It has been 7 weeks since I had my partial hysterectomy. I still have my ovaries, but they took everything else. Through the hysterectomy recovery there were a few items that I could NOT live without and that truly made hysterectomy recovery so much easier. I thought I would share this list with you!
I had a laparoscopic partial hysterectomy. They made three incisions on my abdomen. One on each side about 3 inches above my hip bones and one through my belly button. Surgery went well and for the most part, my hysterectomy recovery was pretty good too. I would not have faired well without a few items so I just had to share with you!
1. Loose Fitting Clothing: I have been a LuLaRoe fan for a while now and I wore LLR to the hospital knowing that I would need something comfortable and easy to wear. Well I lived in LLR leggings and tops for 2 full weeks. The leggings were better than any other brands in my closet, simply because the waist band does not bind in any way at all. If I had to do it over again, I would buy more LLR (Protip: find a distributor that is going out of business and buy their stock, because you can get some amazing deals)!
2. Belly Binder: One of the side effects that I did not prepare for was how sore my stomach muscles would feel. It felt like my insides were trying to fall out of my belly button. It wasn’t pleasant, but I found these awesome belly binders to wear which gave me enough support to feel human and heal. I did ask my doctor about these before I purchased and she gave it the absolute go ahead! That “swelly belly” is real folks and you are going to want the support.
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| Photo Credits: CT Sinus Center |
3. Ibuprofen: I am NOT a doctor, but my OB recommended that I take Ibuprofen. Problem was that she told me this when I was in recovery and no one was there with me because they would not allow my nephew back there. Fast forward to day 3 of recovery and she calls to check on me and I tell her that I am not sure the pain killers are helping and that I am so swollen. This is where she reminds me that I needed to take Ibuprofen to help. Yeah, within 2 hours I was feeling a million times better. Stock up hystersisters!
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| Photo Credit: Symi Well Being Center |
4. Massage: The gas pain from surgery is real. It moves into your shoulders, neck and jaw and you feel like you have been hit by a bus. Relief comes from movement and let me tell you that the best thing that I did was schedule a massage during my hysterectomy recovery. I had the therapist work my upper back, neck and jaw and the gas was pretty much gone when she was done. Best. Decision. Ever.
5. Stool Softeners: I don’t think you need a visual here, just know that narcotics prescribed during hysterectomy recovery can back you up and you will hate yourself if this happens, so just get these, use them and you will thank me later. Oh and drink water, drink all the water, only drink water.
6. Help: You need help, accept it, deal with it and enjoy it. Hysterectomy recovery is a major surgery and I should have taken more of it. No joke people, do not get a puppy, let your kids stay at their grandparents and have your spouse stay home to take care of you. You need a good 3 days of solid help and maybe a bit more. I could not have done this without my mom and my husband. They were really great!
I feel great and am so incredibly happy that I had this surgery. I never once had second thoughts or was worried about anything. I didn’t realize how terrible I was feeling. I didn’t realize how much energy that I did not have. I didn’t realize how freeing it would feel to be period free. I didn’t understand how much my body, family and psyche needed this. No joke people, I am nearly a new person and I feel like I got my life back. The items I listed above were so helpful in recovery and I hope they help someone else facing this too! If you are curious about how my recovery went, check out my recovery post as well!
Mimi G.
I saw your advice online – thank you!!
Had a hysterectomy with chemo in mid 2016 and it was followed by significant so-called swelly belly.
Just ordered compression underwear and a belly binder which I did seek doctor approval for beforehand, and I also just started to take ibuprophen and probiotics/digestive enzymes for bloating.
But wanted to ask you – a year later, how is the swelling and bloating for you – were you able to contain it noticeably in the year since it’s been that you posted your advice?
Laura
Hi! I am so glad you stopped by. It will be a year for me in July and I still have a bit of a swelly belly hanging around. I cannot lose weight like I had been and constantly feel the bloat. However, compared to what I was dealing with, this is nothing. I will say that I still feel tugging inside from scar tissue. If you check out my Instagram you can see some photos of me, I dont look pregnant anymore, but I do still have a pooch.
Selena Gasbarro
I just had my hysterectomy and your info was helpful, thank you!
Laura
You are very welcome. It was the BEST decision I have made to date. Take care healing and make sure to take it easy!
