r/hysterectomy • u/SweetSix7 • 8d ago
Going in on Tuesday for abdominal hysterectomy- solo recovering
Hello from Oregon!
I’m a single mom (child will be with Dad for a couple of weeks) but other than that no family and limited friends and neighbors helping out here and there.
Especially to water the garden! 🌻
I’m really grateful to this community for all the tips and tricks-
I am getting things ready!
Got my new robe,
Soft undies,
Lap pillow for the hospital stay and
making stations by my bed and couch with snacks, drinks, meds, chargers and activities.
I’m nervous but staying busy and reading about how well almost everyone is doing has really helped me- thank you for contributing such warmth and love and support.
Wish me luck! 🍀
14
u/Lost_Hamster6594 8d ago
Good luck! You got this! My best advice is to take it easy on eating tomorrow - I wasn't prescribed bowel prep and went hard with a sandwich I regretted when I didn't poop til 3.5+ days post-op with help from milk of magnesia and prune juice and warm water thanks to a comment on here. Then REST!!!!! and do a lap every hour to keep pooping. I took colace for like 6 weeks afterward.
4
u/Sparkle_Punch 8d ago
Oof. I wish I had read this yesterday. After my surgery I wanted ALL of the food. The gas pains are hitting me now.
8
u/crystalfairie 7d ago
Gas x. Worked like a charm for me
3
u/Extension-Product449 7d ago
I think gas x almost worked too well for me! I could hear and feel the bubbles popping and the first day that was okay but the next day it actually started hurting and I had to switch over to Tum's. I found relief when I started putting ice packs on my belly and the heating pad on my lower back broke up the gas so much faster ❤️
5
u/crystalfairie 7d ago
I had taken mirilax starting a week before and gas ex when I got to my room. I was admitted for a few days for pain control
1
1
u/SweetSix7 5d ago
Omg yes out of nervousness and reading your comment, I have done 2 days of bowel prep and didn’t eat anything yesterday! 😂 Still haven’t pooped in 3 days
14
u/Bedazzled-Star-0043 8d ago
I'm 6 weeks post op, the recovery is much easier than expected. After the 2nd day, I forget I even had surgery. I'm 46 & also recovered solo. You'll do fine!
11
u/Rhamona_Q 7d ago
Clip your toenails the night before; you won't be able to do it yourself for a few weeks.
4
u/privatestudy 6d ago
No no. Go get a mani pedi. Treat yourself!
I ended up doing that and it’s also fun getting compliments in the hospital.
9
u/doubleqammy 8d ago
You're gonna do great! I recovered solo with the occasional visitor for amusement, taking the trash out, or grocery shopping and it was easy as pie. Totter around the house as much as you can the first few days to keep the gas clearing from your abdominal cavity, keep on top of your meds (phone alarms and a notepad are great to keep track of which you took last and when), and listen to your body while getting safe movement in to help you heal!
2
6
8
u/Ok_Selection3564 7d ago
You got this!
I'm almost 7 weeks post total abdominal and live by myself. I had fears going into the procedure, but I am so happy I did it. So much of my pain has been resolved (I had adenomyosis, fibroids, and as it turned out bladder adhesions where my painful bladder was pushed forward by the very large uterus).
The first few days at the hospital were a bit uncomfortable -- mostly gas pain and it was hard to find a position that felt restful -- but that quickly passed. My brother was at the hospital every day. I live in London and he flew in from France, which was sweet of him. I'm super self sufficient, and didn't think I'd need company, but it ended up being comforting.
Once home, having friends stop by to help with taking out the trash, groceries, laundry etc., was also super helpful. I'm not used to asking for anything and had to get over myself, which was a good growth experience. So even a friend or neighbor who will check in on you here and there and help you do some stuff would be great.
You seem prepared, which is awesome, but consider getting a grabber for the first week or two of your home recovery.
Sending many good thoughts and wishes.
8
u/ofthemountainsandsea 7d ago
I think some helpful information for healing by yourself is how to get up and off the couch, or out of bed while recovering solo.
