Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Apr 06-Apr 19,2020

If your hysterectomy was between Apr 06-Apr 12,2020 this is the place to post your progress during your hysterectomy recovery.

If you have a question about your hysterectomy recovery, please start a new thread to receive answers and support for your concerns instead of including the question in your update! There is information on how to start a new thread in this link: New Here? or you can use this link: Post a New Topic in the Post-Op forum.

Post how you are doing here when you are home and well enough to sit a few minutes at your computer.

We hope you are recovering well with plenty of rest and water and a bit of walking. Don't forget to pamper the princess!



How to use the Recovery Progress Reports thread:

• 1. This thread is for the purpose of sharing updates on your recovery as you heal from your hysterectomy.
  
  
• 2. Generally, ONE or TWO posts on this thread per member/per day is adequate to share your daily progress and to share encouragement with your surgery week Sisters.
  
  
• 3. Remember to start a new thread on the Post-Op message board to ask your questions.
  
  
• 4. The Progress Report threads now begin in our special forum for all Hysterectomy Recovery Reports and will remain there for you to always find your discussion.
  
• 5. Remember all the love and support you got here as a pre-op member? Now it's YOUR turn to give back to the women in the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Support forum. Extend your hand and your hugs in replies to our pre-op ladies in waiting. This will complete our circle of women helping women!
  
• 6. You can also share support and experiences with post-op members in all phases of recovery in the Post-Op Hysterectomy Support forum by replying on the new threads they create.

• 7. We invite you to upgrade your membership - to Upgraded PLUS membership. Learn about our Upgraded Memberships.

Welcome to The Other Side, Princesses !

This is your Recovery Thread, where you’ll be able to share your progress and laugh and cry together as you support one another along the way. I'll be walking alongside you in your recovery journey, sharing my own experiences and pointing you to resources we have here.

Healing is your #1 priority. This was major surgery and healing takes place inside as well as outside. You’re still your doctor’s patient until you’re released, and even then, healing will continue.

Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of water
Take your meds as directed
Walk as you are able (for now, from your cozy recovery spot to the bathroom or kitchen)

There will be things you cannot and must not do at first , you may experience gas, bowel issues, aches and pains, and your emotions might swing at the drop of a hankie.

And when you’re confused , it’s okay to ask questions, and we welcome you to discuss whatever is on your mind. You are not alone!

For now, rest – and rest well!

Hi everyone. Had my davinci hysterectomy on Thursday, April 9th. Surgery was at 7am and I was home by 3pm. Everything went well and has been going well so far. It’s Saturday the 11th (day 2 post-op) and I am not in any pain as of yet. Started spacing my pain meds out from every 6 hours to every 12 hours today. Taking shorts walks from one bedroom to another but have not attempted stairs yet. Doing fine with foods. Had first bowel movement this morning. I am not sure when the gas pains will start but I haven’t had any as of yet.

I pray that everyone’s surgery went well.

I had my total hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy on April 8th. Both surgeries went well with no complications. I only had to stay overnight and was discharged the next day. I have had minimal pain until today. Today has been the worst pain wise. I found out yesterday that I have had a complete response to the chemotherapy and both axillary nodes are clear. I'm supposed to be happy and ecstatic but I don't feel that way and I don't know why. I feel more disappointed than anything. I have my follow up on April 17th so I will find out more.

Justice2004 and Blackeyes12! I'm glad y'all have found your Recovery Thread! With all the cancellations, I'm glad your surgeries took place as planned, too.

Justice2004, you may not have any gas pains from the CO2. I had laparscopic surgery and that was never an issue. I had occasional bouts with intestinal gas, but with the right foods and plenty of water, I kept things going for the most part.

Blackeyes12, the best way to deal with the pain is to stay on top of / ahead of it by taking your meds as directed and on schedule. I recall wanting to get off of pain meds quickly, but my body didn't like it when I tried too early. Good news on the clear nodes! While your emotions might not make sense to you, don't underestimate the hormonal imbalance from this surgery. Even women who kept their ovaries experience it, and since you had yours removed, you're in surgical menopause where the symptoms could be more pronounced.

