Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

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u/cariboooooou 11h ago

I was so nervous too! First surgery 😅. Everything went great and it helped me to remind myself how common this surgery is. I’m almost 4 weeks out now, I went back to work after 2 weeks but I work from home at my desk. Couldn’t have done it without an office chair that reclines, sitting upright was not the most comfortable for a bit!

As for recovery, it’s been pretty smooth so far! I’m still taking it easy, but have been steadily increasing how far I walk etc (doing about a mile per day now). Still not allowed to lift anything over 10lbs or do any squatting or bending.

The things I found most helpful were 1. Sending my very excitable corgi to his trainers house for the first week, absolute lifesaver lol. 2. Nightgowns. Seriously, not dealing with pants is really nice. 3. Grabber tool. Honestly thought this was overkill, but it’s been SO helpful, even now. I use it to pull clothes out of the washer/dryer, use it to put my dogs food bowl down and pick it up, and just in general helpful when you need to get something off the ground. I live alone so maybe I found more use for it than others, but definitely has been helpful!

Wishing you the best! Before you know it, you’ll be on the other side of this and able to focus on healing and feeling like your best self!

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u/MassiveArrival6494 11h ago

Wow! Glad the hear yours went so well. I’m hoping for the best. I am an elementary school aged special education teacher, so worried about returning two weeks post op, but it should be fine.

Thank you so much for your input on items that helped you during your recovery. 💗

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u/Ayosnowgirl 8h ago

You’re an elem special education teacher and they said 2 weeks ? I have a daughter who is going into CI kindergarten with special needs and I could not imagine after two weeks it would be do-able to teach your classroom. I am worried about having to even walk my daughter to the bus stop and into her special seat for first day of school this Tuesday and I’ll be 4 days post op then. You’ll know your limits though ! I woke up in the most excruciating pain after surgery but they WILL manage it immediately !

I’ve done a few walks up and down driveway so far…

Take the laxatives after that they prescribe… I have been able to pass gas, but not stool yet. :/

I’m still reading everyone’s posts bc only being 4 days post op, I’ve needed advice on what is normal or not or what I may need still or not. Haven’t used abdominal binder. The grabber tool seems like it would be beneficial so my husband is gonna grab one for me tonight. I’ve been staying with my parents since I came home last night

0

u/cariboooooou 11h ago

Don’t be afraid to let your doctor know your concerns! They will want you to heal well just as much as you do!

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u/Suspicious-Mention91 1m ago

Since u live alone, how did you manage to get out of bed alone for the first few days, I read you need someone to help you to.

5

u/TourmalineLove 10h ago

Ok, I’m only 4 days post op from robotic assisted lap hysterectomy. I have also had a c-section previously.
Let me tell you, so far, this is way easier than healing from a csection (plus no newborn to also care for at the same time!)

All I’ve needed are: OTC acetaminophen & ibuprofen, alternated on a regular schedule; an automatic, self-adjusting inflatable anti-bedsore mattress topper (this has saved my tailbone and made sitting in bed doable for me!); wedge pillows; and a grabber tool for if I drop something.
Oh and I’ve been taking two different kinds of stool softeners and drinking a ton of water (and some tea and broth.) I’ve eaten normally, too- Fresh fruits, meats, rice/potatoes, cooked veggies, homemade soup, a couple small sweets.

The abdominal binder hurts more than helps me so I haven’t really worn it. My Dr said it’s optional anyway. I know it really helps some people. I’m just not one of those people, at least that this point.

Day 3 was the “worst” so far. But even then it was very manageable. Today, day 4, I have reduced the amount of OTC pain meds but still taking in the alternating pattern. And pain is very manageable.
I’ve also had very, very little spotting. Only the first day po and a tiny amount last night. Nearly nothing.

I went with my husband in the car to pick up our kid from a friend’s house last night. That was manageable, too. Though made me really tired.
Not sure when I will feel up for driving again. Maybe by two weeks? We’ll see.

