Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Jan 17, 2021

Hi everyone
I’m going in tomorrow for a full hysterectomy with vertical incision on Tuesday. I have a peculiar fibroid that has necrosis and they want to check it out for cancer (I have a history of breast cancer). Lovely to meet you all and I wish you all luck.

First Surgery?

Hi MarlyFJ, Ambercep, Coffeeshark, and all our Sisters about to have their first surgery this week. I remember my first time under general anesthesia and how scared I felt. Even many surgeries later, I still get some anxiety as I head into the OR. It's just not a normal activity, no matter how many times you need to do it!

Please remember, if you have any questions or concerns: Call Your Surgeon. The office staff are there to address any worries you may have. It's ok to call just to ask *one more question*. This is your body, your life, and it's totally ok to speak up.

Here are a few articles to let you know what to expect when you arrive at the hospital.

First Surgery: Hysterectomy
5 Ways to Prepare & First Surgery

If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 1
If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 2
If Hysterectomy is Your First Surgery Part 3

Ambercep: When you wake up in Recovery the RN will ask you what your pain level is on a scale of 1-10. If you are feeling pain, ring that buzzer! Your pain should be very well managed while in the hospital. Once home, I suggest taking your meds as prescribed around the clock. My husband set his alarm and woke me in the night so I never woke up in pain. Keep a pad & pen handy to write down when you take your meds and when the next one is due. I found I was very uncomfortable, but my pain level was low while I was taking my meds.

Coffeeshark: Before you go into the OR, your anesthesiologist will come and talk with you. Let him know it's your fist surgery, and tell him all of your concerns, whether you're feeling anxious, concerned about feeling nauseous afterwards, etc. These docs have amazing meds at their fingertips and it's their job to keep you safe & comfortable.
Talking with the Anesthesiologist

I hope this helps! The waiting is really the hardest part, because of all the unknowns. Once you are on the Other Side, it's a big relief. Remember you are not alone. There are many ladies here in the same boat with you, and we are always here when you need a hug.

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Originally Posted by Ambercep Hello Everyone, I am scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy on January 20. I have 2 large fibroids and will be removing my uterus and tubes. I am anxious about the surgery and having to be alone in the hospital without my husband. I’m sure I will receive great care, I just would like to see his face when I wake up. I’m nervous about the level of pain and recovery. And I’m obsessing about stupid things like where will my belongings be kept when I’m in surgery? How and when will I get my phone so I can FaceTime my husband? This is my first surgery and hospital stay (except the birth of my daughter). Thanks for the support of this page and everyone on it. ~ Amber

Ambercap ... we're glad we can be here for you dear. I know not being able to see your husband after surgery is hard.

As I mentioned earlier to MarlyFJ, recovery pain is different for all of us. Try to keep ahead of your pain by taking your meds on time. Ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen in between your pain meds.

Your concerns are not stupid dear ... it is a normal question that I'm sure others have, especially when no one is with you. Hospitals do different things ... please don't hesitate to give your hospital a call in the morning to get all of the answers you need to know.

Best wishes on your surgery dear ... we'll be waiting for you on the other side.

Intimacy Post Hysterectomy

Hello Swood4, Hystsis_jd and all our Sisters concerned about intimacy post op. Intimacy post hysterectomy is a major concern for many of us. Please don't be shy to ask all your questions to your GYN, your GP or to us! All questions and concerns are completely valid, and we have all heard it before!

The more time you spend here, the more you will see that we are all very unique and each have our own unique experience. The same is true with sex post op. Some women feel sex is much better post hysterectomy, some say it is the same, and some say it isn't as good. I think the reason for our surgery can play a role in this... for example, if you have pain and bleeding with sex, it will likely be better post op once those issues are resolved.

Since our sex drive is largely fueled by our hormones, if you retain your ovaries your sex drive/libido shouldn’t change post hysterectomy. If you have your ovaries removed, HRT can help with this. Women who experience uterine contractions with orgasm will no longer have this sensation once the uterus is removed. Some women feel their orgasm is shallow in comparison. For me, this was a trade off I had to make in order to remove my cervix and the pre-cancerous cells that it contained.