For both of you, some resources to meet you where you are:

• Recovery Video for Weeks 1 & 2
• First Week Tips After Hysterectomy
• Body Mechanics After Hysterectomy

Rest well, ladies - your body needs it!

Thank you so much or the follow-up and resources @Cussette!

Hey everyone. I am a week out of surgery and so far I feel good not much pain am more mobile then I thought I would be. Peeing does feel a bit weird not anything to worry about I don’t think.. emotionally I felt okay until today and reading some stories about post op that had my anxiety going a bit.. trying to remind myself to take it day by day and everyone’s recovery is different..

This is day 6 and I still have pain at the incision sites. I have to sit certain ways and on certain chairs otherwise it hurts below. I occasionally feel like I am having some cramps but that has gotten better. I sit down slowly and get up slowly. I also had a bilateral mastectomy and I have more pain from that today. I have tried just tylenol today but I don't think I am ready for that yet. My muscles hurt to breathe and where my drains are inserted are very sore and just a little pink around the edges. There are some pink spots starting along my incision too. I sure hope I'm not getting an infection. Occassionally I will have a hot flash but not too many. I hope it stays that way! My follow up is on Friday.

Deedee604! I'm glad you've joined us in your Recovery Thread!

It's pretty common to have Bladder Spasms After Hysterectomy, the bladder being quirky from either the catheter or surgical shock - or both. For me, the spasms were sensations of frequency, difficulties starting and maintaining a stream, and not feeling emptied out - often going again in 10 minutes to finish the job. They can feel like a UTI, so take notes if you notice burning, pain, or cloudy urine.

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Blackeyes12, with all you had done I'd imagine you're not ready to get off of pain meds yet. I was sent home after a night at the hospital with Percocet and prescription ibuprofen (800mg). My pain level was about 3-4 with pain meds. When I tried to back off Percocet, I was hunching over more, so back on it I went. All that to say take your meds as needed. Keep your incision clean and dry. Signs of infection are usually redness, warmth, maybe swelling and oozing pus. My incisions were pink skin, but a purple line where the sides joined.

Some more resources for you!

• Hysterectomy Recovery Tips
• Do This - Not That: Hysterectomy Recovery - a favorite of mine
• Resting After Hysterectomy - why we need so much
• Walking After Hysterectomy - doesn't have to be far or long, around the house is good
• Loss of Appetite After Hysterectomy
• Diet Suggestions for Hysterectomy Recovery

I do believe I probably looked like the Sister on the "Loss of Appetite" article thumbnail on more than one occasion! Our digestive systems can be wonky after surgery, due to the meds, the fasting and/or bowel prep which can empty us out, inflammation nearby and the surgical trauma your body endured. My appetite was definitely off - everything looked too much, too heavy, too spicy, too, too, too.... My preference was steamed veggies and little else, but I found ways to eat. Nutrition is important to healing, especially protein. Consider nuts, seeds, eggs, cheese, Greek yogurt, protein smoothies, lean meats such as chicken. Fruits and veggies won't weigh you down, and whole grains can boost your energy. Avoid highly processed foods - boxed dinners, casseroles, restaurant food - as they can be difficult to digest. Finally, instead of main meals, graze with small portions throughout the day. Eventually your appetite should return.

Finally, it's a bit scary "out there" with COVID-19 and I've seen on the Recovery Forum women not wanting to call their doctors. Not calling when you should could lead to complications, possibly readmission, so it's advisable to call if something seems amiss. You're still a patient, and your doctor would rather have your call than to not touch base on a potential problem. See When to Call Your Doctor after a Hysterectomy. A call is free, and it doesn't necessarily lead to an appointment or check up - many doctors are doing phone follow-ups or Zoom-type consultations. Often your call about a symptom may well be in the range of normal, and talking to your doctor will give you peace of mind.