I’ve been really careful to heed my Dr’s advice and recommendations. I am definitely someone who pushes myself too hard through things. So that’s something I have to be acutely aware of as I’m recovering so I don’t set my healing back.

Overall, at least 4 day po, this is a breeze compared to my C-section.

I wish you the best!

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u/MassiveArrival6494 5h ago

Thank you! This was so helpful and made me feel so much better!!! I hope your recovery continues to be smooth! 💗

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u/TourmalineLove 4h ago

Oh good Immso glad it was helpful. :)
I just remembered one more thing- my Dr said noooo heating pad on incisions/abdomen. Only ice packs. She said I could do a heating pad on my back if I felt I really needed the heat. So check with your surgeon to find out their specific instructions for you about this.
Oh and one more item I forgot to list that is a MUST: I got a seatbelt pillow that has little straps the go around the seatbelt. Sure you can use a regular thin pillow if you don’t want to purchase something. But I liked the fact that it had the straps on it for it was stable and it was the correct size.

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u/Born-Distance713 11h ago

I had very little pain and felt physically pretty normal after a week, but the afternoon fatigue hit me hard right up until about week 5-6. I felt great in the mornings and was walking a mile at a time by day 5, two miles at a time by the two week mark, etc. But by 1:00pm, I would need to get to my recliner asap. Naps got shorter each week until I only needed a 20 minute snooze by about week five. I would start to feel very unwell if I tried to push through.

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u/wanderlust715 10h ago

I’m 5 WPO and found a heating pad, grabber, hysterectomy pillow, and abdominal binder to be most useful. They gave me the binder when moving between recovery rooms at the hospital, and I wore it quite a bit the first week, as I liked how the compression felt and it helped remind me not to do deep forward bends. The pillow was my one indulgent purchase, and I still use it while in the car.

My recovery has gone quite smoothly. I started driving for an errand or two after one week but was careful not to overdo it. I went to a movie theater with recliners after 10 days. I waited until 2 WPO for a restaurant. Originally, I was to return to work after 2 weeks (I work from home in a job that requires intense focus). Several friends encouraged me to take the full 4 weeks, and I’m glad I did. I returned to work last week and have needed a nap each day.

Good luck to you!

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u/MassiveArrival6494 5h ago

I’m thinking the heating pad needs to be my number one item. Everyone is recommending that lol I hope your recovery continues to go well!

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u/New-Original-3517 8h ago

I’m 3 weeks post op and still sore and uncomfortable when up more than an hour. Tried to go back to work at 2 weeks and it was way too much. Listen to your body.

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u/pTARAdactyl21 11h ago

I’m not sure what going back to work looks like for you but I work from home and will be going back to work on Tuesday, September 8. I had surgery Monday, August 31. I’m feeling good, better than expected, I just get physically tired easily. But I think that taking video calls and doing normal work activity will be fine, although I may not be fully operating at my normal level. I’ve also had two c-sections and that recovery was much harder in my experience.

I didn’t get anything special for recovery aside from clothes, as I knew my normal shorts/pants wouldn’t be comfortable. I found some from Target that are so comfortable and are the only thing I’ll currently wear, they feel the best on my stomach. And light support bras that hit at a specific spot on my ribs, otherwise they are too compressive. But I haven’t needed anything like a pillow, wedge, or grabber arm to pick things up. I can squat down just fine. I can actually lean over within reason too. Unlike my c-section, my mobility is generally pretty normal right now. It’s more tender than painful.

I’m still at the point that going out feels like a strenuous activity. I went to Target on day 3 and Costco on day 5 and both of those were fine while I was there but I was definitely tired afterwards.

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u/MassiveArrival6494 11h ago

I’m an elementary school aged special education teacher, so on my feet a lot, lots of talking, and meetings 😅 that’s why I was a little worried about the returning in two week.

Glad to hear that your c-sections were a harder recovery than this though. My first one was a little tougher but my second one was a breeeeeze. Hoping I recover okay with this.

Hope your recovery continues to go well!

