Upcoming hysterectomy 2/17 - any suggestions?

My name is Linda and I will be getting a Hysterectomy in a few weeks. Any suggestions??

and greetings from a fellow Linda!
my first suggestion is that you check our pre-op articles that discuss a wide array of topics to help you to prepare; if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask them, and we'll be here 24/7 to answer them. Having things prepared beforehand can really help, so here are a few suggestions to help with that: prepare your recovery spot with pillows and blankets; fill your freezer and pantry with easy to prepare meals and snacks; clean your house from top to bottom; go shopping for loose-fitting clothes, a good pair of walking shoes, and peppermint tea, frozen blueberries, whole grain cereal like oatmeal or All Bran, magnesium-rich dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, a psyllium based product like Metamucil, fennel or coriander seeds, and Gas-X for post-op constipation and gas; also look for a Squatty Potty or small footstool to elevate your feet while you're on the throne, which can help to make those post-op bowel movements easier by properly aligning your rectum so the poop can pass through more smoothly, as well as extension cords for plugging in your electronics, and a grabber for picking up small objects off the floor. Also mark your calendar for our February 14 Open House Chat Thread, where you'll have an opportunity to meet and chat with other sisters who are having surgery the same week. Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

Hi there! Great suggestions above. I would also recommend practicing getting in and out of a vehicle and in and out of bed. A while back, when I had my surgery, I think there was a link in here somewhere... also on Youtube... of a technique that will reduce pressure on the are. You might feel stupid practicing (I know I did) but it was very helpful. Also I practiced sitting on and sliding on a plastic bag to get into the car. Makes swiveling easier. Oh and bring a little pillow to put between your abdomen and the seat belt on the ride home.
Oh yeah! And ice bags! (Or flexible ice packs.) I found them to be very helpful and really reduced my discomfort. get several so you can always have some in the freezer.

i would suggest having a list of questions for your dr at your pre op appoinment. is my cervix being removed...if so ,why? same about ovaries. why is anything healthy being removed (if it is)?

Hi Tink4lyfe to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site. Having a hysterectomy is such an overwhelming experience, it is hard to know where to begin.

Having a hysterectomy is MAJOR SURGERY. While recovery is different for everyone, you need to think weeks and not days for recovery. You will need help with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. You will be able to do minor items around the house, but much will be left undone - like house cleaning. You will have lifting restrictions: 10 lbs for 6 weeks and 20 lbs for 8 weeks is common. You will have driving restrictions: 2 weeks is typical. You will need to take time off work. How long depends on your work duties and how quickly you recover. But, again, think weeks and not days.

You will have to prepare your household for your downtime. Here are 10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy. What I found most useful were the following:
-Meals in the freezer that can be put in the microwave
-Easy foods for breakfasts and lunches
-Loose fitting clothing
-Prepare your recovery corner with pillows and blankets
-Plan entertainment for your brain
-Small pillow to hold against your tummy for coughs and sneezes (or pet visits)
-Super clean your house
-Get your hair cut

Remember that recovery is not a contest, nor is it a race. It is more marathon than sprint. You need to follow all of your doctor's orders to the letter - no additions, no subtractions. Listen to your body carefully, and do not push yourself too hard because if you do you could damage yourself. You only get one chance to heal right. Here is an article: Too Much Too Soon After Hysterectomy?

You are not alone in any of this. We will be by your side throughout this process.

I found that having some pillows in bed to lay under my tummy while sleeping on my side was helpful. Also, getting the post-op high waisted panties were a godsend. (I wore them over my regular underwear so I wouldn't have to wash them each day.) They helped support my tummy when standing up, walking, etc. I also used an extra wide elastic wrap sometimes for additional support, like the type you might wrap broken ribs with. I have a lot of dogs, so a pillow on my tummy at all times was critical! Keep checking this site, I got lots of useful tips and just general support! Today is my 3 yr anniversary and I'd almost forgotten until HS reminded me. Good luck!!