TAH: Nov 6th hysterectomy - what should I buy what will I need

So I'm set for sergerie. Nov 6th I trying to figure what i need. If I should find out about minial invasive. Instead. Of a6-8 inch cut my gyn won't take my overies either he gonna do a exploratory abdominal hysterectomy. Cause I have fibroids he says uterus is size of 12wk pregnancy. So he can't get it out vag. My question what should I buy how do I prepare my house and is abdominal. Less dAmageing. Then lavh. I have pcos and andomyosis. Possible endo please I need tips how what I need I order new nite gowns and robe thinking heating pad new sheets. Maybe laxatives also the bowl prep thing I can't eat anything solid how what do I eat. Broth not soup broth like clear broth. Idk I'm just nervous trying to keep busy so I don't thank about sergerie sry for the long post I'm just worried thanks for reading

Hi Dtan82 -

I know this is an overwhelming experience. Your nerves and fears are normal.

Regarding bowel prep. Not all ladies have to do a bowel prep for their surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you have to do one. If you do, your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do and what to take. Only do a bowel prep if you are asked to do one.

You doctor will also tell you what you can and cannot eat a day or two before surgery. If you are on a liquid diet, clear chicken broths are good.

You will be given a list of medicines you need to avoid starting about two weeks before surgery.

You probably do not need to order new nightgowns, robes, or new sheets just for the surgery. You just need loose fitting clothes. I wore sweat pants and that worked well.

To prepare your household for your recovery after surgery:
-You will need help at home with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, driving, and shopping. Maybe a family member can help with this?
-If you have young children, you will need someone to watch them
-Get meals in the freezer that you can put in the microwave during your recovery
-Get a place in your house where you can recover and put blankets and pillows there. It helps if it is near a TV.
-Clean your house before your surgery.

We are here to help and support you.

Keep asking questions, and we will try to answer.

I precooked some meals in foil pans, and bought some good paper plates. As little cleaning as required! I stocked up on paper products and prune/plum juices and bottled water. Maybe a variety of drink options to help your system and keep you hydrated after surgery!

Healthy wishes! PS I had abdominal too, I have no regrets!

I'm also scheduled for abdominal; it can be a lot to process! If you are set on getting new things (I found that I didn't have to for the most part... I found old shirts and some of my husband's shorts :-) ), go to Target or WalMart first! They had a lot in the clearance section when I was looking, and you can get your plus-sized-recovery-pants that you won't wear again pretty inexpensively.

My best investment was the foil pans for pre-cooking, and a body pillow. Although my surgery is tomorrow, it takes away a lot of stress knowing that I have meals cooked so my husband doesn't have to and I won't have to try to stand that long!