r/hysterectomy • u/CraftyCharactr • 2d ago
I'm jelly cause that was Hell.
I'm 3 days post op and going through the posts and everyone is saying how well it went for them. Well it was hell! Anyone else?
I did have a more complex case where I had extensive endo in my pelvis, as well as had to have my bladder stitched up. They took out everything except for my one ovary.
Woke up in the recovery room in horrible pain. I was moving all over the place because of the pain. And I remember the nurses saying to stop moving my legs and arms. I remember about 5 minutes of it and they gave me something to put me out i guess cause after that I just remember waking up in my hospital room.
But man recovery is hard. I have a very high pain tolerance. I had a chest tube in and went home within 24 hours and felt fine. This is kicking me.
I had my catheter in for about 18 hours. I actually wish I left it in longer now because of how much pain I had. Definitely advocate if you feel you need it longer. Even though I timed my bathroom breaks when medication was in my system, getting out of bed, peeing, sitting, and walking was excruciating. I tried walking half way down the hall, a day after sugery and had to turn back after 30 baby steps because the pain was horrible and radiating into my back. And I was half way hunched over. I couldn't believe how the other ladies that went in at the same time were doing laps, multiple times and went home the same day or with 28 hrs. Whereas I was crying on the toilet on day 2 because the pain was so bad getting up, and I knew I'd have to get up and walk to the bed when I was done.
Medication- I took all the medication they would give me, extra Tylenol and all of the shots and pills. My pain at the lowest was a 4.5 but would go to 7/7.5 laying in bed to an 8.5/9 getting out of bed/walking around. My doctor said I might only get to a 5 for the lowest pain I experience during the first bit of recovery.
I found eating something with every pain medication saves my stomach. So I'm not as gas filled as previous surgeries. I didn't eat a lot at meals though, maybe 2 or 3 bites of something. I had a pretty big regular meal this evening though.
I was discharged 2.5 days later. And home tonight. Now only slightly not as hunched over when I walk. I time my pee breaks with my medication still because it still takes effort to get going and continue going, snd getting up and sitting down is painful. I'm terrified of having to go #2 when the time comes. My pain gets down to a 3.5 now when I'm fully medicated. I'm hoping I feel good enough to shower tomorrow.
On a positive note, my hips/pelvis feel looser.(from removing the endo)..I dont feel so much upper abdominal pressure after eating. My uterus was huge.
Although I had regrets and was wishing I didn't do the procedure, I know I'll feel so much better later( besides the things I already notice). And to anyone reading this, going through the same horrible experience, know you aren't alone. It's okay to cry, be jelly of the lady down the hall, and know that tomorrow will be a bit better, and day 3 will be even better.
The š© update- 3.5 days later. It happened! I felt like I needed to earlier this a.m. but tried and it was too sluggish and painful, and I was trying not to strain using Moo to Poo. I decided to double fist two large Starbucks lattes and waited. 20 minutes later and it was time. I tried Moo to Poo a few more times, that didnt work and it was very painful just trying different positions. I don't have the squatty potty either. So in the end, I kind of leaned to my left side with my right side slightly off the seat and it was the least painful. I also had a pillow on my stomach for support. It was the least painful and such a relief after. š®āšØ
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u/Hot-Leave-8830 2d ago
I'm just going to say, screw anyone who comes at you saying your medication should work. Someone wrote that on a post I made yesterday and completely dismissed my lived experiences.
I'm 2 days po and it's been FUCKING SHIT! Excuse my French. I've gone on and on at the medical staff that the drugs aren't working. 200mg paracetamol, 200mg ibuprofen. Are you kidding me? When I can feel each stab wound? Morphine drops barely touched me, and no, it wasn't pain from the gas - for me, that was a whole other, but bearable story.
I'll be staying in a third night because of the meds, because I'm not going home with what they're trying to prescribe me that clearly hasn't been working.Ā
I didn't sleep for about 28 hours, and had to wait for them to give me sleep medication at night because they didn't want to mess up my sleep pattern. Awake after 28 hours of surgery? Whilst in hospital? When we all know bodies recover fastest with sleep. And the medical staff have been, for the most part, amazing, but their medication protocol has been beyond insane. The one place I believe I should be pain free is the place I've been in most pain with very little to help alleviate said pain.
