 Questions for your Pre-Op Hysterectomy Appointment |
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I am about to have my pre-op appointment with my doctor. What questions do I need to make sure I ask my doctor?
The following is a list of good and informative questions to ask your doctor. Don’t be afraid to print out this list and bring it with you to your appointment!
Take a notepad with you to each doctor appointment. Write down your questions. Write down your doctor's responses. You may need to refer to your notes later. The HysterSisters, also, suggest taking a friend or spouse with you to your appointments to help you "hear" and remember!
Questions About Your Surgery- Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
- How many surgeries like this for my diagnosis do you do each month?
- What percent are minimally invasive surgeries? What percent are open incision?
- Would you recommend a laparoscopic surgery for me? If no, "Why not?"
- Will the doctor make a bladder tack? What is a bladder tack? (If you have incontinence, this is the time to bring it up as this is the best time for bladder and/or rectum repair)
- How long will surgery take?
- Exactly what will be removed? Uterus, ovaries, tubes, cervix, appendix? (How will these organs be removed? Through open abdominal incision? Through the vagina? With the help of a laparoscope?)
- Will I need any preparation before surgery? (enema, stool softener, liquid diet, etc)
- I take certain meds regularly (list your meds, including over-the-counter meds and supplements), will I be allowed to take these to the hospital with me?
- What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Questions About Your Recovery
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- How long will I be on bed rest?
- Will a pathology report be done of all the organs removed? I do want one done.
- How long for the results of the pathology report to come in? (If cancer is suspected, when will I begin cancer treatments and what options are there?)
- If I'm taking BC pills or HRT, do I stop taking them prior to surgery? If so, how long before?
- What medication will I be on for pain in the hospital and when I am home?
- Will the doctor use a tummy binder on me? Will I need one?
- If my ovaries are being removed, when will I start hormones (HRT)? Most important: will the doctor help me to adjust if needed or should I see my family doctor to help with this?
- If I am keeping my ovaries, how will I know if they are working post-op? if they shut down temporarily and I experience hot flashes, how long will I endure menopause symptoms before the ovaries kick back in?
- When will I be able to resume driving?
- How long will I be off work?
- Will I be able to lift my baby? If not, how much can I lift safely at 4 weeks, at 6 weeks?
- When can I return to the gym? When can I return to horseback riding, biking, running?
- I've heard that there is a problem with gas after surgery and have been told that over-the-counter medicines such as Gas-X can help. Is it OK if I take some along to the hospital with me?
- What are the restrictions for any sort of sexual activity after surgery? Is external stimulation allowed and if so, how soon? When can intercourse be resumed?
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.
Fern TaiSenChoy-Bent, M.D.
2964 North State Rd 7 Suite 320
Margate FL 33063
954-796-0111 |
Barbara Levy, M.D.
34503 Ninth Avenue S. #330
Federal Way WA 98003
253-838-3695 |
Chuong Pham, M.D.
18220 Tomball Parkway, SUite 320
Houston TX 77070
832-237-0222 |
Nonnie-Marie Estella, M.D.
295 Varnom Ave
Hanchette Bldg 3rd Floor
Lowell MA 01854
978-459-8300 |
Larry R. Glazerman, M.D.
USF College of Medicine
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 62
Tampa FL 33612
813-259-8500 |
Laurence Orbuch, M.D.
202 Spring Street
2nd Floor
New York NY 10012
212-343-3040 |
Betty Gingold Acker, M.D.
2900 E. 29th St
Suite 300
Bryan TX 77802
979-776-5602 |
Todd A Drexel, M.D.
201 Park St
Bowling Green KY 42101
270-783-3331 |
Michael Wong, M.D.
4282 Genesee Ave
Suite 201
San Diego CA 92117
858-268-0300 |
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-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
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