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Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
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08-22-2020, 04:08 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 177
Hysterectomy: August 19th, 2020
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
I totally understand!!
I was also walking 4-6miles a day or riding my bike. To do nothing as active as that now for 3 days straight is causing me to feel an overwhelming sense of desperation and anxiety. Like how much longer before I can pick and go for a long walk?!?!
I hope that any pre-fitness we had helps to speed up our recoveries.
I am also nervous about pushing too much or laying around too much. I wish there was a timeframe we could follow, kinda like when I used to train for marathons and there was an amount of miles we had to run every few days...
I remember my doctor saying that walking is highly encouraged but that I would also tire easily, however I also need little goals to keep me going mentally. I like that you did 15 minutes, maybe the next day you walk 16 minutes or none at all but keep build up slowly... I think I'll do the same.
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08-22-2020, 06:53 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS/INCISION CARE:
I thought I'd post some of the helpful hints that I've seen along the way on HysterSisters. This is from a post from one of our Hostesses that I thought was really good information to know:
Your Discharge Instructions
When you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor will give you written instructions for pain medications and symptoms that should prompt a call to your doctor or a trip to the emergency room.
In most cases you should call your doctor or head to the Emergency Room at your local hospital if you experience any of the following:
- Severe nausea/vomiting
- Increased pain
- Fever greater than 101 degrees for 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding
- Leg pain
Always call your doctor's office with any concerns you have about your health. When To Call Your Doctor
Caring For Your Incisions
Some types of hysterectomies have external incisions that require tending. Discharge instructions from the hospital should contain specific instructions for caring for yours. If they do not, ask your surgeon or call his/her office.
Vaginal Hysterectomy
While a vaginal hysterectomy does not have external incisions, if you had anterior or posterior repairs, you may have an episiotomy-like incision; if so, the first thing to remember is to avoid sitting. For immediate relief, use a peri-bottle filled with water as hot as you can stand it to spray over the area every time you visit the washroom. If you were not given one when you left the hospital, a sterilized plastic condiment bottle will work just as well. Another option is to use a clean wash-cloth that has been thoroughly soaked in hot water. Having a TVH could mean you will have extra vaginal swelling and soreness, as everything has been done through the vagina. An ice pack or bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel can provide comfort and relieve swelling.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - Includes daVinci® Hysterectomy
Usually the 4-5 small incisions of a laparoscopic hysterectomy can be covered with band aids. Although your incisions are small, internal healing must still take place. Be sure to rest enough so your body can heal properly.
SILS or LESS Hysterectomy
Known as the "single incision" in the belly button folds, keep your incision dry and clean and covered with a bandaid until cleared by your surgeon for bathing.
Abdominal Hysterectomy
You may come home from the hospital with stitches (or staples) or your stitches may be removed before you leave the hospital and replaced with steri-strips. Generally, your incision should remain dry (or be dried carefully after a short shower) and covered loosely. A call to your doctor's office can calm your fears if your incision comes open. Be sure to rest and do not do any lifting. Overdoing things can stress your incision.
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08-22-2020, 06:57 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
Good evening my dear sweet ladies. I am excited to see more of you posting. Please keep joining us and letting us know how you are. This is the place to come with your questions, fears, concerns. We will laugh with you, cry with you, pray for you, and rejoice with you. When you feel like no one else understands, remember that we are here for you. Where else can you talk about your BM’s without having someone give you a weird look? It is so normal for the conversation today to be about Bathroom difficulties and gas after surgery. Here are some helpful hints that I have learned long the way. Please feel free to share what has helped you. Remember, we are on this journey together. Please, pretty please only use laxatives, suppositories, or enemas with the permission of your doctor. Doctors vary in their post op restrictions and right now your healing and recovery is your number one priority.
Bathroom Difficulties Urinating: If you're having difficulty urinating, you may want to try blowing through a straw while trying to pee. For some reason it works and that way you won't "push" trying to get a stream initiated. The last thing you want to do is push! Running a quiet trickle of water in the sink also can be helpful.