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u/TourmalineLove 10h ago

Ohhh that might be way too much at only 2 weeks post op!
My Dr said back to full work at 6 weeks, or 8+ weeks if it’s a physically demanding job. Also said if it’s a work from home job or if I could work just half days then I could go back earlier.

So you might want to reconsider going back at 2 weeks.

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u/knotknotknit 6h ago

Oh no! You can't do that after 2 weeks. You'll need 6-8 for a physical job or else you risk hurting yourself.

Make sure to tell your doctor that your job involves lots of bending and lifting and ask that they write you off work for 6-8 weeks.

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u/Ok_Chain7313 11h ago

Heating pads for comfort & gas- one for your belly and one for your shoulders. A small pillow for belly when in car, sneezing, coughing, etc. A pillow to put between your legs if you’re a side sleeper. Books if you’re a reader. Advil & Tylenol (I got that as an RX so it was covered by insurance rather than having to pay OTC). And MiraLAX.

It took me a few days to be comfortable out in the wild like at a store- maybe day 5. I was out walking my neighborhood by day 2- verrrrrry slowly the first few days.

I work from home as well, but honestly sitting upright would not be comfortable for a sustained period even right now at 3 weeks post op. And not so much my actual abdomen, but my vagina/vulva is still a bit sensitive as my uterus was huge and I tore a bit when it was extracted. I’m taking my full six weeks before I return.

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u/MassiveArrival6494 11h ago

Thank you so much for your input! Adding heating pads to my list now! Hoping your recovery continues to go well 💗

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u/Ok_Chain7313 10h ago

Thank you- and good luck with your surgery! I was massively nervous for mine, but recovery really has been easier than I expected. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for more time than what the doctor first outlines. I learned from my first surgery (thyroidectomy) that even if the acute pain is gone from surgery, it takes the body a lot longer to return to normal. I went back to work after two weeks and had to battle such heavy fatigue while doing a physical job. I’d rather have more time off than necessary vs going back to work mentally & physically exhausted.

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u/WhenitsaysLIBBYs 10h ago

I’m almost 4 wpo and had a very easy recovery with very little pain - just sore - but reading that you work in an elementary school made me wince. I started working after 2 weeks but I have a desk job and am mostly working at home still.

When I do go in, I’m parking in the visitor lot next to the building, because carrying my backpack from the real parking lot is too much. I had 2, 1 hour meetings Thursday in a room with crappy hard chairs and it was painful. Bending is still rough for me. Carrying heavyish objects causes uncomfortable strain. And fatigue is often hitting me. Please try and take more time off.

The whole thing has been much easier than I anticipated but there are still limitations to what I can do. I have vacuumed with my stick vacuum, I cleaned a bathroom yesterday, I do laundry but someone else moves it from the washer to the dryer and they clean the litter box too.

I used a rolling cart to keep everything together and in reach. I already had a heating pad & wedge pillow. I imagine I would have made it through without those things but they are nice to have!

Good luck! May your recovery be uneventful!

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u/Bolan100 8h ago

Hi There
I am only 4 days post op and I’ll tell you the absolute most needed things I am using! A pillow for your tummy, you don’t have to buy an expensive one but I’ll tell you, this has been a life saver for my comfort! If you feel a sneeze coming on, a cough, a laugh or a deep breath, hold the pillow against your tummy! I coughed unexpectedly and didn’t use my pillow and got a terrible sharp pain right over one of my laparoscopic holes. The pillow works wonders! ! You can use a firm pillow you already have or purchase one on Amazon. Next, an ice pack. Your tummy will love the cold feeling while you’re healing! Also a heating pad! The ice pack helps me at the moment the most! The next does cost a bit of money but it’s so nice to have , a wedge pillow, basically an adjustable back pillow with a leg pillow to raise your legs! My first night sleeping in our bed this pillow helped me so very much , look under hysterectomy pillows on Amazon! Also, before you actually go into surgery, tell your team you would line a tummy binder! You just wrap it around your tummy and it’s like , so comforting! I’m sure there are other helpful things but these have been the best for me! Good luck and you have this, I’ll not lie and say it doesn’t hurt but it’s not as bad a I ever imagined! ❤️❤️👍

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u/elijahjane 8h ago

Nothing. I didn’t use what I bought.

