TAH: Newbie/Advice on recovery

Hi I have new to this site but have lurked around a lot getting great information that has helped me.

I have just scheduled my TAH for next friday the 18th and very anxious! I have had so much pain from endo and has tried Luporn so here I am.

I have lots of questions but I guess I am just wondering how mobile will I be after surgery? I am scheduled to stay overnight for 2 nights then home. Will I need help when I get home?

Thank you for any advice!

Are you on your own at home?

If so, that's a barely long enough hospital stay, IMO, but if you have made good preparations you can still cope.

I live alone. Had 5 days in hospital with a TAH/BSO. I had made a lot of preparations, freezing meals, bringing things down to a reachable level.
I coped with basic things, but housework you need help for.

You will be mobile, and should walk a little as well as resting.
If you can tell us whether or not you have someone at home, it will make a difference as to how others reply!

Good luck!

You will definitely need help at home for the first few weeks after surgery with things like cooking, cleaning, dishes, shopping, etc. You will not be too mobile - taking a shower and getting to the couch will be an accomplishment. You will probably have lifting restrictions (10 lbs for the first six weeks), activity restrictions, driving restrictions, etc. But, you should take frequent and brief walks during your recovery.

You may want to stock your freezer with easy-to-cook meals, and prep your household as best you can for your downtime.

Also, please follow all of your doctors orders precisely. You only have one chance to heal right.

(((Hugs)))

I'm not alone but have my grandson to watch (we have custody). I have people coming over during the day M-W then we have Thanksgiving and everyone will be home. I guess I am not sure if if I will still need help after that. By then I will be 10 days post-op when everyone goes either back to work or school.

All those ideas of pre-making food sound wonderful! I am learning so many wonderful ideas on this site.

I too had a TAH, on the 28th of October. I stayed 2 nights in the castle and was released around noon on Sunday. You will come home very sore and yes will need some help. I am as of today 12 days post and still get stiff and sore. The biggest pain for me was the gas pains from my bowels being sleepy and of course the CO2 from the surgery (I went in for a LAVH) Although the pain is tolerable, my body is just plain ol tired! My husband put a chair in the shower for me to sit on and I still get exhausted just showering and bed time is very early for me. Don't over do it and don't be too proud to ask for help. I have had 4 previous c-sections and this by far has been the toughest. Make sure you write down when you take your meds because you will be tired and sore and may forget. I would forget to write it down and then find myself a mess because I couldn't remember when I had something last and didn't dare take more. A lot of doctors prescribe some good meds to go home with, mine put me on Motrin 600 mg on day 2 and it was miserable. Have a good conversation with your doctor about pain management, but keep in mind the narcotics do add to the bowel problems. I have never been one to ask for help and prided myself on independence. I had to suck it up and ask, don't be afraid. Maybe plan some meals to freeze so you can just pull something out! Have lots of juice on hand for the bowels and some stool softeners! I really struggled sleeping as do many others when they come home so naps are absolutely necessary. My best friend has been my belly pillow, and my recliner. Wishing you all the best!