Thanks to all

Hello, Tried to post this a few days ago, but internet access was acting up. I had my TAH BSO January 9th, and wanted to thank everyone on this board for the practical advice. As a , and a OB at that, I had given the walk and drink speech a million times to all the Post Op C/Section patients. Most Maternity units allow clean Gyn cases on the units as well, so I have seen several hundred women recovering from TAH, etc. Guess I figured to take all your advice, plus everything I had seen to try for a great recovery, and it worked. My best advice:
Stretched out lycra underpants for the first few days- hate those garter belts!
Ask for the PCA pump for pain relief for the first 24 hrs. Take pain medication liberally the first few days.
WALK, WALK, WALK
Drink, Drink, Drink
Wear newer lycra underpants when you get home, or ask for an abdominal binder.
Have some cough medicine ready if needed. Coughing is the worst. Check with MD what is good to use, and let them know you are coughing. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Thanks for letting us know you are doing well! It's great to hear that the good advice here helped you.

Personally, I went the big cotton granny bloomer route myself. I hate lycra even when I feel well, so the idea of anything tight across my incision.....no thanks!

A tummy pillow is indespensable for coughing, as well as laughing, sneezing, and fending off pets, kids, and flailing spouse appendages. I'd be careful with cough medicine, because it might interact with any pain meds you may be taking, either over the counter or prescription. But I agree, if you are coughing, or anything else that might indicate infection or pain, call your doctor and let him/her know right away.

Keep up your walking, resting, drinking, and relaxing....sounds like you are on the right track!!

Karen