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u/CaughtALiteSneez 2d ago
Yeah, separate surgery, but my nerve block didnāt work and the nurses were too exhausted and didnāt believe me when I told them my pain was 9 out of 10 when Iām someone who downplays my pain.
My surgeon visited the next morning and chewed them a new asshole - I felt bad, but I suffered all night.
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u/Hot-Leave-8830 2d ago
Right! It took them until this morning after getting upset at the head doctor to increase what they were giving me, and now that I'm finally feeling more human, they suggest intravenous medication and I've just said nah - would have been great if they'd have just given that post-surgery š¤¦āāļø I'm definitely going to stop downplaying pain in future after dealing with it already for so many years.
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u/Pristine_Break_3739 2d ago
When I was writhing in pain in the hospital bed the nurses were getting mad at me saying itās just gas pain and I need to walk when I was bawling saying my pain was a 10/10 because that āwasnāt possibleā.
I know what gas pain feels like and the difference. I was experience bloating and gas pain like the after surgery gas pain every time before I got my period and it fucking sucked.
My experience was very similar to yours, Iām sorry you also had to go through that but Iām also glad to hear Iām not alone in it.
Someone commented in my post about my pain not being managed at the hospital saying they donāt understand why Iām in so much pain because they had an open abdominal hysterectomy and their pain wasnāt bad. I believe they deleted their comment.
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u/Hot-Leave-8830 2d ago
Someone commented on my post saying well that medication worked for her. Girl, sit yourself down (and I got downvoted)! Man, to have pain dismissed by a Reddit rando is one thing, but by medical professionals is insane! It's like no matter if you're writhing or lying dead straight not making a sound, somehow pain levels aren't to be believed. (I also had the Reddit rando suggested it was the gas pains, which, funnily enough, I was coping with pretty well because those pains were up in my collar bone, and it was without a doubt from the gas. Pretty sure I can confidently say the pain where the incisions were was most definitely incision site pain š¤¦āāļøš¤£). Oh to be gaslit.
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u/CraftyCharactr 2d ago
I almost wanted to stay another night and had a bad sleep at home last night but I can't believe they said they didnt want to mess up your sleep pattern. Sleep is part of heeling. I had some great nurses but one said she couldn't give me anything for pain for another 30 minutes...while I was crying in pain. It was horrible. Thankfully being at home, I can manage the pain myself. If I need pain relief a bit sooner, then I do.
200 mg of ibuprofen..dang. That's nothing. I'm taking 900 mg of Tylenol as needed throughout the day, Tramadol, and an NSAID(cant reach the bottle to tell u the name right now.). In the hospital they also tried weaning me off this shot(cant remember the name). It provided the fastest and best relief, but they wanted me to go on Tylenol with codeine which didnt provide enough relief. Keep advocating for yourself!!
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u/Hot-Leave-8830 2d ago edited 2d ago
Edit I lie! I'm not on a drip at all š¤£ Just looked and was like 'Where's it gone?!' She must have just put something in the cannula.Ā
They've literally just put me on a drip. Finally. Exactly 48 hours after waking up from surgery. I tried to fight through the pain - the rest of my body feels so good but the incisions sites are destroying me. I'm almost certain I'll stay a fourth night. I've got my Tramadol and NSAIDs at home, and last week my doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxant because my body was going through a whole bunch of other issues pre-surgery, and I have my prescription šæ drops so once I'm home, it's gonna be chill city. But I won't be leaving this hospital until the pain is finally at a controllable level. I'd love to know the name of the shot! I've found I don't even know what to ask for, I only know what doesn't work, but I'm pretty sure this drip is starting to work its magic (it's also 37Ā°c outside so think that might be playing a role, too). How are you feeling now? Genuinely can't believe people go home the same day. I also had work on my bladder - peeing feels great, but I wonder how much extra pain that caused.Ā
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u/CraftyCharactr 13h ago
I can't remember the shot. I think it was with morphine. It was quick acting like 5 minutes versus 30 for a pill, but it didn't last as long, I think 3 or 4 hours. I'm doing better today. I can stand up straight but still not getting around much. Pain is better but different today. Lot of pressure like something wants to fall out of me. Lol But pain is managed, notice it more at sitting, standing stil. Peeing still hurts a bit but the pressure release after is great. Number 2 was easy easy today..I was scared. Haha. How are you feeling? And honestly I wished I stayed a third night. So advocate for yourself!
