How to Prepare for a Hysterectomy
This is my last box of tampons. One month from today, I am saying good bye to my uterus.
Ironically, my mom had a hysterectomy at 36. Her mom had a hysterectomy at 36.
I’ll be 36 in July.
I guess you could say genetics are weird. Also, I have had a heck of six months physically (so many surgeries! I still need to write about my butt surgeries. If you don’t know what I am talking about, go to Instagram.)
The most common response I have gotten from people who I have told I am having a hysterectomy is, “are you okay?” I guess that’s how you define okay. I have endometriosis, incredibly painful cysts and my periods are horrible. My bleeding is out of control every month (thankfully, it doesn’t last for more than 10 days, unlike some friends I know who have had bleeding go for weeks). The cysts cause me pain every day. In the fall, I saw a pelvic pain specialist who said, “we could just deal with the cysts for right now, but in about a year, you will likely need a hysterectomy, so I would advise doing the whole thing now.” With my family history, it seemed like the best option.
Then, all the stuff happened with my butt and we decided to wait on the hysterectomy. Finally, things are resolved on my back side, so we can fix this bigger issue. I will keep my ovaries, so won’t have to take hormones after the surgery.
I am really optimistic that this is going to be a huge, positive life change for me and my family. I deal with menstrual migraines, so those won’t happen anymore. I also won’t have the constant pain and awful cycles. After the recovery, I am going to be like a new person!
If you have had a hysterectomy, can you leave comments with what to expect in the recovery? Any advice you have to share, I will welcome. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have two trips in the next month, a full-time job and you know, all the things. I will be out of work for six weeks.
For more on pelvic pain, here’s a video I did with my surgeon (perks of working for the hospital you will have your surgery at!). Also, that is a REALLY flattering thumbnail, lol.
I have suffered from severe endometriosis since I was in my teens. ( I am in my mid 30’s now) Terrible periods and lots of pain! After my 3rd things just got worse. I knew that I would eventually have to have a hysterectomy but didn’t realize it would be so early. All of this said I had a total hysterectomy (nothing left) 2 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. I honestly believe my body was not meant to have all of that “stuff”. I am not currently doing hormones and hoping to hold off as long as possible. I do have some hot flashes but nothing terrible.
After surgery wasn’t terrible in comparison to c-sections but I did deal with a lot more gas issues. My advice is move as much as possible when they let you. It is a much slower recovery than c-section so give your self lots of time and ask for help!!! I had sitters come and watch my kids while I was in the next room in bed, my exhaustion was epic! You will start to feel like you can do more and when you do it will knock you back down quickly. Praying everything goes smoothly for you and for a quick recovery. Please reach out if I can help with any questions!
YES to all the help. Elias is going to do a sleepover at a friend’s that first weekend, and we have a baby-sitter lined up to help with the little ones so Matthew can help me. Also, a couple days after the surgery, my mom is coming into town to stay for four days.
Hi Jessica,
I had a hysterectomy about 14 years ago, when I was 32. I had poly cystic ovaries (both of them). After 5 procedures and one major surgery, the hysterectomy was ordered.
It was the best decision ever! I have been pain free. I will take hormone replacement until I am about 55, and I haven’t had any side effects from it at all.
Recovery was slow – partly because of my previous surgeries. I was expected to be off work for 6 weeks, but it ended up being about 9. I didn’t have complications. My previous surgery was to remove one ovary, so the surgery for the hysterectomy was done in the same area (along the same scar line).
The hardest part was being unable to lift things, tend properly to the house and tend to my kids, basically be mom! They would have been 6 & 5 at the time. Thankfully they were old enough to “help” a bit.
Take the time you need to heal and don’t rush life in this moment of healing. The recovery will be slow, and painful but in the end you will feel better for it.
Take care!
Christine
Just had mine done last year. A lot depends on the way that they are going to do it. Mine was done with incision since I had 3 prior C-sections. I am not gonna lie, I brushed everyone off when they kept telling me that this surgery was going to have a long recovery. I wish I had listened. if you have more specific questions email me. Good Luck and listen to the instructions from the Dr. And take any and all help offered to you.
Mine will be laparoscopic.