S. McElroy
I just found out I’m having a radical done soon and will be preparing myself with your ideas. Thanks for the info.
Laura
I know it is a bit overwhelming, but it is still the best choice I have ever made! Good luck!
Beba
Thank you. I’m having mine next week and I’m freaking out as days passes..Im afraid of the pain. 😢 Great advices, thx!!
Laura
Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
Tiffany
3 days post op thanks for the post
Laura
You are welcome! Hope you are healing well and starting to feel somewhat human again.
Jo
Hi! Thanks for the advice. I’m 5 weeks post op… How long did you need to wear support pants for? I’ve bought big knickers but still find myself walking round holding my belly!
Laura
Hi! Glad to hear that enjoyed the article. I wore the belly band for about 10 weeks. I started wearing jeans around week 7
Chrissy
I’m currently recovering from my hysterectomy and I agree with everything on this list. Lol. Although I noticed you said you had a partial hysterectomy. Did they leave your cervix? A partial hysterectomy is removal of the uterus but not the cervix. A total hysterectomy is removal of the uterus and cervix. The removal of the uterus, cervix, Fallopian tubes and ovaries is called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. If they left your ovaries but took your uterus and cervix you had a total hysterectomy.
Laura
They took my uterus and cervix but kaiser categorized it as partial. I know I don’t have a cervix lol.
Jaimie Goss
I’m having mine in a week. Insert Angel’s singing. I’ve been in pain for months. Tell me about sitting in a regular chair after surgery.
Laura
YAY! It really has been life changing for me. I thought I would have so many emotions, but truly, the only ones I ever feel is thankful and happy. Sitting for me was completely fine. In fact they had me sitting in a chair and getting myself dressed about 3 hours after surgery. The gas pain is what is killer.
Katrina
I’m having a medically necessary hysterectomy in a week and a half, I’m freaking out and really anxious about the after – the pain, the healing, etc. Really appreciate you putting this up and I’ve already hit up Amazon and got a belly binder ordered, loose clothes, lots of help, and ibuprofen are either stocked or on thier way. Is there anything else I should look into?
Laura
I was exactly the opposite in terms of my anxiety. I was so excited because finally I would not be so darn sick and feeling like death. It seriously was the best choice I have ever made in terms of my health. For me the toughest part of the recovery was the couple days after surgery when the gas pains began. I called a friend that does massage and had her give me a full body massage with some focus on my neck and shoulders where the gas was trapped and that helped a lot. Maybe scheduling in a massage.
Trinette
Thank you for this information and the comments made. I’m having a hysterectomy in Mid May and am looking for as much advise as I can get.
Laura
You are so very welcome! Women have to share our experiences and I wish I would have had this information prior to mine.
Sarah
I’m having my hysterectomy in 6 days! I’m having a total with my right ovary staying in. I’m super excited about getting a hysterectomy. How far post op were you when you got a massage? By the way, I have Kaiser too and they approved my surgery the same day they received it from my gynecologists office. I figured they’re tired of paying for me to go there every 2-3 months.
Laura
Yay! Welcome to club Hyster-Sister! It is the best decision I have made. I was about 4-5 days post op when I got the massage. Kaiser is no fun, but they were great with surgery!
Lana
Were you able to lay on your stomach 5 days post op?
Laura
yes, but not comfortably. I was still pretty swollen
Chandra Harris
Yes, I was looking for feedback.
My name is Chandra, I have several fibroids and a enlarged uterus, having a total hysterectomy in June, every one says that I am going to feel good. Curious about after the surgery and how long did you rest?
Laura
Hey Chandra!
I apologize for taking some time away from responding to comments. I am a teacher in Colorado and it was a rough week for us here. I was up and moving the same day, but really my body needed a couple weeks to really get to feeling better. You are healing from a major surgery. Just take the time and rest. I was able to move and do a lot right away, but I probably would not have been as swollen, tired and sore if I would have just rested.
Susie
I am scheduled for total hysterectomy next month and wondering which would be better to wear home from surgery, LLR Carley or the LLR leggings? Like, did you choose the leggings for some support or would my Carley be better since it’s looser? Thanks for sharing your helpful tips!
