SAH: What was your experience

Ok I've been reading this but I need someone to break this down for me like I am 5.

What was your SAH procedure like?

Where or how were you cut?

How long were you in the hospital?

Will it be hard to move in and out of the bed/lounge/couch?

Did you receive or purchase the belly binder?


I'm getting nervous.

Hi, I'll answer your questions the best that I can. Let me know if you have anymore.

My procedure took about 1 1/2 hrs and had no complications. (Not sure what you meant)

My incision was on the bikini line, same as my 2 previous C sections

I was in the hospital for 48 hrs

They had me out of the bed and walking 18 hours after surgery. I used a pillow on my belly when getting up and down. I was sore but it wasn't hard.

No I did not use a belly binder.

I'm in my 8th week post op and feeling good. Happy to share my experience with you. Hope that helped.

Yes. I guess it's the teacher in me that has to have the answers to the test. lol

I am curious about the binder after reading so many different stories. If I should get one should i not.

Maybe it's something you could ask your Dr about. Do you have a date yet?

my date is June 26th. I feel like I need a test run lol. I have not had major surgery unless you call breast reduction major, before and I am getting antsy. Too many small questions in my mind that I feel like I can get a better understanding via those who have had the procedure

My procedure went fine. I went in scheduled for a TAH but came out SAH. Surgeon was only able to get part of my cervix due to the endometriosis. They had me up the very next morning. Took catheter out, went to the bathroom, and then up walking the halls.

I have a bikini cut. I was in the hospital for three nights. Went in scheduled to stay 2 nights but bowel gas was not moving so had to stay an extra night. Everything started working fine before discharge.

I didn't find it that difficult to move in and out of the bed or couch. Just take your time and it will be okay.

I did not purchase a belly binder. I did keep a small pillow with me to hold in front of my stomach when I got up to walk around the house or whenever else it was needed. I did tend to keep the small pillow on my belling while lying down or sitting down as well.

I know what you mean Scaredycat, this was my first time having major surgery and being put to sleep. Honestly it all happened so fast, it was overwith before I knew it. The last thing I remember in the OR was someone behind me saying they were going to give me something to help me relax, next thing I knew I was waking up in my room. I don't remember anything about being in recovery. This site is great for asking questions but it can scare someone too if they read to much!

gnaekel try posting on the post op board, there may be some ladies over there that has had to go back for more surgery.

thanks for ur thoughts and help

I purchased the belly binder and have only used it 3 times. I hear so many ladies on here rave about it.It annoyed me to have anything constricting my tummy.I tried it again at several different stages of recovery, and it's annoying.
:cathugs:

My surgery was easy -- I had SAH for large fibroids, had the entire uterus removed abdominally. Prior to surgery I was on Lupron for 5 months. That was the worst of the hysterectomy experience (early and immediate menopause) but at least my insurance covered the shots 100%.

I was out of the hospital in 32 hours. I was walking (sloooowly) at 11 hours post-op -- I was in no condition to say no to the night nurse! I have no little ones at home (only 2 cats) and a very helpful hubby which made recovery faster. My doctor was so good, not one stitch was visible from the outside. Too bad my bikini days are long gone!

I bought the binder (no cold pack) and I did use it two to eight weeks post-op -- but not all the time. The biggest help around the house "Grabthar" (the extended grabber thingy) and a shower chair. My first shower was at home -- I felt much safer showering sitting down than standing up (the first three days were painful). A big help was using my hiking sticks to get me walking upright around the house (instead of hunched over).

My husband added a vertical post to the bedside so I could pull myself out of bed. That really increased my autonomy -- after the weekend he wasn't home all day to help me in/out of bed because he was working as my substitute at school! I didn't drive for 4 weeks even though I was officially cleared at two weeks post-op.

I took the last 2.5 weeks off from school to make sure I had enough time over the summer to recuperate. Looking back, I think that was a wise choice. I would have been a bit more tired at the start of school (we start in late July/early Aug in AZ).