just what is this "packing"

I keep reading posts by hystersisters that mention having "packing" removed the next day? Is this gauze or what, and some people say it hurts when they take it out. Do they take it out with the catheter? I remember having packing in my nose when I had sinus surgery, and it was not comfortable when they yanked it out.

Packing is usually a thin, long strand of gauze that is placed (packed) in the vagina after surgery to help control bleeding. I had TVH/bso and had no packing at all. Some doctor use it routinely and others, like mine, only on an as needed basis. If you have not had your pre-op appointment yet, be sure to inquire about it then. Or call your DR office and ask. As for the catheter, mine was removed at 6am the morning after my surgery. Hope that all goes well for you. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to post.

The nurse took out my packing right before taking out the catheter. This was about 18 hrs after surgery. In my case, it didn' t hurt, just felt very odd. I wished she had warned me, as she did pull it out very quickly, and I recall having this wierd sensation that when she got to the end of the packing, that my vagina would be coming out also!!

Didn't hurt, but if you do have packing, you may want to warn them that you are nervous about it being removed. I've gotten alot of mileage lately out of telling the health care provider that I am worried, and then they are MUCH more gentle with me. May not always work, but I sure wish I had thought of doing this before now!

Also, in my case, there was no blood at all on my packing. I surprised, since I had vaginal stitiches. I kept my cervix, so I didn't have the cuff. Maybe that was the difference.

My dr did tell me about the packing at my pre-op also. Good luck!

So it's kinda like a really big makeshift tampon-okay I think I can handle that since I won't be needing any more of those things.

The packing did not hurt coming out. Afterwards the Doctor looked at me and told me to take a deep breath so I did and he took the catherater(sp?) that hurt like well put what ever word you want to after that. That thing was huge!