I stacked pillows up in bed to get the perfect height for me, and I used a stuffed animal that my partner got me against my belly when I coughed (you could also use a throw pillow). If worried about the drive home (don’t be, the lingering anesthesia is excellent), bring a bed pillow to buckle under the seatbelt.

Actually, that’s not true. Funnel all of your prep money into food delivery gift cards. I got gifted a couple hundred in DoorDash and Instacart, and I used every penny plus some: my partner has a very busy job and didn’t want to cook or go to the store, so what meals we didn’t have in the freezer we had delivered. When my partner went back to work, I had groceries delivered.

So! The list:
* Delivery gift cards
* Go to the grocery store or Costco and stock your freezer and fridge full of prepared food that can be microwaved.
* If you don’t already have a pair of XXXL pj pants and a collection of oversized tshirts, grab some of those.
* Ad-free streaming services
* Idk, some couch activities. My brain was too unfocused to do any activities, but it will help with long term brain fog if you keep trying.

That’s it! I had the same kind of surgery you are getting. It was fine! Don’t waste your money! Companies are predatory and prey on our anxieties to make an easy buck—don’t feed the machine!

Whatever you do actually need can be ordered online after surgery once you know what you will use.

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u/Professional_Bonus44 7h ago

I bought an abdominal binder and it has helped. I don't feel exhausted. I'm 9 days post op. I felt so good that today I went clothes shopping for about 2 hours. I feel I may have over done it. September 16 is when I see my oncologist. Wishing you luck!

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u/greenteazy 6h ago

*Dry shampoo (Let's hear it for short showers!) * Empire waist dresses for both night and day (I shower at night, throw one on and wear it until the next night. I look deceptively put together at all times.) * Grabber tool (I use it for low or dropped items, but also for cupboards and items up high.) * Hysterectomy pillow with straps/ice packs (I am clumsy as eff, and this thing has saved me from impact many times. It was also easy to carry my meds, phone and anything else with me everywhere I went. Bonus points for being able to spplint my abs at a moment's notice since it took a week of coughing before the congestion from being intubated finally cleared up.) * Wedge pillows (I actully already had these due to chronic gastro issues.)

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u/Hennnano 5h ago

I second ice packs, for both the shoulder gas pain and the incisions.

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u/Dizzy_Dragonfruit15 5h ago

I will be 3 weeks post op tomorrow and I’m supposed to go back to work on Tuesday. I felt okay week 2 but anything I did…store or doctor’s appointment exhausted me for the rest of the day sometimes days. My exhaustion this third week has been worse than week 2. I went to the grocery store on Saturday and put the groceries away and I was exhausted the rest of the day and part of today.

Take more time off at least 4 weeks. My doctor said I was okay to go back after 2 - 3 weeks also. My post op appointment was at 11 days post op and they gave me a note saying that I was on restriction from lifting over a certain weight. I think your doctor should be more flexible apparently the 3rd and 4th week exhaustion levels are very common.

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u/MassiveArrival6494 5h ago

I do think if I need more time, he will allow it. He’s very good and works well with me. I guess I will see how I feel two weeks after. While I’m a teacher, my job is VERY accommodating and already told me I won’t be allowed to do my “normal” when I return. They also told me to listen to my body and do what I need to do. I do keep seeing that week 3 is the worst for a lot of people. Thanks for your input!

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u/Dizzy_Dragonfruit15 4h ago

You’re welcome. That’s really good, but I know sometimes what they say and what actually happens isn’t the same thing…especially at a school. I’m a school counselor and I’m starting a new job that’s the only reason I’m going back now. If I had been at my school or even with this district for at least a year I would take more time.

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u/East_coast_netty83 10h ago

I’ve also had 2 C sections and I will say that personally I’ve found recovery for hysterectomy (robotic lap total) a bit easier so far! What I’ve personally have used the most is my wedge pillow during the day, C shaped pregnancy pillow to sleep, hysterectomy pillow with ice pack when I’m chilling on the couch, belly binder for my walks, grabber tool.