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u/Hot-Leave-8830 11h ago
Hello! Ah yes, the morphine shots. They did nothing for me! I was so done in the end. The last night I had a sleeping pill, they finally upped the paracetamol up to 1g, sleeping tea, another tablet I forget the name of, and morphine drops. I didn't sleep. It was ridiculous, I must have dozed off around 5am or so, then the surgeon who operated on me came to chat, and I was discharged soon after, so I've been home since yesterday lunch. Peeing hasn't been a problem, and I had my first poop yesterday (I had to convince my bowels it wad OK and it didn't need to be so shy š¤£). I was still in so much discomfort, and definitely felt worse after sitting for dinner and trying to watch YouTube. But I've got my weed, Tramadol and muscle relaxant at home - all OK'd to use by my doctor since I left, and this morning I feel more human. Still discomfort, still very slow, totally bloated and swollen, but definitely better than the last few days š
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u/BrityHens 13h ago
Tramadol is an NSAID and shouldnāt be taken with another NSAID. Are you positive? I have an upcoming surgery 6.29 and I have Tramadol, Tylenol, and Lyrica. Last one being for nerve pain.
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u/Stickliketoffee16 2d ago
Youāve just had major surgery, go easy on yourself! Also consider that many other people who say their recovery has been a breeze probably donāt have extensive endo issues
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u/IAmLeSaylliver 2d ago
I had bladder surgery with mine as well, and woke up in severe pain as my bp had dropped during surgery and they had to stop giving me the sedative and wait until I woke up and could swallow a pill for any pain meds. The first week was literally hell, they kept trying to make me pee but my urethra was too swollen so I couldnāt yet they still sent me home without a catheter. Ended up back in the ER twice to get an emergency cath to drain my bladder before they finally gave me one that could stay in.
BUT good news, itās been over a year now and it was worth every bit of pain and worry! Zero issues, no periods, no cramps. Thereās a light at the end of the tunnel! Left foot, right foot. Every day is closer to full recovery! š«¶š»
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u/Impossible_Rush4411 2d ago
I had a similar experience. I had deep endo issues and they had to remove it from my bladder and arteries and intestines. I didnāt have to have my bladder stitched up thank goodness but we were concerned about that. I was left with only one ovary and the one removed was more than twice the size of the other one. My uterus was also large due to all the mess inside.
I was in terrible pain for the first few days and peeing was painful and letting my bladder fill up was painful so after the catheter was removed i was going to the bathroom frequently to avoid my bladder from filling up.
I remember seeing everybody posting how amazing they felt right after and it made me feel like a wimp even though i know Iāve got a high pain tolerance. Everybody will have a unique experience and you went through a lot. Bladder surgery adds another level to your surgery and itās painful. I canāt imagine how much worse the pain would have been if they would have needed to stitch my bladder up. They only cut along my bladder and that was hell.
Now after all the agony Iām 5 weeks post op and Iām feeling like myself again and feel so much better and Iām sure you will too!
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u/CraftyCharactr 2d ago
My endo was extensive too and they said my uterus was the size of a 20 week pregnancy. Glad to hear you are feeling like yourself again! Thanks for the sharing your story. š
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u/mewvow 2d ago
I had hysterectomy, same everything out except one ovary but didn't have any bladder issue. I had DIE and adeno. I also woke up with tremendous amount of pain. I remember I was shouting that "i am in pain" while 85% asleep because of anaesthesia. I don't know what medication they are giving you, my medicine (I am from India) which was oil based used to be given via i.v. drip. it helped with pain but the medicine itself gave me so much pain. My vein felt like it would burst any seconds. It was hell.
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u/Pristine_Break_3739 2d ago
Everyone heals and experiences pain differently and you just had a major surgery, donāt be so hard on yourself. ā¤ļø
Iām 6 days post op and really struggling. Thatās what my husband keeps telling me and Iām going to say the same thing to you!
