Abdominal Hysterectomy - Hysterectomy Message Board

melpeace36 · 10-18-2006, 12:07 AM

I just found out that I am going to have a abdominal hysterectomy. I have fibroids, long periods with heavy bleeding, large clots, and alot of pain. I have a large Cyst that is 11cm. I was told by my doctor that I will need an abdominal cust because the cyst is too large. Just want to know how the recovery time is and how I can expect to feel after the abdominal hysterectomy. Oh yes, on thursday, I am having an outpatient surgery to have my gall bladder removed.

darlamustang · 10-18-2006, 01:21 AM

hi,
i think i would wait until you were well healed from other surgery. then, speaking from experience, i think you will be suprised how easy your hysterectomy is going to go.
i had mine done (abdominal) for same reasons. i had a lot of other prexisting conditions, mainly severe osteoporosis, emphysema, scoliosis, ibs, etc. i live alone and my cat had just had 6 babies who were running up and down the bed like crazy !! lol.
dr told me to expect 3-5 days in hospital. i was on a pain pump after surgery and kept myself asleep mainly for almost 24 hrs. then i got up with iv in tow and walked a lot. took a shower, washed hair, had it braided.
kind of unusual, but dr put me on a soft diet right after surgery, i was starving !!! pretty messed up from pain med iv, but actually got dressed within 40 hrs or so, snuck down from 7th floor to ground level, smoked 2 cigarettes, which made me dizzy like crazy, ha ha. snuck back into my room, into bed, (this was between iv changes, obviously),never got caught, but then i really wanted out of there. at 52 hrs, i signed myself out "AMA",
against medical advice, and called for a ride home.

vicodin pain pills did fine, but i was in a bit of pain, only because i had 2 dogs to potty several times a day, cats and dogs to feed, meals to prepare. dressing to change etc.

overall, i think your going to be pleasantly suprised. they started me on premarin, hormone right away, but i went off it and approx 6 yrs later, still feel fine without it, but everyone is different. be sure to take it if you need it, no reason not to. i was approx 41 when i had surgery done.
also, don't try to be strong, take pain med as you need it and for several days , actually take it an hr before you think you might or before its gonna be due. nothing wrong in getting pain relief.

let me know how you are doing,
take care,
darlamustang

melpeace36 · 10-19-2006, 09:33 PM

Darlamustang, Thanks a bunch for the tips. My OB/GYN specialist agreed with you. I am having my hysterectomy on November 16th. Today, I had my gall bladder removed and got to go home. I got to have Laproscopic on that one. Yeah. I am in some pain but, I think I am going to be ok. They put me on Lortab for this pain. Anyway, I look forward to my hysterectomy. I know it will be abdominal. I have a big cyst and very enlarged uterus. Anyway, thanks for the tips. I look forward to posting on here on a regular basis. Thanks for all your support and I will be posting my symptoms and countdown to my hysterectomy. God Bless.

AmyW · 10-20-2006, 12:43 AM

Hi Mel!

I had an abdominal hyst. last January due to endometriosis, adhesions, and cysts. When you wake up from the surgery, you will feel groggy, maybe a bit disoriented but you'll be okay. Let the nurse know how your pain level is and if you feel nauseated from the anesthesia.

You'll probably be in recovery for at least an hour, just so they can monitor you. Then you'll be moved to a room. You should have the pain pump, which is wonderful. Use it as often as it will let you so you can sleep.

Be sure to take these things with you:

*A pillow to press against your belly on the ride home. Bumpy roads hurt!
*If you have long hair, a hairbow or tie so it won't get tangled.
*Magazines and books, or other things to occupy you when you aren't sleeping.
*Chapstick. Your lips may get very dry.
*Let the nurses know if you get diarrhea or cramps. I did and they gave me something to help me out. I don't think they'll let you bring that from home.

Sitting up for the first time, getting out of bed is a little painful. Let the nurses or family support your weight and pull you up. Walking is good once you feel steady enough to do so. If you can't urinate on your own, after the catheter is out, run the water in the bathroom. It helps!!

When you get home, you will be very slow-moving for awhile. Make sure someone is helping you walk to the bathroom, or hold onto something for balance. You might feel lightheaded. Also, don't take pain meds or antibiotics on an empty stomach. I did and I got violently sick and vomited. Vomiting with stiches/staples HURTS!

It'll take a month or two before you start to feel 'normal' again. Take things slow and don't do too much. Pamper yourself! It's a slow process but it does get better, I promise. I feel great!

Hope you don't mind this long post! Let me know if I forgot to address any questions you have!

melpeace36 · 10-20-2006, 10:17 AM

Amy W. Thanks for the tips. I am so glad that you told me this so I can prepare. I had my gall bladder taken out yesterday and I feel everything but, it went well. Just painful but, I was told I should be ok in a few days. So, I am making sure I make a list of things to take with me to the hospital on November 16. I am also making a list of things to have at my bedside when I get home. I will barely be out of the hospital in time for thanksgiving. Were you able to eat anything or did you have to be on a special diet when you got out of the hospital? Thanks for the info.