what is it like to have a hysterectomy? I am alone with noone to help me in my recovery and wonder how bad am?

Question

I going to be?

Answer 1

Surgery is different for everyone and it also depends on the type of procedure you will have. Are you having a vertical abdominal incision, a low pelvic level incision or a vaginal removal?

You will wake up with an IV and urinary catheter in place. The catheter will come out when they want you to get out of bed. They have to make sure you can urinate before you are released. The IV will come out when you are able to take fluids and keep them down (some people are nauseated and can even vomit after surgery from the anesthesia).

I was released the day after surgery...insurance doesn't allow long for recovery anymore. It wasn't too bad. I was out of bed within 6 hours of surgery. You will be sore but the doctor will send you home with pain medication. You will sleep a lot the first day or so due to the pain medication and your body's need to rest and heal.

The easiest way to get out of bed is to lie on your side then lower your legs over the side of your bed as you push up with your arm to get into a sitting position. Be sure to sit a minute or so so that you don't get dizzy from changing positions too rapidly.

You might find it helpful to support your incision with your hands when walking to and from the bathroom the first day or two. Each day becomes easier. Actually, I found the 3rd day to be the worst...even worse than right after surgery...because that is when the digestive functions came back and I developed gas pains. They were gone by the next day.
(I'm an R.N. and had a hysterectomy 10 years ago)