What to expect post-op

Hi everyone! I'm new to the sight and think it's great! I'm scheduled for a hyst. with the small abdominal incisions- whatever it's called. Removal of ovaries included due to cysts. I have no idea what to expect after the surgery. Is there any bleeding? How long does it take before most feel better? The dr said I would feel fatigued for a while but the surgery would be easier than the laparotomy that I had when I was 19. I will have a bladder suspension and unsure of what to expect there also. Any answers or tips would be EXTREMELY helpful.

Thanks!

Hi
I had a TAH kept ovaries on April 7 I had spotting for about 1 week. i was told also i would get tired easy But to my surprise I was never any more tired than before the surgery. The most painful part of the surgery for me was the gas the first two days after that Whew much better. the incision burned a little for a week. So really after the first week i felt wonderful. Of course i knew The cut was there But that was it i never had any pain. i am so glad i did this. i hope my positive experience helps comfort you. Were all different i worried constantly before surgery
But everything i worried about never happened. So keep a positive attitude and youll do fine. Good Luck!!!

I too am posting with some positive post op reviews....it is soooo true that the waiting is the hardest part!!!!!! I know until you go through it its hard to believe. I am 3 weeks post op tomorrow and I feel great. I've been very good at following all the rules and husband just went back to work today, he was wonderful. I am waiting for the dr to call me back about driving and other restrictions. Its so hard to not over do it cause I feel so good - but on the same note I dont want to jeoperdize my awesome recovery I've had so far. The gas was a little uncomfortable, but any other pain is really minimal, little pings and pangs of my nerves waking up this week.....I stopped taking my tylonel #3 a week after I was home and maybe have taken one or two advil since then. I am so happy to write posts like this - because it is posts just like this that got me through the terrible dreaded waiting!!!!!! And you before long will be writing posts just like this to all the other LIW soon! Just relax, I know that is easier said than done. Take care and God Bless Shelly

ps I forgot I wanted to let you know I had no bleeding at all. I was told I might start spotting when my stitches start to dissolve. But that is normal at like 3 to 4 weeks. ok bye again Shelly

I am 10 days post op. I had a total LAVH on 6/13/03. I haven't felt much pain at all, but have felt some "heaviness" in the abdomen. Just take it easy, rest up, let your family wait on you, and you'll do great!

Good luck!

I am 5 weeks post-op TAH-BSO. the day after surgery, I was taken of the PCA pump (I call it my "dope on a rope"), started on oral Vicodin for pain the day after surgery, and gotten up and out of bed to begin walking. I am here to tell you that the walking was the best relief for the pain and abdominal discomfort. I could literally feel the pain and ache dissipate from my body as I walked the halls of the hospital ward. I am also convinced that by doing as much walking as I could tolerate, I avoided having any gas or bowel problems post-operatively. Do not be noble about "tolerating" pain the day of or after surgery. I made sure I gave myself as much IV demerol as the pump would allow, and I gladly took the Vicodin every four hours. I think by doing so, I stayed ahead of the pain, was able to move quickly after surgery and avoid alot of gas. Take some Chapstick or lip balm to the hospital to apply after the surgery. The anesthesia gives you a very dry mouth and lips. I tried putting the lotion they had at the hospital on my lips, but that just did not cut it. So, take Chapstick, stay ahead of pain by taking whatever pain meds as frequently as you can, and when they get you up to walk, you'll be sore at first, but keep walking. Hopefully, you will experience the same relief from it as I did. I had surgery on a Monday A.M., and by Wednesday morning, all I took for pain was Advil. Even five weeks out, I find when I get sore and achy I go for a walk, and that helps tremendously. Your body will start to give you signals when you need to rest. I found I got "tingly" and slightly nauseous, so that's when I would go rest. Good luck, and I will keep you in my prayers.