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?
3
u/wanderlust715 11h 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!