Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread - Today Aug 26, 2018

Hi again!!!
Just some thoughts as to what to pack...
I used the hospital gown, no sense in getting one of your own yucky. A hairbrush, phone charger but tbh I didn’t pick mine up until two days after surgery. Chapstick!!! Oh my goodness don’t forget that!!!! My daughter went on a hunt to find me one. Comfy clothes to wear home. And I ended up needing a desktop fan,luckily the hospital was close enough to home that it was easily brought to me. And to be more honest have someone there with you the whole time you’re there. Glad I had hubby and one son there that evening, hubby held my hair as I lost my dinner while our son got a nurse for me.

Think about getting a belly binder for afterwards. Was well worth the $20.00 at local big box store. And make sure you have plenty of gas-x and stool softeners. You’ll be glad you have them on hand. And don’t worry about regular clothes for a while. I lived in my night gowns for weeks. I was told to plan at least six weeks of mandatory down time.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfEE Hi Beachbum, This is our big life changing week. Fingers crossed though it will also be the last week of your back pain. I wonder will our sleeping be a bit restricted after like having to sleep on our backs?

I was told no tummy sleeping but anything else is ok.

Hello Ladies!

So I'm scheduled for a robotic total hysterectomy on Thursday. Naturally, I'm crazy nervous. Praying I am making the right decision. I've suffered for years due to various issues such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. I have only one ovary left, which I'm hoping to keep. I am 43 years old and not quite ready to deal with menopause. My doctor says she'll do the best she can to keep the ovary intact, however I won't know until afterwards how that goes.
My procedure will be outpatient, so I'm not planning on taking much aside from comfortable clothes. It's funny, the thing I'm most nervous about is having to go home with a catheter still inserted. My doctor wants me to remove it myself (or with family assistance) later in the evening. I think this is bonkers and resent whatever insurance mandate prevents my being able to stay at the facility until I can, at least, urinate on my own without a catheter. Anyone else having to do this?
Also, I wish you all luck in the coming week. As someone else posted, this is our game changer!

Hi sisters, my surgery davinci TH bil OO is this Wednesday the 29th. Seems like the month of waiting became a blessing, to many questions and now I understand so much more. First, What the Cervix goes? Then do I keep an ovary or two, I am 63 and had easy menopause. My girlfriend and a kind doctor finally helped me agree with my surgeon, they are ok to go. Yes, I am on the age of if younger keep, but my age the risk of keeping them is higher. I had a friend die of ovarian ca and I am fluffy, so risk of less hormones for me seems the best choice. I bleed much when I had a ceasarian, so I am glad to read that davinci is less bleeding.

My fears are being helpless after surgery, being in pain, and the bloating. I am so irritable and try to prepare family that I will be irritable and need their help. I like to do it all by myself.

I have cleaned the house and have shopped for food. Tomorrow I go buy things I like that will be bake and eat from freezer.

My hubby will be with me a couple of days, then my daughter a couple of days. Then on my own. I called a dear friend I hadn't talked to in years. She will come one day next week. Ahh. I called my church for prayers.

I have told everyone, don't come to the hospital to visit (except hubby). They come and talk when I hurt and want silence. Come visit me at home when I am bored and need help!

Friday I found out the pain in my knee is a torn meniscus, so surgery on my knee after hyster heal. Oh my. So I have a brace on my knee. I am doing exercises to strengthen other leg muscles and practicing deep breathing and focus on not using abdominal muscles later. Dr. said it will be fine to wait.

Reason for hyster, bleeding and couldn't get into uterus for examine due to thick lining and false opening. Scope goes inside the wall, not in uterus. Cells they got were fine, but they couldn't get many cells. I use to have fibroids, but they are support to get small after menopause.

What to pack... Toothbrush, paste, deodorant, my slippers, undies, baby wipes, notebook paper, pen, charger and phone, a word search, My pillow in a colored pillowcase, tummy pillow in colored pillowcase, A list of who to call to let them know I am ok.

I have one medication that I must take and give to them, they only carry generic and I cannot take generic, it is in pharmacy bottle and doctor has to ok it. I also have a special diet, so I am taking a few snacks in case they don't have things. That was a problem a couple of years ago when I was in the hospital.

Dear sisters, be sure to ask the doctor questions and be kind to the nurses etc, they are there to help you. Let them know your concerns, but don't be a pest. They will be your best advocate to the doctor if you have any problem.

I have a binder I'll also pack.
Ask for plenty of water and washclothes... A cool washcloth to my face is so relaxing. Relax your tummy when you move and it will hurt less.
I hope I can put up with letting others help me....

Good luck to everyone this week. (((HUGS))) for healing.

The catheter is held in place by a balloon of water, the one tube has a little Y and they will show you the part to cut, the salt water they put in the balloon will drip out. then the catheter will slip out easy. Nice if they do it in the hospital. Everyone does things different, and for a reason. If they want to give the area a rest, then the cath will be in longer. If you cannot urinate within a certain time after then call them.

