dVH/RALH: Upcoming hysterectomy 10/12 - what did you buy to prepare that was worthwhile? What wasn't really needed?

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Originally Posted by HysiFit Hi everyone, I'm about 30 days out from my surgery date and beginning to prepare for surgery day and beyond. I've seen the lists of things that might be helpful, but I'm looking for practical tips. If you had your hysterectomy already, what did you buy that was really helpful and on the flip side, what did you buy that perhaps wasn't as helpful or needed? Thanks in advance!

Eye mask and ear plugs for hospital stay and even at home for napping. Loose waist band a must. I wish I had the belly binder to hold it in versus holding it all the time. Prune juice or something to help you go is a must!

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Originally Posted by HysiFit Hi everyone, I'm about 30 days out from my surgery date and beginning to prepare for surgery day and beyond. I've seen the lists of things that might be helpful, but I'm looking for practical tips. If you had your hysterectomy already, what did you buy that was really helpful and on the flip side, what did you buy that perhaps wasn't as helpful or needed? Thanks in advance!

(((HysiFit)))

If you've not discovered it already, please be sure to check out our dedicated Hints From Members forum where you'll find "practical tips" galore - thousands of sisters' must-haves and should-haves!

We’re sending best wishes for your surgery and recovery!

I invested in a Reacher/Grabber to pick up things that fell to the floor (no bending over post op!). The travel sized tummy pillow I got from the hospital was indispensable up through my third month - now it's a grown up comfort toy . I used the mesh panties provided by the hospital, and didn't need a binder.

Also, I recommend expando waist clothes for when you finally start getting out and about. You'll probably need them longer than you do lounge pants and PJ-type clothes. Wide soft waistbands like what's found on workout clothes worked the best, and there are plenty of cute skorts out right now for fall. Shopping spree, woo-hoo!

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Originally Posted by SurprisedInNB I had a TAH with a vertical 7" incision and never used nor wanted a binder. I hit a sale on throw pillows at Walmart before surgery and bought six @ $5 each. They were great because I could tote them around and use them in a variety of ways to create comfortable spots for me to lie and sit.

Thank you. I'm thinking to not use the binder unless I end up with an abdominal instead of vaginal removal of my uterus.

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Originally Posted by samcarter1701 What I bought new that I used in the hospital: headphones for my phone--I was able to nap during the day with my music playing and not bother anybody. That was really about it. Oh, I bought some gluten free crackers and meal bars just in case the food offerings were dismal for gluten-free (they were). I couldn't even get scrambled eggs. So the crackers and bars helped if I got hungry, which I wasn't much. I bought face wipes and brought shampoo and things, but I ended up just waiting til I got home to shower, since I didn't get my IV out until noon the day I left and I still felt For coming home, i bought a comfortable Sonoma knit skirt, easy to slip on, and I wore that and a tank top to the hospital and on the way back home. I bought another pair of my favorite pajamas. I bought some extra Elance Super Soft Jockey underwear, though I wore the mesh panties for at least a week. I really liked that skirt--I wore it a lot around the house--and I wish I could find it, it's gone missing in the laundry. Boo. For home: I stocked up on a series of new-to-me cozy Britsh mysteries, though I wasn't able to read until the Percocet wore off, they were a welcome break from TV after a while. I already had a heating pad, but if I hadn't I would definitely get one. It helped a lot with my aching back (from the surgery position and lying down). I thought about, but didn't buy, a reading support pillow, and I'm glad I didn't because sitting up in bed was not comfortable for a few weeks (I had a Davinci vaginal hysterectomy). Aside from that, I had to buy my fleet enemas, I also bought some flushable wipes, stool softeners (these were ESSENTIAL). I stocked up on frozen cherries, spinach and chia seeds for smoothies--these were also essential. I really didn't buy a lot of stuff, come to think of it, and half of what I thought I'd need at the hospital I didn't end up using. ETA: I did not use a binder. My nurse said something about "Oh, your doctor didn't prescribe a binder," and she asked if I wanted one anyway, I said no. I woke up from a different surgery once wearing one and I hated it. I figured if my Dr felt it was really needed, he would have prescribed one for aftercare. But everyone is different!

So helpful! Thank you. I'm going to head over to Kohl's and get some knd of a knit skirt. Great idea!

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Originally Posted by Marciamae I definitely had a pillow fetish - my long squishy body pillow was a great 10 dollar investment. I'm used to sleeping on my stomach and had to adjust to sleeping on my side so this long pillow was great. I too had tummy pillows all over the house. I found my grabber very helpful. I'd also recommend comfy rubber soles slippers or non-skid slip on shoes for marching around the house - working up to outside. Granny panties are pretty cheap - not a fashion statement - but I found them very affordable. Loose t shirt tops and yoga pants - or any pants with an elastic stretchy waist will work. PJ's or loose nighties. Again, go for comfort. Heating pad and ice packs were a must for me too. Line up Easy to prepare snacks, fresh fruit, and have drinks on hand - all came in handy when I was left to my own devices. Have light reading and movies ready to roll. Hugs and best of luck.

Very practical ideas! Thank you!

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Originally Posted by Cussette I invested in a Reacher/Grabber to pick up things that fell to the floor (no bending over post op!). The travel sized tummy pillow I got from the hospital was indispensable up through my third month - now it's a grown up comfort toy. I used the mesh panties provided by the hospital, and didn't need a binder. Also, I recommend expando waist clothes for when you finally start getting out and about. You'll probably need them longer than you do lounge pants and PJ-type clothes. Wide soft waistbands like what's found on workout clothes worked the best, and there are plenty of cute skorts out right now for fall. Shopping spree, woo-hoo!

Now that's one thing I don't have to buy - tons of workout clothes!

I agree about the pillow. I bought a small pillow just at the dollar store & it's been so helpful! I carried it around with me...downstairs to the couch and back up to my bed at night, I even brought it with me when I started driving again to help keep the seatbelt from my stomach. I still use it at night even though it's been 2 months since my surgery!
Another thing I'm glad I bought was night gowns and dresses. I couldn't stand to have anything around my waist. I'm still wearing a lot of dresses but I've been able to start wearing leggings now as they aren't too tight against my incision area .

Dvh here,3 weeks out. Highly recommend fluffy body pillow for sleeping. Re-freezable ice pack large enough for your abdomen. Heating pad. Nightgown for the first week. I have worn my bikini underwear with no problems as the incisions were closer to my belly button in height.

Gas meds, probiotics, stool softener. I did get a binder and wore it when I left home until about 2.5 weeks.

The only thing that I bought ahead was a binder which I hated and never used. Otherwise, anything that I needed I had around the house. I figured that if something came up that I wanted/needed while I couldn't drive, my husband would get for me, but I really didn't need anything.