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so many questions....so little time
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08-14-2011, 03:44 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 44
Hysterectomy: July 19th, 2011
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Preparing for surgery was kinda like preparing for a storm. You will need 6-8 weeks to recover..plan to rest.
1.For others in the house: stock up on easy "quickie" meals that others can make...better yet...get friends to prepare meals for you after surgery.
2. Try to get all dentist and other doctor appts out of the way for you and others you are responsible for, (pets etc.) (It's hard to do when you can't drive).
3. Get a donut pillow, colace, gas x and lots of pads. ( once again...hard to get when you can't drive)
4. Clean the house one last time....including laundry.
5. Get some comfy night gowns, and possibly sun dresses.....you will get tired of wearing night gowns before you are able to don those pants.
6. Grab a few books...and movies. You won't feel like reading until the pain is controlled, and the meds wear off.
7. If you have any major events to prepare for AFTER surgery (i.e back to school shopping) do it BEFORE! It ain't fun looking for sneakers all through town when you are not feeling good!
8. Prepare to enjoy your down time! Don't look at it in frustration....relax and enjoy!
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08-14-2011, 04:10 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 61
Hysterectomy: July 19th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Here some things that really helped make my hospital stay easier. I also love the Pre-Op Hints from Members area & I am so grateful to have had the advice:
1) No spill water bottle. I had a light weight plastic bottle with a grip handle and built in straw. Post-op I was a bit nauseated and loopy from anesthesia and narcotics. Lifting my head and upper body to sip water from the plastic cup the hospital provided was a real effort. I just rested the bottle near me in bed and tilted it for a sip when I needed - wonderful!
2) Crystal Light packets. I don't like the taste of most plain water but didn't want to pack lots of alternative drinks. The packets were super easy to slip into my bag and mix with the hospital water.
3) Yes, yes on the Ipod. I brought a book too, but was too foggy to concentrate on it. My music was perfect to relax and distract me.
4) Ear plugs. Really helpful to block noise and get sleep.
I packed but didn't use nightgown and slippers. Staff kept lifting my gown up to check my belly, much easier with their backless gown. Once my catheter was removed, I got up to the bathroom constantly. It was too much effort to get in and out of my slippers, so I just kept on the no skid socks they provided. I did wear my own robe over the hospital gown when walking.
Also, have a pillow or pillow pet for your car ride home. Even with my DH driving very carefully, every little bump or stop caused some discomfort. We ended up stopping and I put a pillow on the seat to sit on and a pillow pet across my belly to cushion the seatbelt. Much better!
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08-14-2011, 04:39 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: December 12th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Great tips - thank you! What is a pillow pet??
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08-14-2011, 06:34 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 79
Hysterectomy: August 23rd, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Google it both of my kids have 1 and they are the best they love them and I soon will too
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08-14-2011, 07:35 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: December 12th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Just did-they are so cute! What size would you recommend?
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08-14-2011, 07:41 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 79
Hysterectomy: August 23rd, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
I have heard both recommendedsides but I would probably recommend the regular size pillow pet they're not too big and I think it will work great ! best of luck to you
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08-14-2011, 08:12 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 61
Hysterectomy: July 19th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
I honestly thought the many references to pillow pets I saw on this site were a bit silly (sorry!) until I decided to just go ahead and get one. Wow, I love it, it is the perfect firmness and easily bends to whatever shape you need. I have the regular size and in the hospital it became a headrest, chin rest, back support, tummy support when I moved - plus the cute face just makes you feel better when you're recovering!
Also now back at home I love my full body pillow to sleep with in bed. I am a side sleeper and this would have been impossible without the body pillow to wrap inbetween my knees and hug against my belly at night. Thankfully my DH didn't get jealous!
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08-14-2011, 08:30 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 67
Hysterectomy: August 10th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
I have 2 body pillows one to use when sleeping on my side, the other to stay propped up in bed!
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08-14-2011, 09:12 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 196
Hysterectomy: December 12th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
Thank you ladies! Added it to my list. Just have to figure out which one to get - they are so cute!!
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08-15-2011, 08:17 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 93
Hysterectomy: July 20th, 2011
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: so many questions....so little time
I was in a morphine fog for my 24 hour stay at the castle - so I didn't use much of anything from my bag. I did take a teddy bear - I kept him tucked between me and the rail so my pain button wouldn't slide out of the bed. Plus it was nice to have it to snuggle with when I was feeling overwhelmed.
Chapstick was a must - I was too tired to drink as much as I wanted to, so it was great for keeping my lips from drying out and cracking.
The other thing - a notebook - either you can or have someone with you write down the names of the people taking care of you. You might want to write a thank you note to or a letter about one of the staff members when you get home and even though you think you will remember their names - there is a good chance you won't. It's also helpful for taking notes of people that have called and you are too foggy to remember who called to check on you. I got all bent out of shape thinking one of my friends had not called to check on me (she had but I just didn't remember!)
Most of all - don't forget to take your sense of humor. If you can find something to smile about it makes your recovery that much easier.
Good luck!
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