having hysterectomy on may 9th and don't know what to expect

I am a breast cancer survivor and tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene, so I decided to have a complete hysterectomy to eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer. I don't know what to expect physically or emotionally. What experience or advice can you share with me. I am kind of scared and anxious. Thanks.

Hi, Laki3. I had everything but my right ovary removed via a 6" bikini incision on Feb. 7. My surgery was supposed to be laparascopic but because of a cyst on my left ovary that was adhered to other organs I woke up with the larger incision. My pain was pretty well controlled with narcotics. Your biggest challenge will be getting up from bed or a chair and the first couple of weeks of bm's and gas. Make sure you drink plenty of water and take frequent walks. They had me walking the hallway the day after surgery. The walking helps get your bowels moving again. You will probably be told to take a stool softener for a couple of weeks. Anyway, I went home 2 1/2 days after surgery. I wish I had packed lighter for the hospital. Like an idiot, I took my blow dryer, pajamas and even make-up. To this day, I still can't remember if I even combed my hair. lol The items I used were: robe, slippers, lip gloss, tooth brush, tooth paste and my cell phone (oh yeah, and maybe my comb).

I went grocery shopping before surgery and laid in lots of supplies. Frozen dinners and veggies that you can microwave will be a big help. Don't plan on doing much for a few weeks at least. Now is the time to ask for help from friends, coworkers and family. Most women have a hard time with this but just remember when they need help someday you will be the first one to help them. We joked a lot on our recovery thread about how our dust bunnies were turning into dust buffalo. Let the dust fly. This is your time. As they say often on this site "Pamper the Princess".

Depending on your circumstances, your emotions are bound to be tender for a while. I was more emotional before the surgery than after although I did have a few crying spells after, too. Sometimes its the hormones and sometimes I think it's just the stress of going through surgery.

I hope you will find it encouraging that at 12 weeks post-op I'm feeling pretty good and am doing most of the things I did before the surgery.

Oops, one more thing about post-op...I think everyone has a sore bladder so don't be alarmed when it happens to you. Of course, if you think you have an infection, talk to your doctor. I'm talking about more of a feeling of having a sore bladder muscle.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and make sure you stay in touch with your hyster sisters on the post-op board after your surgery. This site will be invaluable to you.