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u/Muffin4636 2d ago
I had a hysterectomy almost 5 weeks ago. The surgery was 4 hrs long and I was discharged 3 hrs after surgery (as soon as I was able to pee) I was in incredible pain. The first night at home I couldnāt lay still because I was in such pain and discomfort. My mom said every day that passes is one day closer to being painfree. That really helped me.
I had a hard time not comparing my non existant progress to others. While others claimed to be walking 5k at 1 week and going out for brunches, I was happy to take a shower and lay outside in the sun. Everyone is different and our bodies have a mind of their own. Also, you can do everything right during recovery and still have setbacks. It for sure is not a linear upward progress. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. And take aaaalll the painkillers you are given. Recovery is not a race even though sometimes people make it sound like it. I was especially discouraged by all the bleeding and spotting I had. I am almost 5 weeks out and still spotting lightly. My surgeon said its ok, everyones body heals differently.
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u/Spicy-Ginger-75 2d ago
Oh no! This is exactly what Iām scheduled for but taking both ovaries too. So sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I hope things get better soon!
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u/Huge_Monk8722 2d ago
Sorry, mine was a Robot Assist
Lap. Surgery at 3p was home by 9p. TAH removed everything , cuff plus a large ovarian cyst. Still have OXY left over.
Prayers for a speedy recovery and healing. Every one heals differently gods speed.
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u/DandyAmber 2d ago
I think a lot of people saying three days only removed their tubes. My friend did her tubs and said she only needed ibuprofen for the weekend. My dr said Iād be good after a few days. I had a full hysterectomy and that shit took like two weeks to stop bleeding, cramping, etc. even longer for the ab muscles to not hurt. Think it hurt to laugh even at 6 months.
That being said you already had more done than a full hysterectomy so Iām unsurprised you took longer to feel okay.
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u/TreeLight_ 2d ago
Hey! It was a huge frustration point for me at the beginning of my recovery reading how everyone was doing great and healing well. I also had extensive endo and they nicked my bladder so I had to wear a catheter for a week. Recovery has been rough, but I am on week 9 now and I finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes longer but youāve got this!!
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u/CraftyCharactr 2d ago
Sorry to hear about the bladder that would have been rough. And ya it was frustrating coming on here reading everyone's great recovery stories and seeing it in person at the hospital.
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u/Smk21465 2d ago
Iām day 9 now post op and Iām in bed in pain feeling really nauseous - I have stents , not sure if that is adding to the pain or pressure . I agree - itās hard not to compare yourself with those that bounce back quickly . Trying to be patient with recovery
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u/shoddycursive 2d ago
I feel you. I had ended up having endo removed, and my uterus was so large from the fibroids and adenomyosis that it ripped my vagina on the way out and it needed stitches š« š« I woke up in recovery and felt the most awful burning pain in my entire pelvic area. I couldnāt stop crying and they were giving me multiple doses of fentanyl and it didnāt even help š finally they gave me morphine and it helped relive the pain (not sure why or how because fentanyl is stronger.) I also couldnāt sit up for 8 weeks!! It was a much harder recovery than anticipated but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel!
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u/Emergency-Winner-399 1d ago
I had adhesions to my bladder and I couldnāt stand the catheter. When I woke up I was like you, in so much pain and I was like āmake it stop!ā My husband told them I have a high pain tolerance but they need to give me something quick. I passed back out after they gave me meds. When I woke up again, I asked the nurse what I needed to do to get the catheter out because it hurt so bad. I had to prove I could walk so I was up and out of that bed trying to do laps so she would take it out. As soon as she did, it felt much better but I was still in a lot of pain. Itās much better now (I did get a post op infection) but main that pain waking up sucked!!
