Nervous about upcoming 10/29 hysterectomy

Really nervous about upcoming TVH on 10/29. Fibroids and ovarian cyst. Lots of heavy bleeding and clots for 47 of the past 65 days. At this point, I am ready for it to be here. Struggling with mood swings and nerves. Have 6 kids at home so a bit concerned about being able to rest even though most of them are older. Any tips or hints to have things ready for recovery, specifically regarding meals?

HI, I'm nervous about mine too, mine is on the 26th , I printed out recipes for my teenage daughter (she wanted to help with cooking) and did an online grocery order for pickup so I could be some what prepared . I also bought paper plates and plastic forks to help with to many dishes. hope all goes well for you and a speedy recovery!!!!

make some meals ahead of time and freeze them so it's easy to just heat them up. soups freeze well too. if you don't feel well enough to shop afterwards, you can order online at most stores and pick up or have them delivered to your house.

Besides loading up your freezer with microwaveable meals and figuring out delivery options for your family, consider getting some applesauce or pudding cups for yourself- like the kind for lunch boxes. Many women are on round the clock meds the first few days and some of those meds need to be taken with food. Having an apple sauce and spoon on the nightstand with your meds is great for when you wake up in the middle of the night and need to take your meds or when you just don’t feel like getting up.
Everyone is nervous as their surgery date approaches. I think the waiting was almost the worst part, especially the last 3 days when I’d had my COVID test was supposed to quarantine till my surgery date. While I had plenty to keep me busy, there were fewer distractions at home so more time to worry.
I spent my last pre-surgery day changing sheets and setting up my bedroom to be the center of my universe for about a week. Lots of great prep info on this site. Its been such a great resource for me throughout my experience.
Good luck with your procedure!

Hi $0Tired0110 to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site.

All of your feelings, fears, emotions and anxieties are completely normal. This is major surgery, and you really need to think in terms of weeks and not days for recovery. You will not be bedridden, but you will need to rest much. You will need help with cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, shopping, driving, etc. You will have lifting restrictions - 10 lbs for 6 weeks and 20 lbs for 8 weeks is common. You will be able to do minor items around the house, but much will be left undone - like house cleaning. You will have driving restrictions - 2 weeks is not unusual. Have your kids help as much as they can during recovery.

You do need to prepare your household for your downtime. Here are articles that may provide information:
10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy
Feeding Your Family During Hysterectomy Recovery

What I found most useful were the following (I only had DH and no children):
-Meals in the freezer that can be put in the microwave
-Easy foods for breakfasts and lunches
-Loose fitting clothing
-Prepare your recovery corner with pillows and blankets
-Plan entertainment for your brain
-Small pillow to hold against your tummy for coughs and sneezes (or pet visits)
-Super clean your house
-Get your hair cut

Hi there!

Freaking out over here with you. <3 We got this.

I've been reading some papers on what seems to speed recovery in terms of food. Apparently, our bodies need lots of energy and protein to heal (makes sense, right?) Patients who drink protein drinks seem to heal faster. So, a simple snack for you might be to get some of the silly weight lifter protein powders and milk of choice. It seems you get bonus points for starting a few days before surgery too.

That might both help you and take a bit of pressure off because it's so simple.

Best of luck to you!