TAH similar to c-sections?

I have had 3 c sections. For me the TAH was different. When I woke up, I remember thinking "why do I feel like I am having the worst menstrual cramps of my life". That is what it felt like to me. I was pretty uncomfortable the first couple of days in the hospital. There is a LOT of gas involved also. I guess they have to fill your abdomen with air for the surgery. The gas was intense and extremely uncomfortable. The incision was similar to the c sections, but even that was worse for me. It was a little longer and now, 6 wks out, I have a large, thick ridge under the incision. (my dr. says this is normal). After about 4-5 days I was feeling much better. I had to take stool softeners for a couple of weeks after also. Good Luck. If I can do it, I know you will be fine!!!

I had a c-section six years ago and did very well. In fact, I only took Tylenol for pain and was up taking care of the baby and such without difficulty.

This hysterectomy is in a class of its own. It is NOT at all similar to the c-section in my experience (everyone is different). I have a very high tolerance for pain, and this hysterectomy has really shown me who's boss! Swelly belly is worse with my hyst. than the c-section. But the pain is the main difference in my case. The pain of the hyst is nothing like I had expected. It has been one week now since my surgery and I still cry (sob) if I move a certain way when I'm sitting down or standing up. Ugh!

The only similar thing that I can recall is the burning of the incision. I remember that with the c-section, and I have the burning on one side of my incision now. They say it is just the nerves reconnecting. Makes sense.

What surprised me (aside from the pain) is that the incision from the hyst is longer than from the c-section!!! Now, how does THAT work?! I hardly think that my ute and cervix was larger than my 9lb 2oz 22inch removal with the c-section. Maybe they need more room to work with the hysterectomy? Anyone know??

I have had 4 c-sections, and a couple of other surgeries. Even with the spinal wearing off during c/s #3 and needing two spinals during c/s #4, I still will say the partial-hysterectomy was by far the hardest and I had an LSH, so no big incision. I completely underestimated how tired I would be after and how much rest I would need. Taking a shower warranted a two hour nap immediately after, thinking required a break, and trying to cuddle with the baby also required having another adult right there.

My dr said my longer recovery could have been because I had my last c/s in January, then serious complications, more recovery and the LSH in April.

Just be prepared to do nothing, rest as much as you need and recovering slowly but surely is better than rushing it. You might not be able to go to church 4 days later

Praying you will be blessed with a quick and easy recovery so you can come back and make us all jealous!!!

Hi Salam, Jennifer and Buffy,
Thanks for the information. I have not been able to reply earlier as our internet was out of whack and have just now been able to log on. I have missed this site! I appreciate all your advice and information. I was pretty much thinking this would be a lot harder to deal with, so I am trying to get all psyched up for it, then if it isn't as hard as I am imagining, it would be like a piece of cake.

I'm with you Salam on the baby thing. If they can remove a baby, and my uterus is only the size of a 3-4 month pregnancy, what is the big deal? Except maybe they have to have room to get to the tubes, ovaries, etc. It is all a completely different surgery than a Csection, so maybe you are right, they just need more room to work.

I only have 3 days to go, counting down and finishing up getting my room ready at home. My bed is too high so I will be in the guest room, so trying to get some things ready like books, magazines, serving tray, etc. I also purchased the swelly belly band, so hope the cooling gel will help with the pain a little bit. I figure it is worth a try.

Thanks girls for all the advice. I really appreciate it and will take everything you said to heart. I hope you are all recovering well and getting better and stronger every day.
Sharon