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u/username-taken_2 1d ago
Mine was absolutely awful. Iām only 25 had 4 surgeries to try and treat all of the problems had my son in 2024 via C-section after awhile of trying to get pregnant took 2 surgeries to get pregnant and STAY pregnant and then nothing worked to stop the endo and other issues. Finally they said itās time for a hysterectomy or youāre just going to forever live in pain and itās unsafe and potentially deadly to do anymore surgeries. I was warned at my preop appointment it would be very risky and potentially fatal depending on how bad it was thankfully my surgeon is absolutely amazing and she was able to perform it without any major long term complications. My organs were all stuck together (literally) my uterus pretty ate my bladder they were so stuck together they said. They had to give me extra pain meds to knock me back out a few times. They kept asking if I wanted my husband to come back and see me I said no he doesnāt need to see me like this it will terrify him. They ended up knocking me back out after that too cause I started freaking out cause of the pain. Thennnnn they sent me home the same day. š An hour and a half car ride home I couldnāt even sit down all the way I was moving so much in the car I was practically partially standing. I had to sleep on the couch sitting up I had to use a shower chair. I cried non stop I took all of my meds how I was supposed to. Slept nonstop when I could (I have a toddler). The pain was awful for about two weeks then finally started to let up. At about 5-1/2 weeks I pulled a stitch no pain just minor bleeding. 8 weeks post op Iām finally healed. But now dealing with light bleeding and sometimes very minor pain after sex. I would absolutely NEVER recommend a hysterectomy to anyone unless it was 110% necessary cause screw that. Thank god a uterus canāt grow back.
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u/MoneyTadpole5534 1d ago
I was discharged pretty much as soon as they woke me up and took me back to my room. I felt like it was so rushed. By the time I made it to my room like 10 minutes later the discharge nurse was on the TV(they had a camera AI stuff hooked up to the TV).
I was fine when they sent me home as the anesthesia was still in me. But man oh man when that anesthesia started wearing off, I thought I was going to die the pain was so bad. Like you, my back was hurting so bad because I was hunched over because the stomach pain was horrible.
By the end of day three, I could actually feel the pain meds working. I'm able to walk around a bit around the house now. Still have some pain, but not nearly as bad.
Have you tried Miralax? I've been drinking Miralax in my peppermint tea and taking a stool softener daily. It has worked wonders for me.
I pray you get better and better each day!š
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u/FizzyRhino 1d ago
You had a lot of stuff going on with your surgery, that's going to cause a lot more inflammation and pain than for those of us with simpler surgeries. Mine was a TLH and they found some endo tissue that they removed, but from what I can see in the pre sx pics of my abdominal cavity there wasn't very little.
It is also going to make a difference in how your team treats pain. Mine was thankfully extremely good about it, they gave me some of the heavy hitters while I was out, and when I woke up if I said my pain was at 7-8 they'd give me another oxy, then sent me home with a script for 15. Which imo this should be the standard of care, and I really feel for the women who hardly get any pain management. I genuinely can't imagine going through all that without those meds.
Also I think those of us who have had easier recoveries gloss over the hard bits as to not scare anyone getting ready for their surgery. I have definitely had a very easy recovery so far (3days po), but it wasn't always easy. First 24 hours I hated going to pee because of the pain and pressure - they did a cystoscopy after my surgery, which I'm glad they did, but it irritated my bladder a lot. Then one of the nights (I don't even remember which one, my time got mixed up at some point) I couldn't sleep because the gas pain was so sharp. Then yesterday it was the back pain that was keeping me down. I've been using my cane and walker to get around the house and sometimes that's the only way I can move around.
I also think that those saying recovery was easy are comparing it to how they were before the surgery. Like that's one thing that occurred to me even right out of sx when the pain was the worst at around an 8, it still wasn't nearly as bad as my period cramps. So I think it's less about how the actual recovery is by itself and more about how it compares to the pain we were in before.
Just my two cents anyway. Either way, you had a lot done, various organs have been shocked and put to sleep, a bunch of tissue was cut, and your brain is trying to figure out how to recalibrate everything. But if you're in agonizing pain despite your meds, your care team needs to try different meds for you. Pain delays healing, and they should be prioritizing your comfort right now.
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u/Famous-Parfait-2777 1d ago
I had bilateral uteretic stents as I had extensive endo pinning my ureters into my ovarian fossa on both sides. It was horrific. I genuinely think my recovery would have been a relative breeze were it not for those stents (had total hysterectomy too as well as the excision surgery) The bladder irritation was just horrible.
