One week out... thought I would share....

So, a week after my hysterectomy, I thought I would share the answers to the questions I had asked before the surgery.

First off, I had a TAH, saved the ovaries, but they did have to take one tube. I had the TAH due to a large fibroid, which made me look about 22 weeks preggers.

1) The swelly belly I had after the surgery was not bigger than the belly I had with the fibroid in it... the swelling though is lower down. I had purchased draw string pants in a size larger and the same size.. and both have worked. Target (Gilligan O'Malley and Hanes) and Walmart had nice granny panty/boys briefs that have worked well with the bikini cut scar.


2) The bowel prep (enema and magnesium citrate) was not as bad as I feared it would be. I was afraid of serious cramping like when one is sick... but this was fairly gentle, although I still had some runs the morning of surgery.

3) Once they inserted my IV and gave me my happy juice I remember nothing... not the operating room, catheter, nothing... until recovery. Nice.....

4) Seriously, the wait and worry ahead of time was the worst part!!!!

5) I came home 2 days later, and a week out I still want to sleep a lot. I have been quite groggy and slow, so no visitors, plenty for my kids to do, and quiet have saved my sanity. A week out I still tire just taking a shower.. and the 5 minutes I spent washing a few bowls last night, wiped me out. SO I can clearly see why the doc said 6 weeks before return to work.. and no driving for 2. However, I can sit up longer now... and hence, I can be on the computer more.

6) I am so glad I bought several large and small pillows...just to be able to arrange them around me to sleep. I am still sleeping mostly propped upright, in a chair and a half with ottoman. Our bed is just too high to get in and out of easily.


SO that is what I have to offer those still waiting...I am grateful for all the hints and help I got here, and the advice.. it really helped me be prepared.

WC