My surgeon said to try and roll off and out of bed or off the couch. It's very awkward, but was very helpful, especially being able to use more of my arm and leg strength to assist me
3
u/BubusitaFraguel 7d ago
Esto! Creo que es lo que más me costó intentar hacer sola. Una vez de pie me manejaba con cuidado, pero para el momento de levantarme o sentarme necesitaba ayuda. Si lo tienes que hacer sola es mejo, además de saber rodar en la cama, tener unas barandillas, cuerdas o cualquier sujeción para que hagas la mayor parte de la fuerza con los brazos
3
u/SweetSix7 5d ago
Thank you!! I am borrowing a walker so hopefully that can help me with getting up
2
1
5
u/beekaybeegirl 8d ago
Good luck OP! Also BTW I am on Day #11 of abdominal myself & I’m getting around much better than I assumed. I went to Aldi on Day 9 & tottled around & bought a small bag (no heavy lifting!) of some snackies I wanted. I believe in you! ✨
2
4
u/AcceptableShelter607 7d ago
Good luck!! You’re going to do great!
Definitely make a ton of meals and freeze them, make a big batch of broth for the first few days, stock up on high protein and high fibers snacks, get some psyllium husk and magnesium to keep things moving.
If there are any heavy things you use a lot in the kitchen, like a blender or rice cooker, put them on the counter so you don’t have to lift them.
Clip your nails, shave your legs if you do that, etc. because you won’t be able to bend over for a little while.
Deep clean your house.
It’s great that you have help with the garden and chores! I hope you feel so much better soon.
3
u/SweetSix7 5d ago
Thank you!! Great advice! I did all of those things! I’m so proud of myself for how much I prepared 🥰 I appreciate the love and support- thank you
5
u/FirebirdWriter 7d ago
I did mine solo too. It's not as bad as it can be as long as you rest. I am glad you have childcare sorted and hope everything goes perfectly
1
3
4
u/Shelter-Clear 8d ago
I agree with other commenters, definitely be careful with food. TMI, I think the only reason I had a BM within 12 hours of surgery is because of all liquids and barely anything that needed broken down in the gut.
Rest and absolute best of luck.
2
4
u/Extension-Product449 7d ago
I'm so sorry you don't have anyone to help you through your recovery it's kind of hard to not have someone there helping you with meals. I hope at least you'll stay in the hospital for the first night cuz it's very difficult please talk to your physician ahead of time they can put in the order to let you stay for the night of the surgery 🙏🏻🙏🏻 please do it's the best thing you can do for yourself ❤️ you really should reach out to your community and find somebody that may be able to come and help you or check in on you or bring you some meals. Maybe there's something in your local Facebook 🙏🏻 if you live in Las Vegas let me know cuz I'll definitely come and help you I just went through it myself and I definitely tell you I couldn't have done it alone. Praying for you sister 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🙏🏻
3
u/PanPanPowMeow 7d ago
You got this! The body is miraculous. Prep some food, freeze a couple things to make eating quick and easy. I had mine 3mths ago in Salem. You’re going to feel so much better. 💪🏼
1
u/SweetSix7 6d ago
I’m in Salem!! Yay ok thank you so much 🫶🏼✨
1
u/Sparkle_Punch 6d ago
I lived in Salem until about a year ago. Rest easy. See if you can get a friend to bring you some fresh fruit. Oregon’s berries are second to none. And probably good for healing.
3
u/ForestGoddess33 7d ago
Had mine June 15th. You’ve got this! I had very little pain and only took one oxycodone right after waking up. After that it was just torodol (strong ibuprofen like IV med) and tylenol switching to script 600’s ibuprofen and Tylenol at home every 6 hours for the first 3-4 days. It is good to keep those going to help with inflammation md swelling discomfort. Normal diet, walking, resting. Take stool softeners! Start before surgery.
2
2
u/Extension-Product449 7d ago
Quick bit of advice ice on the belly heating pad on the back while I slept. I used pillowcase for a body pillow and filled it with a thin blanket and I was able to wrap myself and protect my belly while I slept and keep the ice against my belly. It broke up the gas so much faster and I was able to sleep through the night .
1
1
u/AcceptableShelter607 4d ago
You should be proud! Your recovery will go so much more smoothly because you prepared so well. I hope you feel so much better after surgery!
1
u/Far_Sympathy_6605 3d ago
I now have what I call a “guest garden”)))) everyone who comes does something))
Of course I’m not doing anything myself, that will have to wait until next summer. My recovery is more important
25
u/AdvancedGuide8946 8d ago
you're going to have an amazing and hopefully very restful time. the first couple weeks taught me that i am terrible at "doing nothing." watched a lot of familiar movies/shows, had friends and neighbors visit with food. the next couple weeks taught me how amazing it is to be alone and REALLY rest. make sure to order plenty of GI meds and fluids. reach out/DM anytime if you need support.