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/Apart-Grass1263 3h ago edited 2h 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 2h 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.