Upcoming hysterectomy 8/24: Right place this time =)

Posted this first in the wrong board.

My name is Christy. 30 year old mother of one. I am scheduled on 8/24 at 1:00pm for a vaginal hysterectomy. Doc says he is only taking my uterus barring any unknowns. I have some questions for you ladies that have had this type of procedure. Any advice to help with that first post-op BM? I fear it very much as I already suffer from chronic constipation. Also, my doc didn't schedule a pre-op appointment. Is this normal? I've never had surgery before. Is there anything I can expect from surgery and/or recovery that the doc's don't tell you? Do they shave you down there before your surgery? I will only have help here for 5-6 days. Is that enough time? My son is in school and we live too close for a bus route (5 blocks away) so I will have to drive him when my grandparents go home. Did you all wear an abdominal binder afterwards? Is that necessary? What about being hormonal even though I will keep my ovaries? Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance, ladies!

Hi christyf84 to HysterSisters!

I cannot answer all you your questions, as I had a different surgery than you are going to have. But, I will answer what I can.

Pre-op: Sometimes the pre-op appointment does not occur. This is doctor preference, hospital policy, and patient specific. If your doctor wants you to have one, one will be scheduled. You can call and ask if you are concerned.

Here is an article on If Your Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery | Parts 1, 2 and 3

Shaving: They will shave you as they need to. Do not worry about this, and do NOT shave yourself. All shaving will be done after you are asleep. For me, about the top half of my pubic hair was shaved. But, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy (6-inch vertical incision), so my experience may not be your experience.

Home alone after 5-6 days: That is pretty tight, and you will probably need more help than just 5-6 days. Driving that soon after surgery is also problematic. Can a neighbor drive your son? You will be restricted from driving for probably longer than that. Talk to your doctor. You will also need help around the house with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, etc. Can someone help you for a bit longer? You will want meals in the freezer that you can just pop in the microwave, and you will want food for easy breakfasts and lunches. Here are 10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy. Be sure to read the related articles.

Abdominal binder: This is really a personal choice. I never felt like I needed one. Some women swear by them.

Ovaries: You get to keep them, so you will have the same ovary function you do now. Sometimes they can get sleepy due to lack of blood flow that they used to get from your uterus. Here is an article on Ovary Function after Hysterectomy.

Above all, know you are not alone in this - never on this site!

Hi christyf84 - First of all, best wishes for your upcoming surgery! This site can help answer almost any question you have.
- I didn't have my first BM until about 5 days post op but they had suggested an OTC stool softener and gas pills to help moooooove things along. Whatever you do, don't try to "force" yourself. When your body is ready, it will happen (and trust me, you will feel much better afterwards).
- I asked for a binder just before my surgery and when I woke from from anesthesia, they had put it on me. My advice is to ask the hospital for one and so you have it to take home - whether you chose to use it or not will be up to you. I am 10 weeks post op and I still use mine in the evening. I find it very comforting.
-I also agree that you should try to have a helping hand for longer than 5-6 days. I found that even trying to reach for something over my head was difficult and I wasn't allowed to drive until I got my staples out around day 10. I've heard that you can start driving when 1) you aren't taking narcotics anymore and 2) you can comfortably look over your shoulder, and move your foot from gas to brake pedal. If you can't do these things without pain, do not drive.
No doubt you will have tons more questions, I sure did when I was getting ready for and after surgery. Hope to see you on the recovery forums. Just remember, the next few weeks are all about YOU so ask lots of questions, take any offers help and pamper yourself as much as you can.