Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1 |
From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List |
Related Titles
Frustrated With Non-Supportive Family and Friends Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 3 Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 2 FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Part 2 FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Part 1
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Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
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Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
FAQ for Family & Friends
Q: My wife is facing this surgery. Would it be helpful for me to attend her doctor appointments with her?
A: Yes, if it is possible, and if she agrees, it could be very helpful. Two sets of ears are always better as there are things the doctor may say that she may forget. Perhaps even take a little notepad and pen to jot down important points. Accompanying your wife to her appointments will also help you to better understand what this surgery is all about, what you can expect, and how you can assist her through this experience.
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Q: Should I plan to take time off from my job when my wife comes home from the hospital?
A: Ideally, the patient should have someone with her for several days upon arriving home. She will tire easily and her movement will be limited in those first days home. Her main focus is on resting and pain control during this time. If there are small children in the home, she will require someone there to look after them, prepare meals, etc.
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Q: The in-laws and kids want to visit at the hospital. Is that okay?
A: Young children may become frightened by the hospital atmosphere and the groggy post-op demeanor of their mother. She will be dozing LOTS while in the hospital. Let her decide for herself if she is up to receiving visitors. Phone calls can be a welcome substitute for in-person visitors.
Ideally, visitors should come to the home a few days AFTER hospital discharge, BRING DINNER, and keep their visit short.
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Q: Friends and neighbors say: “Let me know if I can help.” How should we reply to them?
A: Ask them to prepare and bring over a meal, taxi your children somewhere, walk the dog, stop at the pharmacy and pick up a prescription, or vacuum or lift something.
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Q: How soon after her surgery will she be able to drive?
A: Her doctor will give specific orders on this; it seems to vary considerably. Generally, it is at least two weeks post-op before clearance to drive is given, and it can be up to six weeks.
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Q: I’m not very skilled at cooking, and my wife is great in the kitchen. When can she cook again?
A: Many women find that they need help from family or friends for a number of weeks after surgery. Even then, getting up to prepare a full meal can be difficult and tiring. Plan on bringing home healthy take-out food or deli items. You can also pick up frozen casseroles at the grocery store, and bake them according to directions on the package. Make a salad and you have a meal! Your wife will need help with kitchen chores. Try to be on hand to assist her, if needed, whenever she is up a bit. Be understanding if she is asleep on the couch when you come home.
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Q: What are some things I can do to help my wife after I need to go return to my job and she is alone at home?
A: Her needs are simple:- Make sure a TV is handy and the remove control is near.
- Move the phone near her and let her turn off the ring if she wants to sleep or call friends if she wants to chat.
- Consider putting a cooler near her bed for juices and a sandwich if you are going to be gone all day.
- Help her arrange her recovery room where stairs are not a problem.
- Before you leave the house, ask if there is anything she needs.
- Phone her before you leave work to ask if there is anything she needs to purchase on your way home.
- Ask her how she is feeling and listen to her when you arrive home.
- Learn to do laundry and other household chores to help her when you get home.
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Read on to the next article for part 2
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Related Titles
Frustrated With Non-Supportive Family and Friends Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 3 Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 2 FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Part 2 FMLA – Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Part 1
Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery
The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:
- The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
- Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
- Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
- Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
- HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
- Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy.
"Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."
Sean Kossari, M.D. 14901 Rinaldi Street Suite 320 Mission Hills CA 91345 818-365-1616 |
Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747 |
Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868 |
Jack Ayoub, M.D. 44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 435 Leesburg VA 20176 703.858.5599 |
Melanie Bone, M.D. 5301 S. Congress Ave. Atlantis FL 33462 561-548-8600 |
Stephen Zweibach, M.D. 815 S Parsons Ave Brandon FL 33511 8135712777 |
Tamer Seckin, M.D. 872 FIFTH AVE NEW YORK NY 10065 2129881444 |
Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900 |
Bret Lewis, M.D. 5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295 (#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004 Atlanta GA 30342 404-255-3633 |
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Hysterectomy News
June 19,2013
WEBSITE NEWS
Checking In June NewsletterThe HysterSisters June newsletter has been published and can be accessed on the website here: June 2013 HysterSisters Ch [ More]...
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