Hi Jessica, I had a hysterectomy one week ago yesterday. I had endometriosis and a huge uterine fibroid. I have never been able to get pregnant but I do have 2 boys that we adopted…so this decision for me was a difficult, emotional one because it was the final closing of the door to ever getting pregnant. I have a full incision because of the fibroid and I am still very sore and moving slowly. My mom kept my children all last week so I would count on needing full time childcare for the first week. I am unable to sleep in my bed because it is just too painful to get in and out of. I am sleeping in our recliner. I would plan to do a bowl prep even if your surgeon doesn’t recommend one, especially with the issues you’ve had with your bottom in the last year. I won’t go into details but the pain meds make it very hard to go to the bathroom after surgery and very painful. I think doing a bowl prep to clean out beforehand would have been helpful. I hope it goes well for you. Please email me if you have any specific questions. Only 1 week post surgery I can probably give you very specific answers to any questions you might have!
Yes, constipation was a HUGE issue for me after my abdominoplasty/breast reduction, so I am going to be a lot more prepared this time around.
Also, my kids will all have school/day care for the first two weeks, so that will be helpful.
Hi Jessica, I had a total hysterectomy (50 yrs old) in Aug ‘16, and it was the BEST thing I have done for myself. I suffered from heavy, painful periods, and then a twisted Fallopian tube. I was so nervous even though my doctor kept reassuring me not to be. I had it done laparoscopically (2 tiny incisions), went home same day. He said to expect 3 days of needed rest, and I could go back to my regular routine in a week, just no heavy lifting. He was right!
While waiting for insurance approval, I organized everything I could, made freezer meals, washed everything, bc I wanted to be able to rest and read while recovering.
I know this isn’t everyone’s experience, but it was mine. You will be so glad you did it! I’ll be praying for you!
I am so happy to read all of the positive comments. I am scheduled for surgery on June 11 and a bit nervous. I do not have children, I’m 46 and didn’t plan on it now, but when I had to sign the paperwork stating that fact it was a bit emotional. I have a uterine fibroid causing pain and possible endometriosis with very heavy periods. I’m hopeful this surgery will relieve the pain and get me feeling like myself again. Thank you all for posting your comments and I hope everything went well for you, Jessica.
Take care!
Dr. Yunker is my doctor, and I think she’s pretty wonderful! She handled all my thoughts and questions with respect and compassion. You’re in good hands!
She is SOOOO lovely. I adore her already.
I had an emergency hysterectomy after a traumatic childbirth. I was 25. I kept my ovaries, only lost my uterus. With all the trauma of childbirth, hemorrhaging, cardiac arrest, and hysterectomy- the recovery was relatively easy. I left the hospital on a Monday afternoon. I went to Target on Tuesday (my mom drove me). It was football season, so we had a UT vs. FL party at our house the following Saturday. Friends brought the food and I took a nap around half-time. What I’m saying is this- it’s not awful. You’ll be sore, but I was ready to get back to all my normal activities after 2 weeks and was running after 4. Doctor still made me wait 8 weeks before going back to work and 6 before driving. Get a girdle, some looser fitting Spanx, or just ACE bandages. Wrap yourself (not tight) when you are up and walking around- it is much less painful and you feel “safer.” Pain was not bad at all for me- very manageable. Everyone is different, but I think that the technology and advances with this surgery make for a much quicker recovery. Prayers to you.
Had a robotic hysterectomy a few years back. Adenomyosis (OB called it the ugly stepsister of endometriosis) and Uterine prolapse so I had some repairs as well. Hardest part for me was the anesthesia after effects-nausea and what I can only describe as a ‘lazy bowel’. Oh, and the ‘Swelly Belly’ was pretty aggravating. Rest and take it easy. Recovery is not that hard but it was slow. If you over do it you will regret it.
Also, you will feel like anew woman when it’s all said and done. Good Luck!
I am 6 months out of a full hysterectomy, and appendix due to endometriosis. Make sure you get a belly band that helped a lot, Amazon. I am still dealing with some nerve issues. Be prepared for anything, I came home with catheter because they had to scrape my bladder. Stay the night if they offer it, that helped a lot. Look at the web site hystersisters, they do a great job of preparing you and if your having any side effects, someone on there has had them too and that’s comforting. Good luck, I’ll be praying for you. It’s been a rough year.