Here are some articles regarding intimacy post hysterectomy:

Intimacy After Hysterectomy: Better or Worse?

Will Sex Be Different After Hysterectomy?

5 Surprising Facts About Intimacy After Hysterectomy

Will I Lose My Libido?

Intimacy: Is My Vagina Shorter?

You've come this far and you know your hysterectomy is necessary. Odds of having a satisfying sex life post op are in your favor. If you do experience changes, your doctor can work with you to help with this. So try not to worry, get your positive vibes going for your surgery and then just focus on a healthy recovery!

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Originally Posted by reneejvm Hello folks, I'm Renee in Montana and I have a total hysterectomy and ovariectomy scheduled on Friday morning. I'm wondering if anyone has any practical suggestions for things to have on hand post-surgery. I know there are a lot of products recommended in the store, but many of them seem unnecessary. All I've got at this point is stool softener and menstrual pads. Anything else I'll definitely need? Also, I'm hoping to be back to work about a week after my surgery. Is this realistic (if everything goes as planned)? I'm having a DaVinci laproscopic surgery. One other thing... my pre-op paperwork states that I shouldn't drive for a week after surgery (longer if I'm still taking pain medication - which I don't intend to be). Does anyone know what the reasoning for that is? Renee

Hi Renee, For home, my essentials were:

• Stool softener
• Prunes (or your go-to food to get your bowels moving)
• Gas X
• Peppermint tea
• Ginger Ale (to drink flat)
• Moist wipes rather than toilet tissue
• Panty liners
• Heating pad
• Small pillow (to hold against tummy when coughing or sneezing, also protects against “pounces” from small animals!)
• Chapstick
• Notepad and pen (for keeping track of medications)
• Nutritious snack items (yogurt, bananas, granola bars, etc.)

You may find a grabber tool, a body pillow (for side-sleeping) and an abdominal binder helpful, although I did not need these.

Some articles to check out:

Preparing: What Will I Need?
“Must Have” List for Hysterectomy
What to Take to the Hospital

Has your surgeon given you instructions regarding returning to work? Generally, the time frame is 6 weeks. Some women are ready to work earlier than that, and some later. I had a TVH (no incisions) and I was told 6 weeks off work. In the end, I was not cleared to return to work until 8 weeks. One week may be an overly ambitious goal, but I have seen a few ladies here who have done this. Bottom line, you won't know until you're post op because we all recover so differently. It's major surgery and ultimately your body is in charge.

Resuming driving post hysterectomy is an individual thing as well. Post op fatigue can be overwhelming in the first few weeks. This, along with difficulty concentrating, pain from sitting and also using the seat belt, and even difficulty turning to shoulder check can all be concerns. Personally, I would not have been safe driving before 10-14 days post op.

Wishing you the best with your upcoming surgery & recovery!

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Originally Posted by Swood4 I’m also curious about how long and/or heavy was the postop bleeding?

Hi Swood4,

As with many aspects of hysterectomy recovery, the answer to this varies as well. Some women experience no bleeding, spotting or discharge at all. And some women have spotting throughout their initial recovery (approx. 6 weeks). I had pink discharge that was just there when I wiped for the first 3 weeks or so. Then I had some bright red spotting for a few days as my stitches inside dissolved. After that, brown discharge. I found I didn't need anything more than a panty liner. Some women do need pads, so keep your supplies on hand. Just remember tampons are off limits.

Our time today has come to an end - our Pre-Op Open House Chat Thread is now closed. Thank you to all our members who attended as we support one another - women helping women.

The staff of HysterSisters is sending you hugs for the best outcome for your hysterectomy.

As you wait for your scheduled surgery, if you have more questions, please start a new thread discussion here in Pre-op hysterectomy forum area.

Then, after your surgery, there will be a specially created thread for our members who have surgery this week. Look for it in the Post-op Hysterectomy Recovery forum - specifically the Hysterectomy Recover Reports forum with dates matching your surgery date. You will find your surgery sisters there.