TAH - little doubts n fears

Alot of thoughts and questions in my mind.......thought it would be best to put it down here for clarifications:

• Will any vaginal discharge occur post surgery?

• If so, for about how many days

• Any diet restrictions?

• Will I put on weight after the surgery?

• I sleep on my tummy.......how long till I can get back to my normal sleeping position?

• When can I start swimming?

Hi! These are all great questions.

If you do some research here at Hyster Sisters and using other sources, you'll find that each has her own unique story. I could answer for me, but that wouldn't indicate what your experience would be. But here are my answers FWIW:

I had no vaginal discharge at all. However, many other (((sisters))) report from a few days' worth to needing pads for several weeks after surgery.

Your doctor will speak to you about any diet restrictions, but I had none, and most (((sisters))) do not have them.

Weight gain is another big question. Some gain, some lose, and others stay the same. I was one of the ones who stayed the same. My personal opinion is that the surgery in and of itself doesn't impact your weight, but hormone fluctuations can.

I'm also a tummy sleeper. It was several weeks (probably 10 or so) before I could get back to that position. Others are able to sleep comfortably on the tummy earlier.

Your recovery will determine when you can return to swimming, but I would guess it would not be before the six-week checkup or when all of your stitches are healed.

If you take a look at our Hysterectomy Checkpoints you will find a wealth of information to help you out in the coming weeks. to you!

thats a lot of info.....thanks

As MJ said, everyone's recovery is a little different, and every doctor gives a different answer for the when's and how's for post op. Be sure to ask your doctor the questions you have when you see him/her next. For what its worth, below is my experience (I'm 6 weeks post op)

Will any vaginal discharge occur post surgery? If so, for about how many days

I had some bleeding one week post op which may have been due to one of the stitches in my vaginal cuff being pulled a little. However, that bleeding turned into "normal discharge" - about a tablespoon a day at first. I still have a slight discharge (just a few drops here and there). My doctor has said this is normal and should stop in a week or two. Some women however never have any bleeding or discharge.

Any diet restrictions?

I had no diet restrictions pre op or post op. Some women are put on a "clear" or liquid diet for a day or two before surgery. You'll have to ask your doctor his/her specific directions since each case is so different and each doctor has his/her opinion. Whatever your doctor says to do is what you should do - its very important that your doctor know you've followed his/her directions before and after surgery.

Will I put on weight after the surgery?

I can tell you that I put on 8 lbs in the past 5 weeks. BUT - I also quit smoking just before surgery AND I've been eating too many "treats" (cookies, candy, chocolate .... chocolate .... chocolate ... and did I mention chocolate ???). I also believe I have some swelling and water retention due to the extensive work my doctor had to do on my bowels due to endometriosis. Will YOU put on weight ? I think that depends upon what you eat and how much walking you're able to do. Hopefully your reasons for having the surgery outweigh your concerns about weight gain.

I sleep on my tummy.......how long till I can get back to my normal sleeping position?

I'm a 100% tummy sleeper so I know this concern all too well ! I found that I could sleep in between sleeping on my side and tummy during week 3 - I got onto my side, put a small pillow along my tummy and then rolled toward the pillow. It sort of worked for me but I felt best during week 4 when I was able to fully sleep on my stomach again - by that point there was a little discomfort if I moved but I wouldn't call it pain and if I was still it was perfect.

When can I start swimming?

My doctor said I could go into the swimming pool after two weeks, but personally I felt that was too soon since I still had significant discharge at that point. I'm almost 6 weeks post op and will probably go back into the pool this week. This is definitely sometihng you should ask your doctor about and follow his/her directions since every case will be different.

All the best to you for your surgery and recovery

Thanks a ton......did u have an epidural pain management ???