BM: It's not too soon to start preparing for a BM. Constipation is a big concern after major surgery. Eat high fibre foods (pears, almonds, peas, bran, prune juice) and take stool softeners or a mild laxative (if approved by your doctor). I had my first BM at day 5... it was cause for a great celebration.
Gas pain: can be horrible. Mine settled in my shoulders and for a few days it was my chief complaint. Some sisters find relief by wetting a hand towel and microwaving it so it's warm (but not hot) and then placing it where you are feeling the most discomfort from gas. The moist heat will help to draw the gas out. Another idea is using a moist heating pad (which can be bought at most drugstores).
Keep taking it EASY ladies, drink plenty of water, take short frequent walks, and keep up with your pain meds. It is best to stay ahead of the pain, instead of playing catch up when the pain is on top of you.
5 Ways to Speed up Sluggish Bowels
10 Foods to Get Your Bowels Moving After Hysterectomy
Avoiding Constipation
Post op Prunes & Moving Dishes
Do This – Not That: Gas & Constipation
10 Tips for Managing Constipation
My love to you.
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08-22-2020, 07:35 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
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08-22-2020, 07:36 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 177
Hysterectomy: August 19th, 2020
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
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08-22-2020, 08:09 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
GlendaTheGood … so glad you are doing well dear. on taking your pain meds at night … it is important to keep your pain controlled and get the rest you need.
Being tired is a normal part of this recovery. I always pop right back from surgery (even double knee replacement) and I was sure I would with my hysterectomy. My doctor warned me about how tired I would be and she was right. This recovery takes lots of rest ... it isn’t one you can push through. Keep drinking and walking … it is so helpful for your recovery.
best wishes on yours continued recovery.
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08-22-2020, 08:12 PM
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Posts: 11,882
Hysterectomy: July 7th, 2014
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
HelenaC and Azifikare … it’s good to see you encouraging each other. I totally understand how hard it is to be physically active and then not be able to do very much … I broke multiple ribs 4 weeks ago and I am just being able to start back with my trainer. I want to encourage you to hang in there and keep encouraging each other. I love the idea of little goals … I know that will encourage your heart.
Keep listening to your body … it will let you know when you need to stop and rest. We want you to heal well the the first time and not have a set back.
love to you both.
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08-23-2020, 02:52 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 17
Hysterectomy: August 17th, 2020
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
Azifikare, a clear timeframe is exactly what I would love, but I recognise it doesn't exist. Small, increasing goals seems the best approach. Yesterday I walked 15 minutes, sat on a bench and watched the world go by for 30 minutes, then walked the 15 minutes home. I did have a friend with me who could get the car if the walk back was too much.
I think I will repeat this for a few days before I try more. Trusting that if it doesn't hurt it is OK.
take care
Helena
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08-23-2020, 03:30 AM
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Posts: 37
Hysterectomy: August 17th, 2020
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
Hello everyone,
BM was helped along by stool softeners and the much more enjoyable ‘liquorice allsorts’ - not sure if you have those stateside but any liquorice will do! Not sleeping for more than three hours at a time due to night sweats which is irritating but an aleady-menopausal friend is bringing me vitamin E tablets and thinks they will help. Any other thought gratefully received. Have had a little walk but could not envisage anything like 15 minutes at the moment. Going to try little and often. Hospital advice was quite laidback, pretty much just ‘don’t lift anything’ and ‘hold your abdomen’ !! Thank goodness for HysterSisters!
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08-23-2020, 03:39 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 17
Hysterectomy: August 17th, 2020
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Aug 17-Aug 23,2020
I had forgotten liquorice did that job, I will start alternating with the prunes I have been eating regularly and which have been working well for easy BM.
My hospital advice was frustraitingly laidback too
Take care, Helena
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