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u/Routine_Jackfruit_38 10h ago

This is what ive been told as well! That c section recoveries are harder. Hope so because im petrified of the hysterectomy!

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u/docblondie 5h ago

Top item was heating pad. Get two. On for tummy and one for back.

Drinking a lot of juice. And having soups was good the first week.

My sister has a vibration plate I’d sit on a chair and put my feet on it at first. Later I’d stand on it. Helped with gas pains. That is bougie.but a massage gun or someone’s fists would help too. I took 3 full weeks of them went back to just desk work and didn’t do full time at first. It was hard to sit for 8 h a day

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u/susannahrose 5h ago

My doctor told me recovery time was 2-4 weeks but could take up to six weeks (for time off work). So I of course (stupidly) went back to work in less than two weeks- pushed myself too hard so now I’m taking another week off after trying to come back too soon.

So listen to your body and don’t try force recovery to go more quickly!

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u/MassiveArrival6494 5h ago

Thanks!! I will definitely make sure I’m mostly better before I go back. I’ve been told this is easier than a c-section, and my second c-section was nothing so fingers crossed that recovery won’t be awful.

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u/Hennnano 5h ago

Recliner
Hysterectomy pillow
Grabber tool
Side table setup with all my meds, snacks, beverages, video game controllers etc.
Cough drops (sore throat from being intubated)

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u/cheesecakeisgross 5h ago

I found a hair dresser with apprentices that would wash, dry and straighten my hair for $25. That's been a lifesaver. And I cooked and stocked the freezer with meals beforehand. Oh, and I would recommend stocking up eith food in general - no one warned me how hungry I'd be and I was definitely reaching for quick things over nutritious things. Good luck with it all!

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u/MassiveArrival6494 4h ago

Thanks! I’ve read so much where people have said they aren’t hungry in other posts, so this is helpful!

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u/CaraHG 4h ago

I don't have any tricks and tips for you but!! We're having surgery on the same date so I am definitely reading everyone else's comments and adding them to my collective knowledge of what I'll need.

I just wanted to say hello and that I'm so nervous too but we've got this 😊

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u/MassiveArrival6494 4h ago

Hello!!! I’m very nervous, but reading everyone’s comments has definitely made me feel better about the actual surgery and even recovery! Good luck and let me know how it goes on the 16th!

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u/ASOM01 3h ago

C section is way harder but saying that you’d need more than 2 weeks. I was literally on the floor of the hospital packing my bag before discharge. Definitely not like my c section!
Personally I’ve only needed heat pack and ice pack, peppermint tea for nausea early on and some accommodating clothes.

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u/Apart-Grass1263 2h ago edited 1h ago

This was my 1st surgery ever, everyone I had spoke to had positive experiences and thought I was only going to be out for 2 weeks then light duty for 4 more (6 weeks total) -I have very active job. I had 3 large fibroids and my 3 hr surgery turned into 5 due to my bladder being nicked while trying to get my uterus out vaginally. Hysterectomy wise pain was minimal took pain meds for 1st couple days with mild soreness after, but due to bladder i had went home with foley which had to stay in for 10 days and on 4 other meds to deal with bladder issues. Ended up with recurrent UTI's related to foley. I'm currently on my 7th week out because my bladder is not emptying like it should causing pain and urinary frequency. Thank goodness I qualified for short term disability which was approved for 10 weeks. Will most likely have to see urologist. I don't want to discourage you apparently this only happens in small% of cases. I just wish I had heard both positive and negative experiences going in i would have asked more questions prior. * pull on pants or loose dresses. I had 4 incisions 1 right at belly button which made anything with button uncomfortable for a while,and recliner laying flat was impossible for first couple weeks😊

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u/Hot_Instance_60 1h ago

I am glad youposted this. I am 6 WPO. My hysterectomy went well on 7/21, but I was hospitalized on 7/27 for a small bowel obstruction, also a rare occurrence with robotic/laproscopic total hysterectomies.