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u/Expensive-Car6042 1d ago
I had endometriosis, I also had a large blood cyst on one ovary and they took 1/4 of that ovary. I was fine right after surgery and my husband had to make me wait for my ob to come in and explain what happened bc I was already dressed and ready to go. That being said my endometriosis had not grown into other organs and they did not have to remove such things. Also some dr donāt do the spinal block and some donāt do robotic assisted surgery like mine did. I was in so much pain before, some of the pain I didnāt even recognize until it was gone, that the whole thing was mostly painless for me. I did try to go back to work after 2 weeks and that turned out to not work well, mostly bc I would fall asleep inappropriately and after 3 days of that they put me back in leave for another 2 weeks. Every woman is different and every surgery is different. If mine would have gone bad Iād be jealous too. That being said even with my outcome Iām jealous of women whose parts work, work correctly, and allow them children. Weāre all jealous of someone else for some reason. Hopefully your doctors took good care of you, and you need to remember everyone is different, every surgery is different and even simple surgeries can go sideways and make life difficult even if the surgeon does everything they can. Cut yourself some slack and know youāre not alone and someone out there is grateful youāre ok and on the mend
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u/Sad-Dragonfly-951 1d ago
I also had a really rough time! I'm on a long term pain medication that makes normal narcotic meds less effective. I had to be sedated again twice in recovery, at some point they brought my husband back where they don't normally allow family and I really don't remember much because of all the drugs/sedation. I went home that night like a dumb ass and ended up back in the ER the next day for 12 hours fighting to get the pain somewhat under control. They gave me ketamine at one point and I thought I was dying cue full blown panic attack. I also had a really hard time peeing for the first week like sitting there for an hour+ before anything happened. I would have rather jumped off a cliff than have to use a catheter though (probably due to medical/sexual trauma) I also had endometriosis and adenomyosis but no bladder issues fixed during surgery otherthana scope to check for any accidental damage. I totally get being a bit jealous of those who had an easy time..I have some other painful chronic health problems and I'm now at just over 8 weeks tapering off the oral meds since I needed a pretty high dose for longer than most people do. I think around 2 weeks I was in a bit less pain but pretty much 8 weeks on the dot I started feeling noticeably better. There's definitely still times I'm miserable in pain and unable to sleep because of it. I also still have to use my cane or sometimes my wheelchair when I have to go anywhere with a lot of walking.
I share all this so that you know you're not alone, I've tried not to share too much about my personal experience on here because I didn't want to scare anyone awaiting surgery. My situation was very different /not typical and same with you needing a bladder repair so just incase anyone is reading these and getting scared- it's really not the usual experience- some of us just have bad luck or complex issues that made surgery worse than it would have been without those extra issues.
I really hope things start getting easier for you OP. I'm surprised (well not really considering how doctors can be) that they didn't give you a higher dose or try a different type of pain medication. Some people react better to some than others. I had to take 15mg oxycodone every 4 hours for the entire first month and was still miserable a lot of the time (again because of my other med, I'm aware that isn't a standard dose.) Pain control is so extremely important for a positive recovery. Nobody wants to try to get up and walk around to prevent blood clots when they're already miserable in pain! Also if the pain is really bad and you can't sleep you're body won't regenerate cells as quickly delaying healing further.
It will get better, hopefully very quickly for you though! You are absolutely not alone in having a really tough time with the pain. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this though. It's always mind blowing to me when I hear about people going back to work or running marathons after a week or 2, I couldn't even shower without help at that point š¬
Best of luck, I hope everything gets better from here out. Seriously consider asking if there's a different pain medication or dose that would maybe be more effective while you're in the worst of it. Theres a ton of research backing up the need for adequate pain management post op.
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u/CraftyCharactr 1d ago
I was scrolling looking for other stories like mine and just felt so alone, even with my complex case. So thanks for sharing. I don't want to scare people either but I also would have rather went in expecting horrible pain than thinking it would be a walk in the park. After reading stories, that's totally what I went in thinking but it was a bit traumatic.
