Upcoming hysterectomy 7/29: Surgery anxieties. (blood clot issues)

Hello my name is Dawna and I am 40 years old.I am having a robotic/larpascopic hysterectomy this Wednesday. This is needed for painful growing fibroids. With those and enlarging uterus is causing my already compromised vascular issues in my abdomen and legs to get worse. They will take ovaries if the feel need it at time of surgery. I have been getting my house in order as I have kids and pets. I do have my husband to help too but he also drives semi.I am very scared and anxious for this upcoming surgery. I am worried about blood clots in legs and lungs. As these develop in the days and weeks post op. I have already had these issues twice with a previous vascular surgery. I have previously had 3 c sections and with my last one 11 years ago I also had a tubal. The last c section was the hardest. They are giving me an ON Q pain numbing pump afterwards. So I hope it’s not to much more pain then my c Sections. I am also worried about blood loss during and after as I will completely resume my blood thinners 2 days post op. After my last c section I had a gallbladder attack and then had to have removed A few week after having him. I was also giving myself heparin injections 3 times a day in my abdomen. I started to bleed out after in the drain tube. So with past experiences is making me anxious. They are taking my cervix too that concerns me a bit as for any long term adverse effects from this down the road. They are keeping me in the hospital a couple days due to my prior health issues. That is one comforting thing. With the covid issues my mom nor kids can see me but they will allow my husband during surgery and once per a day I’m there to come see me. Sorry for the long post but it helped to just let all my concerns out there.

Hello Dawna, and
I don't have any personal experience with clotting disorders or blood thinners, but we have many sisters who do, so hopefully one of them will be along soon to share her insights. What I do recommend is that you facilitate an open line of communication between your surgeon and the doctor who's managing your clotting disorder, so they're both on the same page with regards to how to handle your condition and your concerns during your surgery and your recovery. For the kids, I suggest filling your freezer and pantry with easy to prepare meals and snacks, looking for quiet activities to keep yourself and them occupied, and stocking up on disposable dishes and cutlery to minimize clean-up work. Depending on your children's ages, they may be able to help you with a few things, whether it's as simple as making their own beds and bringing you a glass of water, or more advanced tasks like preparing meals and running the dishwasher or washing machine. For your pets, be sure to stock up on food and treats. If your family includes cats or dogs, keep in mind that your post-op restrictions will prevent you from cleaning up their hair, so just let it go for now; when I had my surgery, my family included 2 cats and 2 German shepherds in full shedding mode, and it was difficult, but I made it through! Also keep a few small pillows handy to protect your belly from their advances, and when coughing and sneezing. Other helpful household items include extension cords for plugging in your electronics, and a grabber for picking up small objects off the floor. Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

Hi Dawna,I will keep you in my prayers. I have mine next Friday. I am very nervous too. I am worried about blood clots as well. I had a heart attack years back. I do know the robotic has a quicker healing.So right now we need to keep our prayers going for each other and support. Good Luck.

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Originally Posted by Sandysue3 Hi Dawna,I will keep you in my prayers. I have mine next Friday. I am very nervous too. I am worried about blood clots as well. I had a heart attack years back. I do know the robotic has a quicker healing.So right now we need to keep our prayers going for each other and support. Good Luck.

Thank and I will keep you in my prayers too.

Hi dawn2443055 to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site. All of your fears, feelings, emotions, and anxieties are completely normal.

I do not have any blood clotting issues, but we do have many women on this site so hopefully one that does will see this post and respond. In the meantime, here is an article that may provide information:
Blood Clots, Blood Thinners, and Hysterectomy

I am glad that you are getting your house in order for your downtime. Hopefully your mom and husband can help, as well some of the older children if possible. Here are articles that may provide information:
10 Tips to Prepare for Hysterectomy Recovery with Small Children
10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy
Feeding Your Family During Hysterectomy Recovery

While I do not have children, what I found most useful were the following (some may not possible during the pandemic):
-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

Be aware that you will have lifting restrictions: 10 lbs for 6 weeks and 20 lbs for 8 weeks is common. So you will need to build this into our planning. Scopers and grabbers can help much. Get used to letting lots of items go. Your house will get messy, full of pet hair, and that is okay.

I lost everything: uterus, cervix, tubes and ovaries. I have not had any issues without my cervix with prolapse and it has been over 9 years.

Thinking of you today. I hope you are doing okay. I had the robotic procedure and went home the same day. I'm so glad they are keeping you for a few days.

If possible share your concerns in pre-op. My nurses and staff were so kind and understanding and really calmed my nerves.

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Originally Posted by Lolli1970 Thinking of you today. I hope you are doing okay. I had the robotic procedure and went home the same day. I'm so glad they are keeping you for a few days. If possible share your concerns in pre-op. My nurses and staff were so kind and understanding and really calmed my nerves.

Thank you for your kindness. I have been preoccupied today with the terrible bowel prep so I have not had time to let my mind get the best of me. I hope I have caring nurses like yours. I’m sure when I get there I will be anxious and tearful.

Well my bowel prep is complete now. Hopefully some of the cramping goes away later . I found out my surgery is at 9am so it’s getting close.

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Originally Posted by dawn2443055 Well my bowel prep is complete now. Hopefully some of the cramping goes away later . I found out my surgery is at 9am so it’s getting close.

Prayers for you Dawn for a smooth surgery and smooth recovery!

Well just arrived to hospital and waiting to go to pre op . A little scared but . Waiting makes me think of the many things I would rather be doing then this.