It's understandable that you are worried about the operation, I was too, my operation for BSO hysterectomy for Grade 3 Cancer stage 1a was in January 2022. The last time I was anaesthetised was in 1986 for sterilization after having my children and completing my family so yes, I was worried. I was 63 in 2022. The waiting is the worst as you can't think about anything else apart from the cancer and the forthcoming operation.
I was very worried at what they would find( by the time I had the op, a few weeks had passed since the scans etc, I was completely convinced that the cancer was growing out of control and spread).
I just couldn't wait to get rid of the cancer and have the hysterectomy, so the date couldn't come quick enough. I was overweight so also worried about being out under the knife. My hospital gave me an Incentive Spirometer at my pre-op appointment to help build up full capacity in the lungs. I used this straightaway several times a day right up to the op and when I came home from hospital for couple of weeks. I'm not asthmatic but the Spirometer has measured goals, it became a bit of an obsession at first as I couldn't breathe into it and reach the maximum number on the meter and knew this was my goal. I'm sure this helped. You can prepare yourself this way too by breathing deeply through your nose holding your breath and releasing the air slowly through the mouth. It helps you relax too. Your anesthetist will be proud! LOL!
AFTER the op, I felt weak and vulnerable, little pain that got better each day, walking definitely helped, I went out walked holding onto my husband's arm, walked slowly up the road and back, five or so minutes the first few days then building it up.
Please remember that during the anaesthetic you are monitored continuously and that you are in good hands. Risk assessments will have been made beforehand.The worst is over once you wake up and then it really is up to you how you're recovering. Eat well, look after yourself, drink plenty of water, make sure you have laxatives and or prunes handy etc, for afterwards as many of us on here have suffered first few days with constipation which can be very uncomfortable because you cannot strain yourself. Also make sure you have loose comfort clothing for wearing after the op as I couldn't bear anything tight around my waist, I wore loose dresses, no tights for few days.
You WILL get through this, prepare and organise as much as you can, I consider myself lucky I have family who helped with meals, cleaning the house, laundry etc but I also made extra meals beforehand and put them in freezer to use afterwards so I could rest.
You'll be surprised at how quickly it goes by and how good you're feeling and then the waiting obviously for the full histology results, mine were back 3 weeks after the op.
Hopefully all goes well for you, let us know. Take care xx
Hi mollysue. I was 69 when I had my hysterectomy for stage 1a grade 3 serous cancer in October 2022. I'd only ever had carpal tunnel surgery under local anaesthetic so was a bit anxious about a major operation. I needed to have an abdominal incision as I had 3 fibroids in my uterus one of which was cancerous. I also had my fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix removed. On the day of the op doctors and anaesthetists came to talk to me which was very reassuring. I remember having an injection in the back of my hand in the theatre area and the next thing I can remember was being back on the ward in the afternoon! Post op I wasn't in too much pain, just uncomfortable, and I had no bleeding. I had to stay in hospital 3 nights, due to the abdominal incision, but after my catheter was removed - day after the op - I started using the toilet and bathroom and doing little walks round the ward. When I got back home I was able to start doing short walks after a few days. I did have some initial issues with constipation and wind but these soon resolved. I had my follow-up appointment 11 days after my op when it was confirmed that the cancer was confined to the uterus. Looking back the experience was not as scary as I feared and I was very impressed with the care I received. Hope all goes well for you. x
Hi mollysue, age is honestly just a number - it’s your mental attitude that will play a big part in determining your recovery. Yep it’s a major op but 60s seems to br an average age for having it. Unless you have any other health issues that restrict you, there’s no reason not to get going very soon after your op. As soon as my catheter was out I was strolling round the ward and up and down the corridors. I think you may benefit from a chat with oldady as she’s rather more senior than me!
I had my total hysterectomy via robotic surgery - at 60 and I have a couple of health issues already. I was surprised by how quickly I recovered. I stayed in hospital two nights but one night seems to be the norm from what I've read on here.
The robotic surgery left minimal scarring and the whole process was a pleasant surprise as I thought it was be worse.
Have a chat with your Macmillan nurse too if you need some more reassurance.
I found all the reassurance I needed on this website to be honest. So much so that I am reading up on MarmiteFan59 's radiotherapy thread, which is helping me through 28 days of pelvic radiotherapy. I am currently day 2.
So be inspired - like I am by everyone here. You will be dancing around the place quicker than you think!
I had my total hysterectomy in July for Stage 1b Grade 3 cancer in July, I am 74. This was my 4th cancer diagnosis in 10 years, previously having breast cancer, melanoma cancer and basal cell carcinoma. I too was overweight. I was walking (not far) the next morning and discharged the day after. Physically I was fine, with very little pain. Try not to worry as you will be well monitored and expertly looked after. Good luck.
Mollysue, I was 67 when I got my robotic surgery,I was in hospital two nights . I had grade2 stage 1B with vascular invasion. I recovered very well. I made myself move about and I drank lots of water. I did feel dizzy when I went for my first shower, so be careful not to overdo anything.I recovered so well that I started my chemotherapy 4 weeks after surgery. Try not to worry and take it one day at a time.
