Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1 - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1

Hysterectomy FAQ For Family and Friends - Part 1

From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

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Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
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. By accompanying your wife to her appointments it 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, and 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, and it does seem 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 an 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.

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Hysterectomy FAQ for Family and Friends - Part 2

Find A Doctor Near You

Quanita Crable, M.D. 8160 Walnut Hill Lane Ste. LL-001 Dallas TX 75231 (469)364-3764	David Zisow, M.D. 2005 Rock Spring Rd Ste. 3 Forest Hill - Baltimore MD 21050 410-879-1139	Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001
Kimberly Newman, M.D. 10030 Edison Square Drive Suite 100A Concord NC 28027 704-403-7670	Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900	Byungyol Chun, M.D. Northern Essex Women's Health 360 Merrimack St Entrance G Lawrence MA 01843 978-557-9060
Devin Garza, M.D. 12201 Renfert Way, STE# 215 Austin TX 78758 512 425-3830	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223	Melvin Ashford, M.D. 2603 White Bear Avenue N Maplewood MN 55109 651-600-3035

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