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Upcoming hysterectomy: Prepping for post-op
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12-23-2014, 10:15 PM
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Hyster Sister
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Posts: 6
Hysterectomy: March 17th, 2015
Surgery Type: DvH
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Upcoming hysterectomy: Prepping for post-op
In preparing for my davinci surgery scheduled in March, am trying to get organized as much as possible. I have a list (that I compiled from reading the forums here) and am checking it twice to make sure I have what I need. But, because it is something that I have never experienced, and do not know anyone who has, I have some questions that might be 'common sense' but not for me
I have read that having some specialty items really helped with recovery - like
The Ab Binders - how does one get them on if one can't bend over, or use their ab muscles to pull it on? Won't they rub on the incision sites?
Also, the soft bra - after surgery, can you life your arms and pull it on?
Raised toilet seat- is that really necessary or is that something that is 'nice to have'?
Is it challenging to get out of bed - would sleeping in a recliner be better for the first week?
Thanks for any info.
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12-23-2014, 10:34 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 3
Hysterectomy: December 16th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Preping for post-op
I had my Davinci done on 12/16 and honestly have done better than I thought possible! The first 2 days had me prepared for a rough road... But after a whole nights sleep in bed, it's a whole new world. I would invest in a whole body pillow or even one of those u shaped pregnancy pillows. As far as hospital supplies, chapstick for sure, throat lozenges and that's about it. I had a nurse checking vitals every 3-4 hours so constant comfortable sleep wasn't happening. I have also found that a heavy blanket folded works better than trying to hug a pillow during the day. Gas is inevitable but I've found not nearly as bad as I had heard. You will have new bruises and new areas sore daily but totally worth it already! Good luck and remember, you never hear about the perfect recoveries so don't scare yourself too much.
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12-23-2014, 10:38 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 166
Hysterectomy: December 18th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Preping for post-op
I had surgery in the afternoon on December 18th.
I had a davinci. I had pain Thursday night and Friday. Saturday the pain started to subside and it became more discomfort.
I have not had issues get up or down on the toilet and I have a very boring regular standard sized toilet.
I have not used a binder. I did occasionally after my csection. Right now I'm sore above my navel (incisions) but also below (where the actual work occurred) and I don't think the binder would be comfortable on the lower half. The binder I have was given to me at the hospital post csection.
Getting out of bed-by Sunday I was just getting up as I normally would. I remembered what my great nurse post csection told me about getting out of bed until then...roll onto your side then push yourself up to sitting with your arm muscles and then you just stand. It honestly didn't work for me post csection but worked like a charm this time.
I don't know if I could have put on a tight bra (thinking sports bra) over my head but a really loose bra or shirt were fine. I just wore an older bra to and from the hospital. I see no reason to wear a bra at home when it's just me and my family and I'm recovering from surgery.
Recliner-depends on your recliner...I like my bed but did sleep with a pillow under my knees and extra pillow under my head for the first few days. My recliner is actually very difficult to get down so if I had to pee in the middle of the night, I could be in trouble.
Good luck!! Friday (day after surgery) I felt completely knocked for a loop and like this would be a horrid and long recovery. By Sunday, as I said, I was just uncomfortable and very tired.
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12-23-2014, 10:45 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 63
Hysterectomy: December 3rd, 2014
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Preping for post-op
I had a TAH 3 weeks ago today. I bought the Ab binder from this site & it is great. It is Velcro, wrap around so no need to bend. I had difficulty getting up & down on the toilet at the hospital, so my mother went out and bought a toilet seat booster for when I got home, it was a God-send for me. With the help of this site, I thought I'd planned everything but the biggie that I missed was the recliner. I tried my bed for the first two nights home & was MISERABLE. I had to send my mom out to buy a recliner. After that, I slept very well. Three weeks out & I'm still in a recliner...not comfortable in bed yet.
I had abdominal surgery with a 2 1/2 lb uterus coming out, so I don't know if that made a difference in my experience. I know everyone has a different experience but I just wanted to share mine. Overall, my recovery has gone quite smoothly!
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12-24-2014, 08:33 AM
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Posts: 19,781
Hysterectomy: May 29th, 2013
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy: Prepping for post-op
I wore a regular sports bra. I had no trouble pulling it (and a T-shirt) on over my head when I was released from the hospital three days after abdominal surgery. Even the first day after surgery, I had no trouble lifting my arms to brush my hair. (I didn't care how I looked, but giving my hair a good brush made me *feel* better.)
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Raised toilet seat- is that really necessary or is that something that is 'nice to have'?
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Didn't have one, didn't need one. Used the bathroom sink for support sitting down and standing up.
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Is it challenging to get out of bed - would sleeping in a recliner be better for the first week?
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It's a *bit* challenging in that you have to go slow and think about what you're doing. This is tricky first thing in the mornng when you really, really have to pee. But it's certainly doable.
I moved my exercise machine next to my bed before leaving for surgery. Afterwards, I was able to use it for support in getting in and out of bed. I don't own a recliner and never regretted not renting/borrowing one for the occasion.
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12-24-2014, 10:49 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 4,029
Hysterectomy: June 5th, 2014
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Upcoming hysterectomy: Prepping for post-op
I didn't use a binder, a special bra or a raised toilet seat. I slept comfortably in my bed, didn't use a recliner. When I was sitting, I preferred sitting straight up as opposed to reclining, but that is my preference normally. I basically did not do anything special to be ready for my surgery, except a couple of big house projects that required moving furniture as I knew i wouldn't be able to that for awhile. Some people will tell you to prepare and freeze a lot of meals, I didn't do that, I was perfectly capable of cooking when I got home. I had no trouble getting in or out of bed, nor the toilet. I have one higher than normal toilet and one lower than normal one, and was ok with both of them. Best of luck to you!
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