I too hope the cath won't stay in long, augh

Mickie B, Thank YOU, Thank YOU, Thank YOU, so glad to know we have a sister who has gone through this. I am so concerned of the bloating and pain, dependence on others. I am ready to be done with surgery, but I am dealing with one step at a time. I got hot tea to take to the hospital that is decaf and ginger!
I am so irritable and I know that is fear, Thank You for listening!

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Originally Posted by Princess Bea Well Welcome! This special Pre-Op Hysterectomy: Open House Chat Thread is for YOU if you are having surgery this week. This thread chat will help you meet others who are having surgery the same week as you, calm your anxiousness, and help answer your last minute questions. To get started, please introduce yourself, sharing a few things about yourself and your upcoming hysterectomy. Tell us what concerns you have as you prepare for your surgery. Have patience! Because this is a "COME AND GO" event, check back here during the day for replies with answers, support and hugs from new friends. Our post-op members will be stopping by, too! (Please note this thread will close at 11:59 PM Central Time).

Hello,

I my name Is Jessica , I'm 38 and I'm from the st Louis area, I'm going to have a hysterectomy on the 30th of August which is the same day my son was hit by a car ( he didnt survive) and my daughter's birthday ..so I have alot going on ..I'm really nervous . How is everyone else faring? I need help with what should I have near by when I come home for recovery on my night stand ..any ideas?

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Originally Posted by Dodderbug Hi sisters! My hysterectomy is the 28th also. I got dignosed with uterine cancer the day before my 59th birthday. Now I am just scared but also excited to get it out of me. The surgeon is hoping it is all contained in the uterus. Me too. I am packing a house coat so when the surgeon comes to check my stitches I can just unsnap where he needs to see. I am hoping that is a good idea?

(((Dodderbug))) I'm so very sorry you've received this diagnosis and with such poor timing as well. Most uterine cancers are of the slower growing variety, so if you've stayed pretty current with your check-ups, etc., the odds should be in your favor to be catching things when they are most treatable. For any issues related to your diagnosis, we also have a Cancer Concerns forum you're welcome to check out, if you'd like. There's lots of great information as well as experienced ladies to share the journey.

While you're in the hospital, they'll require you to wear their oh-so-fashionable hospital gown, but you can wear a robe/housecoat over that. I had a soft pink robe with a cute kitty on it I purchased especially for the hospital, and I wore it when I did my walks around the floor following surgery.

I know this all seems overwhelming, but you CAN do this. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a smooth procedure and recovery and the best possible final path report. Sending hugs and positive thoughts to you and everyone having procedures this week.

Hi Ladies!,

So glad this week is finally here and we will all be on the recovery side soon. I am having a TLH Wed the 29th. I am a little nervous about the surgery but very ready to be feeling better and on the road to recovery. I suffered from heavy bleeding and anemia for about 8 years. I had an ablation done 5years ago. The bleeding never stopped but did at least lessen to more like a normal period for a couple of years. I then started having heavy periods again with large clots, pain, and bleeding in between my already very short cycles. I also had lots of bloating and pressure as well as a large lump in my uterus that was diagnosed as a fibroid of about 10 cent. I put the hysterectomy off for a while, trying lots of natural means and diet change to try to help the heavy bleeding and shrink the fibroid. I finally sought out the opinion of a minimally invasive gynecological specialist to schedule my hysterectomy. I am thankful for this group and all the information and support. It has allowed me to feel prepared and very comfortable with my decision and ready for the big day. Good luck to all the other sisters having surgery this week! I will be praying for uncomplicated surgeries and smooth recoveries for us all.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Vickey2018 Hello Ladies! So I'm scheduled for a robotic total hysterectomy on Thursday. Naturally, I'm crazy nervous. Praying I am making the right decision. I've suffered for years due to various issues such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. I have only one ovary left, which I'm hoping to keep. I am 43 years old and not quite ready to deal with menopause. My doctor says she'll do the best she can to keep the ovary intact, however I won't know until afterwards how that goes. My procedure will be outpatient, so I'm not planning on taking much aside from comfortable clothes. It's funny, the thing I'm most nervous about is having to go home with a catheter still inserted. My doctor wants me to remove it myself (or with family assistance) later in the evening. I think this is bonkers and resent whatever insurance mandate prevents my being able to stay at the facility until I can, at least, urinate on my own without a catheter. Anyone else having to do this? Also, I wish you all luck in the coming week. As someone else posted, this is our game changer!

Hello

My hysterectomy is scheduled on the 30th as well so I guess we will be going through it at the same time, you will be in my thoughts. I notice that you will be going home tha same day, I seen a couple of other stories with the same thing but my doctor is keeping me over night to make sure that I am able to pee, have no issue with the medication, ect.., I guess it depends on the procedure too