Diabetes and Hysterectomy - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Diabetes and Hysterectomy

Diabetes and Hysterectomy

From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

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Ask A Doctor

I am having a hysterectomy soon. I have concerns because I also have diabetes. What can I do to make sure my surgery and recovery go smoothly?

By itself, a hysterectomy is a major surgery that can require some planning for optimal results. Combining the operation with a chronic health concern like diabetes requires you to be prepared and proactive to allow for the best and smoothest outcome.

First, make sure your entire medical team is fully aware of the upcoming surgery so you can start working together to help the whole process go as smoothly as possible. The doctor who primarily treats your diabetes may have some specific tips for you to prepare you for surgery. S/he may also want to adjust any medications you are using, and s/he may want to see you more frequently during recovery. It is also possible s/he will want to speak to your surgeon about any unique issues for your case and answer any questions your surgeon may have. If at all possible, use a medical facility where both doctors have privileges so they both can take part in your care during your hospital stay.

You will need to know in advance if you are allowed to continue using medications and insulin as usual, or if any adjustments need to be made in the days leading to surgery, during your bowel prep (if one is ordered), and on the day of surgery. Talk to both your surgeon and diabetes doctor about any changes.

Having diabetes can affect how your body will react if you must do a bowel prep, and your bowel prep instructions may need to be adjusted. Talk to both your diabetes doctor and your surgeon if the prep is ordered for you. During the prep, you may need to monitor your sugars more closely and adjust your insulin to avoid issues with hypoglycemia. It's a good idea to keep sweetened beverages and glucose tablets nearby in case your sugar drops too low.

The day of surgery, you may want to bring your monitor with you to help keep an eye on your sugar in case surgery is delayed, especially if you were required to follow a bowel prep the day before, and/or if you have been instructed to stop your diabetes medications. Notify the staff immediately if your numbers and/or symptoms are indicating you need to take action.

If you use an insulin pump, find out exactly what the protocol will be. You will need to know if and when you should disconnect it (i.e. if you should remove it before staring the bowel prep, wear it to pre-op, disconnect it the night before, etc.) You will also want to know when you can start using it again following surgery (i.e. if you can start in the hospital or you need to wait until you are home).

During your hospital stay, your blood sugar levels may be monitored more closely, and your medications may be administered differently than usual. Ask your doctors before hand what the regimen will be so you will be aware of and comfortable with any changes.

Because proper healing and infection can be a concern for those with diabetes, make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for taking care of any incisions and watching for signs of infection. Monitor your incisions and notify your doctor of any concerning changes such as pus, redness, heat around the area, a fever, or hardness. Also notify your surgeon of any signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). If you have neuropathy, you may not feel any pain associated with complications so be diligent about watching for any other signs that can alert you.

During recovery, you will also want to monitor your diet carefully to be sure you are eating well enough to provide your body with the proper nutrition needed for healing and keeping your blood sugar levels within a good range. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders for maintaining your blood sugar levels during this time and notify your doctors if your numbers fall outside of what has been determined as the recommended range for recovery. When released to do so, be sure to walk as a light form of exercise, but don't over do it. As always, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

You, your surgeon, and your diabetes doctor will need to be a team during your hysterectomy journey. Keep the lines of communication open, and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with both doctors. You all need to be on the same page in order for you to have optimal results.

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.

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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."

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Find A Doctor Near You

Terry Grogg, M.D. 4461 S Broadway Suite 200 Suite 200 Grove City OH 43123 614-875-0444	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Gerald Harkins, M.D. Department of OB-Gyn P.O. Box 850, H-103 Hershey PA 17033 717-531-6447
Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071	Gretchen Makai, M.D. 4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd MAP II, Ste 2103 Christiana Care Health System Newark DE 19713 302-623-4410	Francisco Garcini, M.D. 1870 Silver Cross Blvd Suite 210 New Lenox IL 60451 815-463-3000
Susan Carter, M.D. North Colorado Medical Center/ MCR 1800 15th Street, Suite 220 Greeley CO 80631 970 353 1335	Melanie Bone, M.D. 5301 S. Congress Ave. Atlantis FL 33462 561-548-8600	Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673

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