Worried about post-op pain and taking care of children

I am seeing my doctor on 10/02 to decide if i am going to be having a vaginal or adominal hysterectomy and removal of left ovary,I have a huge ovarian cyst and have hade abnormal bleeding for the past 6 years and also had polyps removed from my uterus several times. I also had an endometrial ablation 3 years ago. I have 3 kids. The youngest is 4. Im worried about the pain and managing the care for my kids. My husband can only take the 1st week off from work. Any suggestions?

Well, sinse the oyungest is 4, you won't have to pick him/her up, so thats good. I assume at least one of the others is in school? For the first week you will be on the couch or in a bed. But the second week you should be able to walk around (slowly), do dishes and other things- just not strenuous stuff like vaccumming, laundry, garbage, etc. I am taking 2 vicodins every 4 hours and it keeps me almost pain-free. I am also pretty clear headed, but maybe a bit "tired".....you will most likely do just fine.
Maybe your mom, or sister or friend could come over at certain times to help you out on some days?

Hi jconway101 and

We're happy you joined the Hystersisters community! There is a ton of solid information on the site, and the members have unlimited cyber-hugs to dispense at every stage of your journey to good health!

I had an abdominal hysterectomy and was restricted from normal activities for 6 weeks...and -- even longer for vacumming or lifting over 50 pounds. I think it would be a good idea to start looking into "live-in help" in the form of a hired nanny/housekeeper or a "willing relative" for at least two more weeks after your husband returns to work. Even if you have a vaginal procedure, I think this would be prudent.

Doctors and nurses are humane creatures and don't wish to see any of their patients suffer. Your post-op pain will be managed both in the hospital and after you are home. The important thing is to keep your medical provider informed as to what you are experiencing. Pain varies from person to person, and some need a higher dose, or they need to take it for a longer period of time. Speak up as to your needs in this regard.

I'm sending positive thoughts your way for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery!

Many s to you,

I think it depends on what is removed and the health of the patient and their pain tolerance.

I had an abdominal H but kept my ovaries and cervix. I was told that keeping the cervix reduces the amount of pain and hence is easier to recover from.

I'm in good health and think I have a decent pain threshold. The doctor and the nurses were amazed at my recovery. Even my friends. I was discharged from the hospital just shy of 48 hours and returned to work (desk job) on day 6 and drove on day 7. I wouldn't lift anything too heavy at this point or do a sit up but I really haven't noticed much else. I do laundry, cook, clean etc. I'd say the most I've lifted was 15 lbs. Maybe 20.

At the time of my surgery I had a 16-year-old dd and a 3-year-old ds. My dh is a "house-husband" so he was home all day with me for my entire time away from work. (That's right -- we managed to be together for six whole weeks. )

I have to say that I did almost *nothing* in the way of childcare or housework for six weeks. DD did the cooking (and she's pretty good!), I have a cleaning woman, and and dd and dh split the care for ds and the chores like laundry and dishes. DS was in daycare during the day.

I would not have been able to properly care for the 3-year-old. No way. All I could have done was to watch him tear the house apart. Depending on how old the other children are, you "might" be OK. But I agree that some help may be necessary. If you belong to a church or other religious group, a simple call to the pastor or church secretary might yield several grandmotherly-type "mother's helpers" who would love to come in and help you out. Or is there a neighbor who might come in and get you and the kids through the dinner-to-bedtime period? (Help lay out clothes for the next day, do baths, etc.) That would make a world of difference, in my opinion.

Also, be aware that each patient has different restrictions and limitations, and you may or may not have a fairly smooth recovery. My doctor told me that the two worst things I could do post op were vacuuming and laundry. She also warned me not to even try to do laundry one piece at a time (I've heard that described here) -- it's the bending, stretching and twisting involved that is a .

to you. Hope this helps.