I had mine at 29 (I am 43 now). The worst part, for me, was the vaginal packing immediately after surgery. (I had my surgery vaginally, as opposed to laparoscopic or incision. If they have to pack you, be prepared for it to hurt more than you’d think.) You do need to take it easy after! My MD threatened to re-admit me when I kept bleeding because I was too active. But, I felt good after a few days and had really little kids to chase All in all, the recovery wasn’t too bad…just listen to your instructions!
I had a Vaginal hyst and removal of cervix on Dec 28 of 2017. I only have 1 ovary but was able to keep that remaining ovary so have not had to be on hormones. The month before the surgery I made 12 freezer meals, plus pre-cooked 4 containers of shredded chicken and pre-browned hamburger and froze it in containers to pull out and use for spaghetti etc. Having so many meals planned ahead was SO good. I didn’t have a huge appetite for several weeks, but my family needed to eat and me not having to cook was nice. I was able to stretch those freezer meals out for 2+ months, using 1-2 a week and especially once I went back to work I was too tired to cook at night, it helped to have something that could just be thrown in and warmed up.
The surgery went better than expected – I had a terrible response to the anesthesia (which I was told can be common when you have more than 1 surgery within a 6 month time period…I had a separate surgery in September that revealed the need for the hyst.) Once they were able to get my pain under control this changed drastically! So my Dr. said that insurance companies typically only allow 1 night in the hospital unless you are unable to pass gas…then you get cleared for an extra stay until you do. So I was able to stay 2 nights because my systems didn’t respond as quickly as some. I was so grateful to have that extra night in the hospital before I went home to my kids….so if you don’t feel ready don’t push it.
I took it really easy for the first 10 days but then probably over did it. With a vaginal hyst you don’t have any visible scars and you feel pretty good, pretty fast…everyone warned me about continuing to take it slow and on the days I pushed it I paid for it.
I did join the site hystersisters and it was informative but I had to be careful not to read too many of the negative stories. It played into my fear too much…and honestly none of the scary, it could happen stuff, happened to me. It has been the best decision I ever made too. I also take a daily med for migraines and even with the meds would get 2-3 a month, since the surgery I haven’t had a single one!
Follow your Dr’s recommendation for when intimacy is ok again, don’t rush that. I had some pain at about 8-9 weeks and went to see my Dr. I was a bit embarrassed but I guess there was a stitch that wasn’t fully dissolved and what I was experiencing was completely normal. I share that just to say don’t be afraid to talk to your Dr about anything that feels out of the ordinary after it is all done! I will be praying for you.
I had a hysterectomy at 20 due to severe endometriosis. It was the best decision I ever made! Mine was done with a full incision because my uterus wouldn’t collapse enough for laparoscopic. Eat lots of fruits and veggies to keep things moving and make sure that things like milk/juice/water are in small containers so you can actually lift them without breaking the rules! With laparoscopic they fill your belly with air and as it is reabsorbing it can cause serious cramping the shoulders. Be warned! You’ll be so happy you did it. Give yourself lots of time and grace!
I’m sure you have discussed all your options with your doctors and have concluded that this is the best plan for you- however for anyone else dealing with endometriosis and cysts who HASN’T had children yet, I wanted to share my experience. I’ve had horrifically painful periods and some kind of pelvic pain every day since I was 17. I thought that was just it for me. I had a laparoscopy at 24 to excise and burn off endometrial lesions and clear some of the damage that endo had done to my internal organs. The pain came back not long after, along with horrible back pain. I saw all kinds of specialists. My ob/gyn surgeon said I’d have to resolve myself to the fact that I’d need surgery every 12-18 months. My GP was NOT happy with that and sent me to another, younger Ob/Gyn. After hearing my history he passed me a pamphlet about Visanne straight away. It is a relatively new progesterone-type drug that is specifically designed to treat endo and actually works to REDUCE the endometrial lesions. Unlike birth control pills, it doesn’t just mask the pain- it treats the source of the pain! It is amazing. Now, it doesn’t work for everyone but I call it my miracle drug. I went from being hospitalised for pain and needing morphine to deal with it, to feeling NO PAIN whatsoever. I know it’s abailable in the European & Aus/NZ markets but I am not sure about US/Can. However, I just wanted to post this in case it helps anyone else… don’t just feel like you have to “wait it out” in pain. There are other options… keep searching, keep talking about it until you find a doctor who can help!
I had a hysterectomy when I was 33 because of an endometrioma and endometriosis. I feel SO much better since surgery than I did for years before but I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I was better!
