32 and scheduled hysterectomy for 11/14. (Four children between 11 and 2; How to prepare? What to expect?)

Hi,

I’m new here and have scheduled a total (keeling ovaries) laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy. I’ve had 4 c sections and had my tubes tied with the last one. Since then (2 years ago) I’ve had horribly painful and heavy periods. I also tend to get pre cancerous cervical cells every few years. I need to know the ins and outs of what to expect and how to best prepare. I have a 11, 8, 5 and 2 year old.

and
Be sure to check our pre-op articles, including our Hints From Members forum for helpful hints on preparing for this surgery; if you have any specific questions, you can feel free to start a new thread, and we'll be here 24/7 to answer you. A few things you can do to prepare: prepare a comfortable recovery spot; fill your freezer and pantry with easy to prepare meals and snacks; clean your house from top to bottom; get your hair cut. A little "retail therapy" can also help you to prepare by including the following items: loose-fitting clothes; a few small pillows to protect your belly when coughing or sneezing, and for a more comfortable night's sleep; disposable dishes and cutlery; a good pair of walking shoes; peppermint tea, magnesium-rich dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, frozen blueberries, whole grain cereal like oatmeal or All Bran, a psyllium based product like Metamucil, and Gas-X to deal with post-op constipation and gas; a Squatty Potty or small footstool to elevate your feet while you're on the throne, which can help to make those post-op bowel movements easier by properly aligning the rectum so the poop can pass through more smoothly; a grabber for picking up small objects off the floor, extension cords for plugging in your electronics; activities to keep you and your children occupied during your recovery time. Now would also be a good time to look into services that will deliver your groceries and meals, and to enlist friends and neighbours to help with housework and childcare; perhaps there are some things that the 11 year old can do to help the younger ones. Also mark your calendar for our November 10 Open House Chat Thread, where you can meet and chat with other sisters who will be having surgery the same week as you; in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if one or more of them saw this thread, and dropped in to say hi. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!

Hi Sportyone4 to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site.

You are having MAJOR SURGERY. No matter the type, you will have much internal healing to do. 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 need help with your little ones. Can family, friends or neighbors lend a hand? You will have lifting restrictions (10 lbs for 6 weeks, 20 lbs for 8 weeks is common). You will have driving restrictions - 2 weeks is typical.

Here are articles that may provide information:
10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy
10 Tips to Prepare for Hysterectomy Recovery with Small Children
Feeding Your Family During Hysterectomy Recovery
Recovering from Hysterectomy with Small Children

I do not have kids, and just DH at home. But, what I found most useful were the following:
-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

We do have lots of women on this site, so hopefully ones with children will see this post and respond.

Thank you for the kind welcome and the great advice! I’m making lists and going to do all of this!