Can anyone help me get prepared?

Hello everyone, hope all is going well! I am scheduled for my hysterectomy on Dec. 5th and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I will need to take to the hospital for me? I don't really know what to take to make things easier. I did buy a pair of house shoes but thats all I've got so far. I was wondering if I would be able to wear a real comfortable pair of sleeping shorts in the hospital for walking after surgery? And can anyone tell me just how bloated I'm going to be? I do have a few pair of sweats of night shorts to wear after I get home. And will I be able to eat normal foods afterwards or have to be on a liquid diet? And again, thank you for all the advice in advance!!

Hi Rhonda. I had a TAH about 2 weeks ago. Everyone is different, but for me I found that I was much more comfortable after I was able to change into my own clothes once the catheter was removed. I wasn't very swollen, but I definitely didn't want anything rubbing against my incision - loose shorts and sweats were perfect. I also brought some larger-than-normal briefs - they were way more comfy than the mesh panties the hospital gives you. I was on a liquid diet for the first day, then moved on to soft foods after that. Some of the things I couldn't have done without were: chapstick, lotion, mints, and my favorite stuffed animal.

Hope this helps.

Rhonda:

Well let's see, where shall I start?

First off click on this link for suggestions:

In addition to the questions in the articles section here are some of mine that I asked:

-how will surgery be done and what to expect (LAP, Vaginally, abdominally), how long will surgery last

-what kind of anesthesia and pros & cons (general, epidural, spinal)

-if you get sick after surgeries ask about anti nausea drugs

-tell dr. about any allergies you may have

-if you are a smoker ask about a patch to help while in hospital

-ask dr. to write your Rx for post-op pain meds before surgery so you can have them at home and on hand

-ask about any over the counter drugs you may want to take like Gas X

-ask about vaginal discharge post-op and what to expect

-how soon can you try out having an orgasm (via outercourse)

-make sure you understand the do's and don'ts post-op (when to call Dr., intercourse, oral sex, lifting, walking)

Hope this helps
Jodi

Here's another thread that is presently on-going bout what to take to the hospital:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...hreadid=120796

Good luck.

I packed all kinds of things to do and wear. Bring your own undies, I found that briefs in a larger size are great with your own pads. The hospital gown was ok but in the way as far as moving in bed. I would rather have had a sleep shirt about mid thigh. They keep you so busy in there trying to pee, pass gas, walk, visitors, eat, meds, etc. I didn't have time to read. Keep in mind that My surgery was at 2:30 pm, finally got to room about 6:30 pm. and went home before noon the next day. Stuff with waist bands bothered me and still do. At home, I've been wearing a long robe or very big pajama bottoms. I don't wear underwear because of the waistband. I also haven't bled a drop since the recovery room. If I stayed longer, My own robe would have been good. I think it's a personal preference.

Hi. Rhonda.

I believe you are having a TVH, so you won't have the incision to worry about. I don't have advice on what to take to the hospital because my TVH was outpatient, surgery at 7:30am and home by 4:30pm. I didn't have to keep a cath, I had no problems having to pee, but I have heard that can be a problem. I wore comfy pajama pants with a drawstring. I did not need larger underwear, and I only needed panty liners. The first 2 days I was sore in my stomach area, and when I had to pee I just felt pressure, and you will be tired. I went back to work after a week and half, however, I was tired, in bed by 8:30pm or so. After 3 weeks you wouldn't have known I had my surgery, well, I still got tired easily. I'm now 5 1/2 weeks post op and feel great. JUST REMEMBER.....EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.

Good Luck
Missy

Hi,

I took a lot of stuff to the hospital, didn't need or use most of it. What I actually used was my chap stick, hard candy to suck on, ear plugs ( I was near a noisy exit ), my favorite bed pillow ( castle ones are too skimpy for me ), my tummy pillow, and my gown and robe to wear home.

I wore 2 hospital gowns while there, one facing front, one to the back - that way I was covered & they did the laundry

Best wishes.

s