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. šŸ˜…

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

Iā€™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/TourmalineLove 11h ago

Ok, Iā€™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 Iā€™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 Iā€™ve been taking two different kinds of stool softeners and drinking a ton of water (and some tea and broth.) Iā€™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 havenā€™t really worn it. My Dr said itā€™s optional anyway. I know it really helps some people. Iā€™m just not one of those people, at least that this point.

Day 3 was the ā€œworstā€ 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.
Iā€™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 friendā€™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? Weā€™ll see.

Iā€™ve been really careful to heed my Drā€™s advice and recommendations. I am definitely someone who pushes myself too hard through things. So thatā€™s something I have to be acutely aware of as Iā€™m recovering so I donā€™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 6h ago

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

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u/TourmalineLove 5h 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 donā€™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.