Upcoming hysterectomy 6/9: Advice?

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Originally Posted by allysponies I was feeling pretty confident getting ready for surgery next Monday and had almost quit googling symptoms and worst case scenarios when I opened the insurance letter and found all kinds of preapprovals for procedures that scared me witless. Is it standard procedure to get the approval first just in case or am I looking at an absolute train wreck? This is the first time I can think of that I lost my appetite due to stress!

I wouldn't stress too much over the insurance approvals. They have to submit EVERYTHING under the sun. I had authorizations for uterus, tubes, cervix, and even worst case scenarios.

I had LAVH also. That C02 is something else! I inquired about fluid gain and bloating from the C02. The responses surprised me about how much some women gained. I couldn't see how it was possible, but it is! I came home with 11 lbs more. So glad I had bought a few drawstring pjs one size larger for after surgery. That fluid/C02 gain went away within the first week and half. I still wear the comfy pjs as soon as I get in from being out and about

Wishing you an uneventful surgery and healthy recovery.

You have me some great list items. I did get a binder off Amazon and the throat lozenges are smart thinking. I'm going to pack today so I can look at my list.
I read a lot but am thinking about aDover coloring book for grownups to use colored pencils with.

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Originally Posted by allysponies You have me some great list items. I did get a binder off Amazon and the throat lozenges are smart thinking. I'm going to pack today so I can look at my list. I read a lot but am thinking about aDover coloring book for grownups to use colored pencils with.

Not sure if I said it, but I highly recommend taking your own heating pad too.

Welcome! And congratulations!
I suffered from painful endometriosis for years.
I had a total Hyst with ovaries removed on May 11. I did have a setback within 48 hours. I hemorrhaged and needed emergency surgery with 2 units of blood.
So, two surgeries to recover from. I found this site after my surgeries and it has helped me through, tremendously. Not only to help through information but to read and see other women all across the world going through the same thing in real time!
Get ready for a journey of freedom.
Start with you and let everyone take care of you for the 6 to 8 weeks.
Ask the doctor anything at anytime, no matter how minor it is. I promise you will call them at least once. Everyone does!
So good luck!

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Originally Posted by GreenJello Hi, I am finally going through with the surgery... I've needed a hysterectomy for many years now and I finally have gotten up enough courage to set a date. Ovaries will be left after a vaginal/laparoscopic assist procedure. I would love to know what you wish you had known beforehand, what surprised you, what was the hardest for you, etc. Thank you so very much!

Please do not take laxatives or do a bowel prep of any kind unless your doctor has asked you to do one. I did not do one and had no problem with a BM on day 3, and I have had IBS-C for years. Your doctor will expect you to show up in a certain way, and if you show up sort of dehydrated having done a bowel prep, they may not do your surgery. If you want to do a bowel prep, please ask your doctor first. I found that having something in my bowel made it easier for me to go sooner than having an empty bowel.