TVH: Scheduled hysterectomy (TVH) for February 8th with questions

My hysterectomy is scheduled, I have my pre-op appointment set for next week. I'm terrified and already mourning my "womanhood". They are removing all but my ovaries and will be doing repair work for the bladder and rectal prolapse since the uterine prolapse will be corrected by the TVH as well as having a bladder sling put into place. Does anyone that has had all this work done have any suggestions, comments or advice in general? I left my POPs untreated for almost 4 years before seeking medical help since I was having trouble with bowel movements and pretty much anything else that goes on down there. I mostly understand what I'm in for but I'm still frightened, and I don't frighten easily. What should I expect before, during and after the surgery? I have a high pain tolerance but I need to know that pain will be controlled. The pain tolerance sometimes gets in the way of communicating to doctors that I am in an excruciating amount of pain as I only seem to have discomfort and they assume that because I am not screaming, I must not be in pain. When will I actually feel like walking my child to school, again? Do I have to be fully dependent on my husband? Can I eat decent (seasoned) food? I gained 80 lbs with the IUD and got pretty chubby, will an abdominal binder help? Am I likely to pee the bed every day? I am terrified, upset and have been mourning my uterus since I found out that I needed the hysterectomy. My head is spinning and I have no idea what to do or if I will ever get through this at all. Any help is very much appreciated.

First and foremost, please take a deep breath. Everything is going to be OK. It sounds like given all your body has been through in the last few years, a hysterectomy is the right decision. And I have every confidence it will improve your overall health and well-being. It is only natural to be scared but we will be here to support you through this journey. Let’s see if I can answer some questions for you.

When will I actually feel like walking my child to school, again? We encourage new sisters to walk as much as they are comfortable with in the first few weeks. It gets your bowels moving, helps to dissipate gas and fluids and it just good overall exercise. See how you feel. Depending on how long of a walk it is, you may feel up to it within the first week. Just remember getting there is only half the trip, you still have to walk back so slow and steady to start. This surgery will not keep you bed-ridden for weeks. You’ll be up and about quickly but will need to rest when you are tired and be careful not to overdo it in those first few weeks. After my follow up appointment on Day 10, I started driving again (small trips) and would take little “adventures” out like to the grocery store or walk around a mall. Your stamina takes a big hit from surgery but it slowly builds up again.

Do I have to be fully dependent on my husband? My parents kindly stayed with me the first week of recovery since my husband worked full time but no, I wouldn’t say I was fully dependent on them. I could bathe, go to the bathroom, go upstairs to nap and even help prep dinner (slicing veggies, etc). It was nice that they were there to do the heavy lifting but after they left, I was on my own during the day and had no issues. I had a TAH with long incision and did fine.

Can I eat decent (seasoned) food? You can eat whatever you are in the mood for! I suggest steering clear of spicy or gassy foods until you bowels normalize which can take up to a week but after that, if you have an appetite, go for it!

Will an abdominal binder help? Binders are more helpful for sisters who have full abdominal incisions but you may find it helpful too. I loved mine. Ask the hospital for one on the day of surgery.

Am I likely to pee the bed every day? Geez, I hope not! If you are having bladder work done you may come home with a cath for a few days but you should discuss with your doctor. I haven’t heard any reports of any sisters ever wetting the bed.

How do you control pain? Be very clear with your nurses and doctor when in the hospital. You may have a pain pump in the hospital to start which allows you to control your pain. But the nurses want you to be comfortable so just be honest. There will be pain and discomfort – this is a big surgery. But you should go home with a regimen of pain meds which you must follow carefully to stay ahead of your pain. I also suggest getting some stool softeners and GasEx and Tylenol too for home.

It is understandable and natural to mourn the loss of your reproductive ability but that doesn’t define who you are as a woman. So many sisters feel the same way as you do but I am very hopeful that this surgery will help you feel so much better and allow you to turn a new chapter.

Here are a few articles to help you get started. Hang in there, it is going to be OK.

Questions for Your Pre-Op Hysterectomy Appointment
Prepare for Hysterectomy Tips
Preparing Your Home for Hysterectomy Recovery
10 Essentials to Pack for Your Hysterectomy

I am having my surgery 02/01/2017 and I am getting anxious as well. I tried to avoid this surgery for 15 years and I guess I am ready. I am "preparing" myself and hope and pray everything will be fine for all of us. I have noticed I am very snappy and gets upset faster. My patience has left me. I guess that is part of the stress. I know I am stressed since my psoriasis is flared up.

Wishing you the best and good luck!!

Thank you for your replies. It is always helpful to know that people are here to listen that know what I'm going through. My poor husband is almost as panicked as I am. I just haven't got that many people to talk to about it. Thank you for the advice. Good luck on your surgery as well. Sending well wishes !