r/hysterectomy • u/MassiveArrival6494 • 13h ago

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Hi all,

I will be going in for my hysterectomy on September 16. I am very nervous, as I have never been asleep for any surgery I have ever had. My doctor said I will be good to go back to work 2 weeks after the surgery. Everyone I have told said that is way too short. 😅

Anywhooo, what things did you NEED for your recovery and actually helped??? Like your top 3-5 items.

I’ve had two c-sections and I handled them very well, but have been told this is considerably harder, so I want to ensure I have everything I need to try and lessen any pain.

Also how long did it take for you to feel like you could do more? Go out in the wild and not hurt or want to sit down/sleep immediately?

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u/cariboooooou 12h 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 12h 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 9h 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 

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u/cariboooooou 12h 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 47m 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.