

Jane

Thanks your so kind 

I suppose being out under !  I do know now it has  to be done no choice but still worry wed 

that's me I suppose 

thanks for hiso list it's helpful and I'll add iPad crosswords and snacks drink too 

were you just in one night ? 

Glad I'm not a oldie fir this op ! Lol 

As you’ll see if you read my op thread, yes just one night. Walked down to theatre about midday, back in the recovery room by about 4pm, on the ward by 6pm not much sleep but hey my iPad and word games kept me company, catheter out at 6am, hopped out of bed and didn’t get back in again - instead walked around or sat on the ward armchair by the window. Needed to show that I could wee so showed the nurses a cardboard thing that you put in the toilet to catch the urine, was approved to go home about midday, and went home between 1-2pm.

Hi mollysue. At 69 I'd never had a major operation until my hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in October 2022. I was a little anxious but the priority was to get it done and sorted. I was the first on the list and prior to walking to the theatre several of the doctors talked me through what would be happening which was very reassuring. When I got to the theatre area I only remember having a small injection in the back of my hand and the next thing I was back on the ward in the afternoon recovering! I had to stay in hospital for 3 nights as I had to have an abdominal incision due to the presence of 3 fibroids one of which was cancerous. Despite this I had very little pain and no bleeding, just felt a but uncomfortable. I understand if you're able to have keyhole surgery then the hospital stay is less than mine. I see that you've received some practical tips about what to take with you which is helpful. Looking back, I found the operation and immediate recovery much less challenging than I thought it would be and the care I received was very good. Hope all goes well for you. x

Does everyone have to have a epidural or was there a reason for you ,, thanks

mollysue, I didn’t have an epidural. 

I had an epidural but it was administered after I was asleep.It helps with the pain when you wake up. It was standard practice for the hospital I was in . 

It varies in different hospitals and with different surgeons. Mine did it as it helps with pain relief for the first couple of hours when you first wake up. Mine was put in just before I was drifting off to sleep. Within a couple of hours of being back in the ward I was able to walk around. 

Jane