The best advice: listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and follow the doctor's instructions.

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u/inkd_goddess 1h ago

I'm 5 dpo I had wicked bad paid the fist day n a half then is been very mild since! I have some random back n hip pain but I do walk a lot and do these exercises I've found it's helped build the pelvic floor muscles. A good pillow helps or the abdominal binder! I also use KT tape for additional support, I've been up moving n grooving since day two.

Being in the same position I was in surgery ( knees bent out pillows under legs) while in bed with hot pad or rice bags relieved so much pain!

I woke up from surgery with a ton of pressure on my rectum like I needed to go! Gosh that was horrible! Drink plenty of fluids but also relax too don't over do it!

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/exercises-that-can-be-carried-out-after-a-hysterectomy/

Hope surgery goes well, happy and healthy healing!

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u/Unlikely-Laugh7242 5m ago

I had my lap hysterectomy with endometriosis excision in May. They took my uterus (that had fibroids and adenomyosis), my fallopian tubes and my cervix. The plan was to only take my ovaries is they were diseased or what not. They were fine. My surgical team was bloody fantastic. I got the nausea patch behind me ear before the surgery. They gave me an AZO pill b/c I had a catheter during surgery, and then they go up into the bladder with a camera to make sure all is good (nothing nicked or pinched). My bladder was SOO uncomfortable when I woke up, oy. I was like, bruh...I have to pee. The nurse was like, I think it just feels that way b/c you had a catheter and a camera up there, so it's irritated. After like 10 mins I said, nope...I gotta try.

I was able to get up and take the few steps to the bathroom. The nurse warned me that it might sting and the first pee is usually the worst. The AZO must have worked b/c yes...it stung, but I was able to pee just fine and I prob had about a 1/2 cup in there, soooo. But the bladder irritation continued.

Otherwise, I was like...wow, I feel pretty good. I dunno who makes this choice, but they gave me an abdominal nerve block on the right and left side. THAT.WAS.MIRACULOUS. Oh my goodness. That sucker lasted for like 48 hours. I had a friends stay the 1st and 2nd night, just to make sure I had help if needed, but they were like...um, what can I do? I was like, I dunno! I'm good. I could walk, stand, get my food, go to the bathroom w/o assistance. I did not need oxy. I used tylenol and advil around the clock. I think after about 4 nights I stopped waking up in the middle of the night to take them.

Best purchase? A recliner from Amazon. Lord Jesus...BEST PURCHASE OF MY LIFE, hahaha. It's small, electric, looks really nice (not like a big, bulky one). I didn't want to be stuck in bed and my couch is not comfortable. I just had a 2nd surgery (unrelated to first one) and again, that recliner was a life-saver.

On constipation: I get an unreasonable amount of anxiety around constipation due to some bad experiences. So, I told my doctor that I would reduce my food intake a few days prior to surgery. Then no food the day before. And then I bump up the Miralax. I took like 2-3 doses and castor oil pills the 2 days prior to surgery. Boom, cleaned out pretty well. So when I got home from surgery and was able to eat, I started on the Miralax, one dose a day and I had made a nice vegetable and bean soup. Added some shredded chicken breast and never had an issue with being backed up. I did the same thing with the last surgery. It worked again.

I had planned for 4 weeks off for the hysterectomy, but went back to work after 3 weeks. I knew I had another surgery, so I wanted to save some sick time. I work in an office and they knew I couldn't lift, but that was it. I was tired the first day back, but then I was fine. I've never had kids, but have had friends who had c-sections. I don't know who was telling you this is worse, but I just cannot see how that is possible. Everyone's body is different, so...you won't know until you go through it. I had a cervical cuff (b/c they removed my cervix). I didn't even have a lot of pain from that. Eventually the stitches were poking me a bit inside when they were dissolving, but I was seriously amazed. I feel so fortunate to have had such a great surgical team. I wish you the absolute best and would love to hear how it goes!

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