TAH: Upcoming hysterectomy 3/18: Feeling Overwhelmed...pre-op next week, recovery worries....

Hi Sisters!

This is my first ever surgery, and I am quite overwhelmed! I have read and read the helpful hints on here and they have been a Godsend! I think I am prepared as to what to bring, but I am so nervous about the recovery time, can I be in a car at 2 weeks? What exactly should I expect?

I realize everyone is different, but I am so preoccupied with this surgery. I am a widow & I have 3 awesome kids 25,21, & 12 who are very helpful. I have an awesome boyfriend and his oldest daughter (33) is amazing and willing to help me in anyway she can. I am just not used to having people do for me.

So, any thoughts on how to relax my nerves, and prepare for my pre-op, and surgery would be greatly appreciated sisters!

Thank you, thank you!!!!

BradyBunch08

Hi BradyBunch08 to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site. All of your emotions are very normal - this is a difficult surgery to digest and process.

Everyone is different on recovery, however, you may not be ready to drive a car at 2 weeks post-op. I had a TAH BSO, and I was not ready to drive that soon after surgery. You can drive when you can hit the breaks very hard, turn the wheel very hard, and look over your shoulder with out any problem. In other words, safely operate the vehicle. You also have to be off all narcotics to drive. You can however be a passenger in a car without a problem, but long distance drives can be tiring.

In general, this is MAJOR SURGERY. Recovery can take time - think weeks and not days. You will need help at home with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. You will need time off work - how long depends on how fast you recover, and your job duties. Again, think weeks and not days. You will also be very tired for some time, as you will have lots of internal healing to do. But you will be doing lots of brief but frequent walks. These help you heal. In fact, they will probably have you up and walking the day of surgery, or the very next day.

Here are some articles that may provide information for you:
Making the Most of Your Pre-op Appointments for Hysterectomy
If Your Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery | Parts 1, 2 and 3
10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy

To calm your nerves, it helps to stay very busy. In preparing your household for your downtime, I think the most useful items are:
Get meals in the freezer that you can just pop in the microwave
Get easy foods for lunches (pre-made frozen lunches) and breakfasts (cold cereal, oatmeal, yogurt)
Get loose fitting clothes
Prepare your recovery corner with pillows and blankets
Round of favorite DVDs and light reading material.

Above all, know that you are not alone in this. We are here for you and will be by your side throughout this.

Hi Bradybunch08!
I understand fully what you are going through. I had my first ever surgery on 10/6/14 and then another major surgery five weeks ago. Before all this, I was a complete newbie. I was so nervous just like you. But you know what? You think I would be more relaxed the second time, but nope, the same! Just remember that you go in and the 2 hours you have to wait goes by super fast and during surgery, you don't remember a thing and right after surgery, you don't remember too much of it either. The recovery process is different for everyone for sure because I had two very different recovery experiences. Just know that being nervous only can stress you out. Try to say a prayer and let it go as much as you can. I'll pray for you and feel free to ask me any questions!

Bradybunch08!
Oh forgot to answer but I personally had a hard time riding in a car at 2 weeks. I still can't ride a car at 5 weeks for too long because it gives me nausea for now!

Thanks!

I meant to have said to be in a car, not that I would be driving. I'm sure it isn't recommended to even do that for a long drive. It would be to VT to pick up my boyfriends son from school.....we stay over, but still a long drive.

I truly appreciate any advice! And I'll take it all in!

Thanks again!!

I can't be in a car for too long. It makes me nauseous at 5 weeks post op. But I wasn't this way for my first surgery. I was not nauseous at 5 weeks. So I guess it's really different each time. But also the second surgery was much more major than the first. What kind of surgery are you having and for what?

Both answers were regarding to not driving but just being in a car. I can't even imagine driving!

Hi BradyBunch08 -

Everyone is different, but that trip may be too ambitious at 2 weeks post-op. I had a TAH BSO, and there would have been no way I could have done a trip like that soon after surgery. That takes more energy than you think, and you will probably not be in the mood to deal with all of that. The longest I could stay in a car at that time was about 15 to 20 minutes.

Also, that close to surgery, you may need doctor approval. If you get that, you can play this by ear. But, I would strongly suggest you sit this one out and let your BF go alone to get his son.

I agree completely!

Hi Bradybunch, it is true that recoveries are different. I really didn't need much help. I couldn't drive for a week, so my husband and friends drove me around. I could cook for myself and my husband, shop, light clean etc. my husband tried to baby and wait on me, but I really didn't need or want that. I honestly felt great my whole recovery, my worst problem was not the surgery itself but rather the asthma flare up caused by anesthesia. I was back volunteering at the airport at 3 weeks. I was completely comfortable driving once my week was up. Good luck, hope you have an easy recovery!