I don't know what to expect

hi, I'm new here, my day in surgery is tomorrow and I still don't really know what to expect. What my body is going to do, feel like, how to deal with it all ... does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find information ... something along the lines of Day 1 lots of pain meds / Day 2 less pain meds, walking / Day 3 more walking, less pain meds etc ...

P.S. Is crying normal ?

Everyone's recovery is different--I know I've read posts where women needs pain meds still at 4 weeks, and where they have given them up after a few days. I'm at 3 weeks, and rarely need meds.

The best thing you can do in recovery is listen to your body, and don't push yourself. Don't follow someone else's recovery schedule. Read as many posts as you can (I know you don't have much time) to get a sense of what others people's recovery was like; you will find similarities that may be useful in guiding you.

Hi,
If you can get to a bookstore I highly reccomend the book The Womens Complete Guide to Hysterectomy by Adeline Haas. THere is a chapter that covers what to expect day of surgery, 1 day after, 2 days after etc. My castle date isn't until March 31st so I can't give you any first hand experience. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lexi

I can only tell you from my own experiences, it is individual for everyone. In the past I had surgeries simular to this one and was put on oral pain meds. This time I had an epidural for surgery(TAH and double inguinal and umbilical hernia) and for pain control afterwards. I was amazed at the amount of pain control I had immediately following surgery. They could only keep the catheter in for 48 hours. My fear was OK now what, they give me some pills and I am going to be able to deal with it? Well they weaned me off the epidural and began giving me oral meds. My activity level, getting out of bed, cleaning up, was also increasing at the same time. Yes, I experienced some pain during coughing, sneezing, and an occasional laugh,and also repositioning myself in bed, but nothing I couldn't get through.

What sticks in my mind most is the nausea. I have always had a problem with post op nausea, antibiotic nausea, and narcotic nausea. My suggestion is to head this off at the pass. Take any and all "antiemetics" (anti-nausea meds) they offer. And take them before you begin eating again and any time you feel nauseated. These medications really do help.

I am back. I was too long winded and was cut off.

Also NEVER let your pain get out of control. Keep the medications flowing at a steady rate. If you call a nurse and you do not get a response within 15 minutes, then you keep calling and calling until you are properly taken care of. I don't mean to scare you but I have seen this happen to my roommate and myself and are pain got the best of us.

Also remember..."The squeaky wheel gets oiled first"
I believe I over did it a bit because I have an independent nature.
I practically did everything myself....I don't know why....maybe I didn't want to bother them. Yet my roommate whined and moaned and acted absolutely helpless and all the hospital staff were falling all over her to help. I am not saying to adopt these practices, I am saying there is a balance. It is for your own good to get up within 12-24 hours after surgery to prevent complications. It feels great to get clean up and feel fresh again.
Just allow (and sometimes demand) people to help you out. You will need to take it easy for awhile. Hope this helps. Good Luck

Stella blue ... 3 weeks and rarely need meds sounds good ... I hope I'm in the same position .. I suspect a few days is probably going to be unrealistic.

marchdd ... I have my mother on a mission to find it tomorrow for me ... or one similar. Thanks. I didn't even think of a book until I arrived at this site.

handymam ... thanks for the advice re nausea, I have the same problems with you, postop, narcotics and antibiotics. I will remember to ask for lots of antinausea meds. I have to hope for not too long on pain meds as I have very little stomach lining left after too many antibiotics and pain meds in the past with pelvic infections. *keeping fingers crossed* ... thanks

oh geez.. I just reread my post and saw a horrible typo .. just thought I'd correct it ...

handymam ... thanks for the advice re nausea, I have the same
problems as you, postop, narcotics and antibiotics.

sorry .. long day ...