My surgery advice- I took earplugs to the hospital for overnight. It helped me sleep so much better! chapstick, earbuds and phone charger were also nice to have close by.(in the hospital and after I got home) also
chewing mint gum helped relieve the post surgery gas, also laying on my left side helped too. weird but true. Use ALL the pillows, they can help so much with getting comfortable after surgery.
Take docusate sodium as soon as possible for more days than you think you need it. Pain pills causing constipation is real. Stay on schedule with your pain pills. Drink lots and lots of water while recovering.
I took vitamins pre and post op to help with recovery, (google or ask someone who knows vitamins, & check with dr),
also protein helps your body heal so I tried to eat as much protein as possible and avoid inflammatory foods while healing. My (vertical incision, everything removed) 6 wk recovery went well. be patient with yourself and don’t try to work too hard too fast.
-kara
Good luck with surgery and here’s to feeling your best ever after recovering!
I had a hysterectomy when I was 27 and a mother of two. My uterus was upside down and backwards and I had terrible cramps and pain and especially painful intercourse. I had wanted another child, but was told that I could get pregnant but would have difficulty sustaining a pregnancy. So, I opted for the surgery.
I was lucky in that the doctor was able to do the surgery vaginally, so no incision. Recovery was not bad at all! After the first day in the hospital I opted out of the pain killers and went with Tylenol instead. Couldn’t stand the feeling of being looped and out of it! The recovery was easy because I didn’t have the incision. Probably less than with a C-section.
Hope yours goes well and you will be glad in the long run to have had it and be pain free!
I suffered with SEVERE Endometriosis for almost 19 years. (Towards the end, I bled 3 out of every 4 weeks…as a Kindergarten teacher, it made my job almost impossible!) My mom also suffered from it, so when I had an endometrial tumor (that weighed over 7 pounds) that ruptured and took my right tube/ovary, I made the decision then to go ahead. I, too, was 36! It has been the best decision I have ever made in my life. That was about 20 years ago, but I have never, ever been upset with my decision. I also had my other ovary, tube, uterus and cervix removed. I wanted everything out of there! I remember my doctor saying if she could just save a quarter of the other ovary, I wouldn’t have to go on hormone replacement. When she got in, the other was wrapped in scar tissue that resembled saran wrap. I had it on my bowels as well, so that made life really interesting too.
As far as recovering, take it easy and rest, but also try to move around so that things inside will start working again quickly. Stool softeners ALL THE WAY, lol…Let people pamper you! It took about 6 weeks for me to feel “normal”, but it wasn’t horrible. You’re going to save a fortune on Kimberly Clark products and are going to feel soooo amazing!! Praying for you!
I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. I had it for many of the same reasons. Honestly, I felt great about 2 weeks after. At six weeks I am exercising and doing all of my “normal” things. I also had two c-sections and recovering from a laparoscopic hysterectomy was far easier. Good luck!!
Just catching up on your blog! I have a hysterectomy 4 mo this ago. I had a laperscopic surgery(43 years old) and had my uterus, Fallopian tubes and cervix removed but kept my ovaries. I ended up with 4 small incisions after a 3 hour surgery. Minor surgery on the outside,major on the inside. I’m doing amazing now, no more periods from hell and no more pain. I had fibroids, some cysts, A very thick uterine lining and polyps in my cervix .
I read up before hand and there’s a good amount of women who say “it’s a breeze”. I felt like a failure because it wasn’t a breeze. I just wish I would have been better prepared for pain mentally.
The worst part for me was the bladder pain, oh my gosh. Totally normal and lasted about 6 weeks. The gas pain is horrendous, especially if you have it laparoscopic.Buy Gas x and keep up in pain meds, even if it’s just Advil. I have a virginal cuff because my cervix was removed. That wasn’t awful but took a while to heal. Oh, and the heating pad and belly binder were my best friends.
With that being said, it took me about 2 months to feel normal, the pain was obviously livable. Let people help, Rest, drink a lot of water, even when you feel a little better.. don’t push yourself. You will regret it!
Hopefully you will be one of those lucky ladies who doesn’t have a lot of pain, and even if you are not.. I promise it will be so worth it ! Good luck! Prayers coming your way!
I went through the same surgery and I can tell things change as the years pass by.
This week I found time to put everything on a video and share with others who might be going through the same issues. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/681GN-IPmlo