Upcoming June 21 hysterectomy, LAVH - Last Minute Advice?

Hello, ladies! I'm having a laparoscopic hysterectomy this Thursday (uterus, cervix and tubes) due to a prolapsed/inverted uterus and "bulbous" cervix.

Any last minute advice? Those of you who've had your surgeries, were you able to shower in the hospital the next day before you went home? Besides what's already listed on the HysterSisters website about what to pack, anything else you were really glad you brought with you or wished you would have?!

Thank you in advance! Pretty nervous, but I know God is in control. <3

The thing that surprised me was that the evening before my surgery I was so hyper I couldn't sit still. I ended up scrubbing the walls of my apartment instead. I finally calmed down enough to lie down about 1 PM, then had to get up at 5 PM to catch the bus to the hospital. By the time I got to the hospital, I was too exhausted to be anxious, so it actually worked out well. :-)

Don't be surprised if this happens to you too. Find something to scrub and you'll be fine.

I had a TAH that came with a three-day stay. I got sponge baths from the waist up, but didn't have a chance to shower until I got home.

Hi punkin37 -

I was able to shower in the hospital on 2nd day after my surgery. I had a TAH and was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days.

If you bring reading material, keep it VERY LIGHT. I brought a technical magazine and could not concentrate enough to read it. So, it was a complete waste.

The day before surgery can get emotionally intense indeed. You need to distract yourself with something.... favorite DVDs, books, activities... or cleaning. Whatever works.

Good luck with your surgery. We will be waiting for you on the other side.

Good luck Punkin! If you can have someone stay with you in the hospital in case you have problems (the controller/call button came off my bed and no one checked on me for a long time). Also, if you get anxious, never underestimate the power of breathing and counting breaths- works like a charm!

When you are up to it, join in on your recovery post op thread. You can get support and ask questions.


Fluffy

Bring chapstick!! I swear the hospital air sucked all the moisture out of my body. My lips were so darn chapped. The other thing I wish I would have brought is something to suck on after surgery cause my throat was sore from the breathing tube. My surgery was considered out patient so I was out early the next morning, no time to shower. You will do great!! Let us know how things went.

My surgery was also laparoscopic; I was released from the hospital the next morning, and was told I could shower the day after that. I was instructed not to wash my incisions directly, just to let the soapy water pass over them, then pat dry with a towel. As for what to pack for the hospital, my recommendations include powdered or crystallized ginger for nausea from the anaesthesia, Gas-X or fennel seeds for gas relief, and magnesium-rich dark chocolate to get your bowels going. If you will be spending the night in the hospital, I strongly recommend an eye mask and earplugs for sleeping, because hospitals can be loud and bright, even at 3 AM, and along with the chapstick, be sure to include a travel size container of face cream - I have rosacea, which makes proper hydration mandatory in these environments. Best wishes for your surgery tomorrow and we'll see you on the other side!