Hysterectomy in 2 weeks

Hi there I'm new. I'm having a Hysterectomy in 2 weeks very scared. I'm 28 and have a little girl of 16 months, so scared I will not be able to look after her, daddy is here to help. How long before I can drive and heal completely. Thank you!!

Hi pruis to HysterSisters!

First, your emotions and fears are very normal. This is a difficult surgery to face and to digest.

Although everyone is different, recovery from this surgery takes time. For initial recovery, think weeks and not days. You will need help with your little one, as well as cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. You will be on lifting restrictions - probably 10 lbs for six weeks and 20 lbs eight weeks. You will need to take time off work, how long depends on how fast you heal and what your job requirements are. Again, though think weeks and not days.

For driving, you will not be allowed to drive until you can hit the brake very hard, turn the wheel very hard, and look over your shoulder without discomfort. Essentially safely operate the vehicle in all conditions. I could not drive until 3 weeks post-op.

Essentially you are looking at maybe 3 to 6 weeks (maybe more) for initial recovery before you SLOWLY start to move back into your life. For 100% complete recovery where no thought at all is given to surgery can take 6, 12, 15, or even 18 months.

Again, everyone is different, and healing happens at different rates for different people. The most important thing is to follow your doctors orders to the letter, and to listen to your body carefully - it will let you know if you push to hard.

Always know that you are not alone in this. We are her to help and support you. We will be by your side throughout this.

Hi there marestail, thank you for replying. I'm am very nerves and so so scared. I had 2 c-sections with the birth of my kids so I know how that feels because the doctor said it feel like a c-section. Hopefully it does . Thanks for your advise I really appreciate it a lot.

There is debate on how similar a c-section is to a hysterectomy. Here is an article for you on the subject:
Abdominal Hysterectomy vs. C-Section

I had a TVH and I was not allowed to drive for 1 week but didn't feel comfortable driving until about week 2

I think I'm not going for the AH I'm still very young 28. I'm going to try out the pill first and see if that will my the pain less and my period less aswell. I hope its the right decision.

pruis -

You are very young at age 28 to have a hysterectomy. This surgery should be done when no other option presents itself. The pill route sounds like something good to try to see if it addresses your situation. If that does not work, you can also get other opinions from other doctors to see if there are other alternatives.

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Hope this works!

Good luck