LAVH: 3 days until surgery...so nervous

Hi everyone, I'm so glad I found HysterSisters, I have read so many posts just trying to prepare for my surgery and it has helped alot. I am scheduled for LAVH with the bladder sling on Thursday morning. My Dr. said I will need to be off 4 weeks, does this sound normal? How many stitches is normally inside after this type surgery? That is one thing that worries me. I am also nervous about not having a BM as it seems alot of sisters went through that after. I am trying to prepare mentally for what to expect, but if anyone has some pre-op advice I would love to hear it. Thanks to all and I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery

asil

Welcome,
My doctor told me that I would be off work for 6 weeks. I work at home so I can work in my jammies when I get bored. I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op for at TLVH. I have 3 smaill incisions in my belly. When I over do it, my body tells me to chill and relax. I was 5 days post-op before I had a BM. I started eating 3 prunes a day at 3 days post-op. Drinking lots of water, tea, and juice seemed to help a little too. When you are taking the narcotics, it tends to bind you up. You will be eating light, which is also another reason BM's don't happen on a regular basis, like before your surgery. Be patient with yourself, don't strain it iwill happen.
Doctors don't want us to over do it, and it takes a while for the stiches on the inside to heal. (I currently don't know how many I have, but I know that they are there). Take this time to relax and be pampered by those who love you.
I have to admit, it is hard at times not to stop. Or have the attitude "I can do this as long as I want." Nope for the next 4 weeks (it could even take you a bit longer too, it could be shorter), chill, read, catch up with your favorite shows, write those christmas cards and have them already to mail out. You will do great!

Hi Asil,

Welcome to Hystersisters!
I'm glad you found some useful information.

I'm not sure about the number of stitches. Generally, 4-6 weeks sounds average amount of time to be off work. As for the bm question, I can only share the steps I took to help keep everything moving. I took 2 stool softeners everynight at bedtime, drank lots of water and several glasses of prune juice daily. I tried to stay away from bread and cheese because both of those have a tendency to contstipate me.

I'd also like to share a little hint my friend gave to me... when I had to ride in the car, I took a garbage bag and placed it on top of a pillow on the seat, the plastic bag allowed me to slide into/out of the seat easier without alot of abdominal strain.

Wishing you the best for a calm week, smooth surgery and healing period.


Carol

Thanks for the advice. I know it will be hard for me to not do anything, but I know I will have to rest and recover. I hope all goes well in your recovery, it seems like you are doing good. I hope I do as well as you. Thanks again for the advice.

I know it is nerve-wracking. Just keep yourself busy and keep reminding yourself what a positive thing you're doing for yourself. I don't know if you pray or meditate or anything like that. That helped me a lot. Four to six weeks I think is average for that surgery. Some longer but not many shorter. ;-)