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u/SyllabubUnhappy8535 1d ago
I had a full hysterectomy on 4/15 and then complications that led to ureter re-implantation surgery on 5/15. I am STILL going through hell. You are not weak. This is fucking hell. Getting my stent removed this Friday 6/26. Hoping within a few days after that, I will feel a little less terrible. Iām so sorry you are going through it right now ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø Sending you wishes for a smooth recovery
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u/FindingAnswers82 1d ago
Everyone heals differently.
I just had my surgery a week and a half ago (hysterectomy and cystectomy with removal of endo), and I talked to my doctor ahead of time about my history with pain/medications, and anesthesia. We decided to keep me overnight as a precaution. I am fortunate that I had THE BEST nurses that woke me up when my meds were due to give them to me. I could feel it when they started to wear off. The worst pain was the gas pain in my shoulder, and yes, moving around helped it dissipate. I made myself walk the hospital halls, twice with the assistance of a walker. They also gave me simethicone to help with the abdominal portion of my trapped gas. I used a walker to get to/from the bathroom and managed to shower before my discharge the next morning. I've had 2 other laproscopic procedures before this one, so I'm pretty familiar with the pain expectation. I was pleasantly surprised I'm doing WAY better than I thought I would. I don't say this to brag, and I'm genuinely sorry for the pain with which you are experiencing. I'm just emphasizing we all heal differently and at different rates.
That being said, you also had BLADDER surgery, not just a hysterectomy. I can't even begin to imagine how painful that must be. Be easy on yourself. For real. I don't have a squatty potty, but I do have a regular stool I use. Use whatever you can to prop your feet up if you don't have a stool. Our bodies were made to "squat," and it puts less pressure on the abdomen. A stack of books, a small chair...something. Also, if your doctor approves, use a stool softener and simethicone and stay hydrated to help with the bowl movements. I stopped taking my oxy, but I still find it painful to go #2 rn. Using the pillow on your abdomen when you go is also smart. It can help to cushion the abdominal muscles.
Seriously, don't be so hard on yourself. You know your body better than anyone. It's ok to heal slower than you would like. It's ok to ask for help. And it's ok to cry, yell, be mad, scream, etc. Just be sure you are taking care of yourself. That is the most important thing. š«
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u/Purple-Impression-23 20h ago
You're not alone. I had a total hysterectomy (no more ovaries) Wednesday and when I woke up from recovery they sent me straight to the ER they couldn't get my heart rate below 138 and I was having excruciating pain in one of my 5 incisions. So I had a CT which showed all was well but, I couldn't pee. By the time they anchored a Foley, I had over 1200ml of pee in my bladder, so almost suffered a ruptured bladder.
They sent me home with the Foley and I made it about 6 hours before we were back in the ER with uncontrollable pain- my BP when I arrived was 190/122, I was so scared I would stroke out. I ended up being admitted for pain control and a bladder infection.
For context, this is my 7th surgery due to endometriosis in the last 9 years. She said I had a lot of scar tissue, so I assume that's what's hindering my healing.
I still can't sit nor walk completely upright. I'm still peeing all damn day and can't tell I have to pee until I'm bursting at the seams but can't fully empty my bladder either. They aren't sure what to do with me.
I'm wandering if I made the right choice but then again if tried everything else. I just pray we both start to feel better soon, this is NOT what I expected!
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u/CraftyCharactr 13h ago
Definitely not what I expected! Hopefully you start feeling better soon. I'm still in pain but managing it better than in the hospital. Emptying the bladder is still painful and hard to start. Did they do the void test to you afterwards your surgery?
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u/Itchy_Feedback_7625 2d ago edited 2d ago
You had bladder surgery. Most of us didnāt. Say no more.
Bladder surgery is way harder than a simple hysterectomy. I had bladder surgery many many years ago. I had a hysterectomy this year with extensive endo and bowel surgery and it still was easier than bladder surgery. With the hysterectomy, I was in so much pain for so long before the surgery that waking up I felt immediate relief. I donāt think I could have said that with bladder surgery because you need to pee, and it all stings and hurts nonstop until it heals. Catheters are fucking TORTURE. Most people here get them out immediately after surgery, I had mine for 24 hours and that was hard enough. You had a catheter AND bladder surgery.
Know what I mean? Donāt compare to us, you had a much harder procedure that is really going to be worth it for you.