Hi everyone, I’m new to the group and I'm hoping you can give me some general advice.
I've been diagnosed with womb cancer recently and I’m waiting for my hysterectomy surgery under robotics which is happening on 27th April.
i want to make my recovery as smooth as possible so I’m trying to get as much sorted at home for after my operation. I also feel doing this will help ease my anxiety a little.
Could I ask if anyone has used a hysterectomy pillow and which ones would you recommend.
what sort of shower gel is best for after surgery and any good tips on using the shower.
I’ll be travelling home by car and I’m after advice on whether to put a soft cushion on the seat as well as one on my tummy to help with seat belt etc.
Do I need to buy spare dressings to have at home. If so what type etc.
Basically any good practical advice that you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Rosie
Welcome to the group. I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. I think it is a good plan to focus on the practical things at the moment.
My diagnosis was in 2022 and I had surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
I did a big tidy up and clean at home before surgery and also did a big shop. I made a comfy area downstairs and put a small table next to the sofa so I could reach everything. I moved a comfy footstool and got a v shaped pillow/cushion. After surgery I found it more comfortable to sit with my legs up. I didn't have a hysterectomy pillow and didn't find that I needed one- the v shaped one and normal pillows were fine.
I used my normal shower gel and didn't find it particularly different to having a shower normally. I wasn't allowed to get the wash the incisions but was allowed to let water run over them and then pat gently dry. I did feel a bit achy for a couple of days but still managed to step over the side of the bath.
I didn't need to sit on a cushion for the car journey home and had little pain after the surgery. I was able to move around and walk pretty normally. Just had to be careful of twisting side ways or lifting anything too heavy.
I had no dressings on and the incisions for keyhole surgery were around a cm each- I had 4. They were sealed with surgical glue and the instructions were just to leave them alone.
I did have some light pads for after the surgery in case I had any bleeding, but I did not.
I found lose, comfy clothes the best. Nothing too tight around your tummy as it can feel a bit uncomfortable. For me the bruising from the anticoagulant injections were more painful than the actual surgery. Slip on shoes are good as then you don't need to bend down.
Hope this helps a bit. I am sure some others will come along soon and make other suggestions.
Good luck for the 27th.
Jane
