TVH: What are you doing to prepare ahead of time?

I'm having TVH (ovaries being left in) and bladder and A&P repairs.

Everything will be done vaginally.

Anyone else who's having this all done vaginally (or has already had it done)--what are you getting ahead of time to make sure you are comfy once back at home? I've seen the products for swelly belly, but isn't that just for abdominal hysterectomy?

I'm confused about what things I will actually need and make use of with a totally vaginal surgery. I don't want to pay things I won't need...

Thanks for any help you can give! Michelle

I think there is a possibility of belly swellling regardless of how you have your surgery done. I bought one of the binders from this web site and I love it. It really helps support the abdominal muscles and helps with the feeling of your insides fallling out.
You will want to make sure you have things within easy reach. Bending and reaching above eye level is not fun the first week or two.
Gas and constipation is something most everyone has after any kind of abdominal surgery so you might want to have Gas-x and stool softners handy.
You will still need time to heal so some things you might want to have close by is comfy pj's, slippers, tissues, phone, pen & paper, things to keep you busy, and don't forget the chocolate.
You will want to drink lots of water. My doctor still have me drinking a gallon a day. Try to get up and walk as much as possible. It really helps you feel better.
I hope your surgery and recovery go well for you.
B

I go in tomorrow morning for my surgery. The doc said there was no bowel prep, but just to eat light, and nothing after midnight. I am drinking a lot of water, and a little juice, and am pretty much following the clear liquids idea.

I started making a list of things that I want to buy for my surgery. TVH and bladder sling for me. I bought the swelly belly band and the abdominal band. (They will be arriving later this week) I already bought two boxes of Gas-x.

On my list of things to buy before surgery I have the following:

Mirilax
Colace
M&M's for the nurses
Apple Juice
Dried Fruit
ginger tea
gum
Men's boxers
Bigger cotton undies
grabber

I have been reading so much on the boards today for ideas on what I may need and that is what I have come up with so far. Hope it helps you OP!

my doctor made me sign papers for 3 types of hysterectomies, he told me they wouldn't know which way till they get in there so mine was laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy

good luck

These are all great ideas! I'm curious why you are getting men's boxers? I saw bigger undies on the list (I'm guessing so they don't bind on your tummy, but why boxers?

I really like the m&m's idea! Very cool! I think I might get candy kisses, though, because they are wrapped AND they are on sale at Target this week!

If I am not bleeding after I get released then I wanted the boxers to feel more comfy. More roomy and airy and such. LOL Gosh the kisses are a really good idea!! Wrapped is much more sanitary!

Oh, that makes sense! They WOULD be very comfy!

I had a vaginal hyst with repairs. I didn't mind things touching my tummy but I didn't like having anything against my vagina. Once the vaginal drainage slowed down I would often go without panties. I wore cotton panties that were one size too big. The abdominal binder was comfortable when my belly felt puffy but I would have been ok without it. Never had or needed a grabber. Drank a lot of ginger infusion (good for settling the stomach and I have been told it also reduces inflammation) but never used gas X. Drank tons of water.
I had some nerve complications but just for the fatigue and belly discomfort the best thing in the world was to simply "get horizontal" about 15 minues out of every hour. Reclining didn't quite do it. It felt best to be completely horizontal.

I also used men's boxers...they are big and loose , yet I did not feel naked when I had to get up and pee.

Other items I might add to your list for before Surgery::::::
* Your own pillow to sleep with and travel home with
* Your own light blanket
* Ear plug...beeping machines
* Snacks /soda/ water for husband or friend with you
*Hair brush
* Tooth Brush
* Pen / Paper to write down anything the Dr says when you get out or have the person with you write it down. You might not remember.

After Surgey List when you are home :
* If you are tall...a toilet seat height extention. ( Saved my life , I am 6'1")
* Box set of a TV show season. They are shorter then a movie...
* Extra pillows
* Heat pad
* Cell phone to call for someone to help you. ( I used it as a bell to tell my husband I needed help, food, water. Then I did have him hovering over me)
* Fluff reading ... nothing to brain straining

Most important:
*Patience and understanding to yourself. No need to be a super woman, you will heal and get better give it time.
I am at the 4 week recovery point and still feel a little tired...but over all I am getting there.
With a Hug,
Bella Biscuit