HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy
SHARING IS CARING
Do This - Not That: How Hubby Can Help
From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List
What can my husband do to help before and after my hysterectomy?
Many husbands want to help their wives as they go through the hysterectomy process, but they don’t know what to do. They can also be scared about the upcoming surgery and frustrated because they can’t fix their wives' problem.
Because men can be fixers with a more narrow focus, you can help him help you by giving him a list of specific tasks. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts you can either share with your husband or adapt depending on your own needs and circumstances.
DO THIS:
- Listen.
- Go to doctor appointments with her.
- Acknowledge this is a major surgery.
- Learn about her surgery.
- Help her relax.
- Ask her what you can do to help before and after surgery.
- Help her prepare a recovery spot and get the house ready.
- Stay with her in the hospital.
- Pick up around the house.
- Wash the dishes.
- Do the laundry.
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop the floors.
- Cook and then clean up.
- Help with the kids.
- Hire some help if you can’t take a few days off.
- Tell her she is beautiful before and after surgery.
- Touch her without sexual expectations so she will feel cherished.
- Be patient with her moods.
- Make sure she has what she needs when you’ll be gone.
- Go slowly when she’s released for intercourse.
- Remember, healing takes time.
- Protect her from unhelpful neighbors, friends, and family members.
- Be available.
- Go for walks with her.
- Buy her flowers, perfume, or candy.
- Pamper her.
- Love her!
NOT THAT:
- Don’t discount her fears.
- Don’t discuss her surgery with others without asking her first.
- Don’t pressure her about sex.
- Don’t expect too much too soon.
- Don’t let her overdo it.
- Don’t hover but be available.
- Don’t fuss about less than perfect meals.
- Don’t complain about the house.
- Don’t push her to go back to work too soon.
- Don’t invite friends over until she’s ready.
- Don’t show disdain for her scars.
- Don’t forget to say “I love you” regularly.
- Don’t forget the essentials–patience, hugging, and helping.
Along with this list, you can introduce your husband to the
Mr. HysterSisters website where he will find a downloadable guide for family members. That site also has frequently asked questions with answers that he might find helpful.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
02-22-2015 - 05:38 PM
SHARING IS CARING
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Caren C Reaves, M.D.
Caring for Women
2805 S. Mayhill Rd
Denton TX 76208
940-591-6700 |
Aileen Caceres, M.D.
Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital
410 Celebration Place, Suite 302
Celebration FL 34747
(407) 303-4573 |
Antonio Gargiulo, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston MA 02115
617-732-4222 |
James Kondrup, M.D.
161 Riverside Drive
Suite 109
Binghamton NY 13905
607-770-7074 |
Eric Grossman, M.D.
903 Sheppard Road
Voorhees NJ 08043
(856) 772-2300 |
Clifford Rogers, M.D.
The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology
1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120
Everett WA 98201
425 339 5424 |
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN
Dallas TX 75290
214-645-3888 |
Lauren Pinkard, M.D.
4225 W 95th Street
Oak Lawn IL 60453
708-423-2300 |
Jonas Wilson-Leedy, M.D.
71 Prospect Avenue
Hudson NY 24016
518-828-1400 |
