Hi
I had a similar surgery to the one you're going to have, but with more "options"... a TVH (total vaginal hysterectomy) with BSO (both ovaries and tubes removed), A&P repairs (repairs to the vaginal walls for cystocele and rectocele) and bladder lift. I was in the hospital two nights. I went home with a catheter for a week. I was able to shower with mine; I just took off the elastic straps for the leg bag, since those would lose their stretch if they got wet, and secured the bag to my leg with adhesive tape while I showered. I was able to do anything I wanted (within the constraints of being a newly post op
) with the catheter in place. I rather appreciated having it, since it meant I didn't have to get up during the night to go to the bathroom
I was bleeding vaginally, kind of heavily the first few days, lighter after that. The first few days I wore maxi/overnight type pads, but after a week or so, I was able to transition to just panty liners.
I didn't have the stockings after the surgery. Everyone's experience is different, of course. I'd mention your concern about them to your DR ahead of time and ask if you need to have them on once you're awake - you might not have to.
I did have pain when I woke up. Early on, it felt like really bad menstrual cramps. It took a while for them to find a med that helped with the pain. Once they did, those pains weren't so bad. The day after surgery, they removed my catheter, thinking I would be able to urinate on my own before I went home, but I couldn't... and it took all day to find out. In the process, my bladder filled up with 1.5 liters of fluid (yes, really
) and that hurt A LOT. I would assume that won't happen to you, since you've already been told you'll have the catheter in for longer. Later on, after I was home, most of my pain was due to the posterior repair incision (like an episiotomy); if you're not having that repair, perhaps you will have less pain? Again, everyone's experience is different.
The initial recovery period from this surgery is about six weeks; rarely is anyone cleared to return to work before then, and if your job is very physical, your DR may want you to take more time off in order to not jeopardize your bladder lift. I have a lifetime lifting restriction of 25 pounds... I try to stay under that limit but sometimes have to lift a little more; but I would not consider doing a lot of heavy physical work anymore because I don't want to end up with another prolapse.
I hope this helps... good luck with your surgery!
s,
-Linda