TAH Scheduled for FEB 18 What Should I Expect???? - Hysterectomy Message Board

tat8 · 02-05-2009, 08:06 AM

I'm new to the boards and was looking for some information regarding hysterectomy. I'm scheduled for a TAH on Feb 18th and was wondering if anyone here could give me some advice as to what I should expect. Any tips pre op or post op, any suggestions-any information you wish you would have known before you had yours done- What meds are you on post op? Do you have to take hormones? I've got so many unanswered questions....Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

Oh Yeah, I wanted to mention also, that I am having a blood transfusion prior to my surgery. My cycle is almost continuous at this point and has been for several months. It apparently has taken a toll on my blood counts. I am very anemic and the doctor said she could not perform the surgery without having a blood transfusion prior. Has anyone on here been in this position?

Thanks in advance for your help

Tat8

Pickle Eyes · 02-05-2009, 07:30 PM

Oh goodness, Tat8! I can't imagine the toll your period is taking on you for you to need a tranfusion prior to the hyst. I had an LAVH (lap assisted vag hyst) back in June 08 for cervical cancer. So your surgery (and reason for it) are different, but I do have a few suggestions.

Have your doctors considered giving your iron supplements prior to surgery to increase the blood count?

I hope you have someone to take care of you when you recover at home.

A few tips before going to the hospital: clean house, really well. Stock up on easy to make foods. Ask if you can get your pain med prescription ahead of time so you don't have to stop and pick it up on the way home (my doctor wouldn't do it, but it doesn't hurt to ask). Buy one of those reaching tools (a GrabIt or Gopher or something like that - I got mine at Walgreens). It helps a LOT when you can't bend over or reach up for things.

When you get home: drink PLENTY of water, keep some colace around to soften stools, rest and then rest some more. You only get one chance to heal.

I took a form of Vicodin when I was home from the hospital.

Welcome to HB!