When to schedule hysterectomy?

Hi,

My Dr. has told me a hysterectomy would be the best choice for the bladder prolapse, etc. I knew I would need surgery for my problems but have been putting it off as I've been in grad school for the last two summers and teach school during the year. I just received my master's degree and this coming summer is "free". I've been thinking about scheduling my surgery for the middle of July so I can at least have half of the summer to paint rooms, deep clean, have vacation. Then I thought I would have the rest of July and some of August to recuperate before having to be back teaching on August 25. (Teachers go back @ Aug. 18). Would that be enough time to recuperate? I have plenty of sick leave (21 days) coming, but I hate to miss school.

Also, my sister has the same problems and has been told she needs the same procedure. Her Dr. told her that insurance companies don't approve the bladder repair - that it has to be worded differently to get approved. Anyone else had to "dance" around the insurance companies or had problems getting necessary surgery approved? I haven't asked my Dr. about the insurance company yet.

Welcome hyster-sister! When the Dr says 4-6 weeks they mean it! Everyone is different, but I will tell you that when I was working as a school social worker I had a myomectomy(which is the removal of fibroids from the uterus while maintaining fertility). This is longer and blood loss is assumed, compared to a hyster. I did it in May, using sick days to pay me out until school was out in June. I did work a few days that summer, but there were no kids, no dress code, and I mostly was at my desk. I just did a SAH om 1/31, and I'm glad I don't have any time constraints.(I'm 44 and retired) Teaching is very tiring, you're"on" all day and then have paperwork at night. It's a short day but if you're good at it, you put a lot into it and it takes a lot out of you. Could you plan your surgery for June(have a sub adminster your exams), rest, recover, and then vacation? Paint those rooms over Columbus Day-or use your spring break? The better you take care of yourself during post op, the better you'll be! Good luck and be well!

If you're doing your surgery in July, best make it July 1. I know that doesn't give you much time, but believe me, you'll need all the time you can to heal. You'll feel better quickly but as soon as you overdo you'll need to rest. Take it from someone who went back to work four weeks after. I should've waited longer!!!!!

Good luck!

Hi PBJ,

Not sure what kind of hysterectomy your Dr. discussed with you. There are a few different kinds and the healing can be different for each.

I had a LSH on Jan 18th. That will be 4 weeks on Tue. My energy level is pretty good and I do think I could go to work. I do agree that if you have a choice I would put off the other things on your list and concentrate on your health.

Like they say you only have one chance to heal right. Please put your health and well being first.

Sirap

Everyone told me to take 8 wks, if I could I went back at 6 wks. I wished I would have listened & taken the 8. There was a definite difference between 6 & 8. At 6 all I did was come home & die, my belly would swell. It 8 wks I had more energy, I did not feel as tired. Good Luck

Hey! I had my TAH done on June 30th. I also work in the schools and I felt really good when I went back in August. At 2 weeks post op I stated going to school for an hour or so just to get my stamina up and clear some paperwork off my desk. I would come home and sleep the rest of the day. By the time school time came around I was ready to put in a full day. I think we are very lucky that our job schedules allow us to do this and not be concerned about taking time off during the year. This summer I'll be celebrating with a cruise!

I forgot to add...I painted my livingroom about 8 weeks after my TAH. I put the surgery first and then paint later.