new to forum...question....

Hi, I am new to the forum. I have been reading all the messages and am so grateful to have found this site.

I had a hysterectomy on July 24th of this year. I have been home now for 8 days and am relieved to see that most of the symptoms and aches and pains that I have had are similar to everyone elses on the forum. It has been a pretty scarey few days. Primarily because I did not get the pathology report on the cyst until this afternoon. It is benign!. Thank god.

One of my questions though is this...does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with the "scar" that will be left. I have heard that vitamin E works? My incision is quite large. From belly button all the way down to just below the pubic hair. There was a chance that they would also have to do a bowel resection, hence the large incision...luckily they didn't have to do it. Also, because I have such a large incision, does this mean that my recovery time will be longer than the prescribed 6 weeks?? I am a horseback rider, and would love to be able to ride within at least 8 weeks time....


thanks!
janet

Hi Janet, You should not put anything on your incision until it is completely healed. At least 4 weeks. You should ask your dr before applying anything. My PS told me at 4 weeks to put lotion on to keep it soft. I have been using either a body lotion with vitamin E or cocoa butter with vitamin E added. Massaging works well also but you are way to early for that. Peg

Hello Janet.
For scarring whenever I had a cut I use Neosporin . Otherwise I have used Cocoa butter, Vitamin E. Like the other posting said, first before you do anything contact your Dr. and ask what they would like you to use. As far as horseback riding.. I know with my surgery and it was vaginally , I am only able to do a stroll type walking until I see my Dr. at 8 weeks and get the ok for more.. To be safe because your incisision and sounds like you may have to have more time.. Get the ok from your Dr. first.. I hope I was able to help.. Like i say when in doubt ask your Dr.
Best wishes to you....
(((((((hugs))))))))))))))
Loreine