Laura
I personally wear very few dresses so the leggings were something that I felt most comfortable in. However, if you are more comfortable in a dress then go for it! Just choose something you are going to be comfortable in and make sure your panties either ride low or up high 😉
Lana
I’m having a hysterectomy on Friday 5/24! I’m also a Lularoe Retailer! Please message me at lanakdesign@gmail.com and I can totally help you with your Lularoe Search! Carly is awesome but leggings, IMO are just going to hug you and give enough support. I have mine ready for the next 2 weeks so I’m at least happy I can be comfy during the recovery. Really scared of the paid. . happy to move on to the next stage in life and get rid of this pain and bleeding!
Laura
Yay! The pain is manageable as long as you stay up on the anti-inflammatories and the pain meds for a few days.
Stephanie
Thank you thank you thank you for this article! I’m having a total (keeping my ovaries 🤞🏻) in36 days (but who’s counting) and getting really nervous. Many articles I’ve read dwell on the bad stuff and very few say if it was worth it in the long run. I’m half excited and half terrified, you’ve set my mind at ease…even if it is just for tonight. At least I feel like I have some sensible ideas to help prepare for the big day!
Laura
It is SO worth it in the long run! 2 years out almost and I feel BETTER than ever and everyone I know that has done it would agree! Good Luck!
Bonnie Etheridge
Thanks for all the good advise I’m having a full hyterectemy and 8m scared to death iin 48 years I have never had surgery of any kind Had a daughter at 17 and she was born maturely . So I’m scarred of anything .
Laura
I was definitely scared for my first surgery. I had to remind myself that these are routine surgeries and that I will be in and out and not remember a thing. Good Luck!
Sakinah Carter
Hi I’m having a hysterectomy mid December and what worries me I’d being under. I don’t like the idea of being put to sleep. What if I don’t wake up? I know it’s stupid, but I don’t know how to process this.
Laura
Hey! I have had 2 major surgeries now where they have had to put me under. Usually prior to you going under they give you a little medication to help you start to doze off. Please know that the doctors and nurses doing this surgery have done it likely hundreds of times. The anesthesiologist is there watching every single reading of your vitals and they can wake you up if need be. I know it is scary and it is always still your choice, but you have to trust that the medical personnel are on your team and want the best possible outcome. Also they did not intubate me during my surgery if that helps (no tubes, just a mask)
Pink
I had a total hysterectomy, ovaries kept. I feel bloated and in pain. I am getting around well. My husband has been catering to me ❤ This post was very helpful, Thanks for sharing!!!
Laura
I am so happy to hear that you are recovering well and found helpful tips here! Take care and welcome to the hysterectomy club! You’re going to love it!
Sara W.
Your article is exactly what I needed to read before my upcoming procedure. It’s great to know that your outcome was so good. While I’m scared knowing what lies ahead, I’m also hopeful for relief from suffering, and you’ve given me more hope, thank you! I am curious how much time you were off work? My Dr is planning similar procedure to yours, and said 3-4 weeks off. I’ve always heard 6 weeks, I’m just curious what’s realistic time off from someone whose been through it?
Laura
Hey! So glad you are finding some positive in a world of negative. I am still so happy with my hysterectomy 2 years later! I was good to go about 10 days out from surgery. Definitely had to avoid the heavy lifting and still was feeling a bit fatigued a few weeks after surgery but we did Disneyland only 3 weeks after surgery and I felt ok riding rides.
Christa
I have a question about the massage. Did you lay on your belly for it or in a chair?
Laura
Hi Christa, I laid on my belly just very very gently. It wasnt really too bad, but I am sure a chair massage would have been fine too.
Heather
Thank you for your positivity in this post. I have a hysterectomy scheduled in 5 weeks and I’m crazy scared. I really appreciate that you took the time to share your story.
Laura
Awe! Thank you! Good luck! It will be awesome. Best choice I ever made.
Karlajohnson
Good info. Thanks.
I had a hysterectomy this afternoon, all out but ovaries. I want to be strong and get back to normal ASAP, I guess that is not so wise.
I had 5 incisions instead of 3. Not planned. I’ll ask the doctor in a week at my post op Appointment.
How long did you wait for the massage. I can’t imagine laying on my belly right now.
Another question. I typically sleep on my side. Should I sleep on my back (if I can), during recovery?
Again thanks!
Laura
Hi Karla,
My apologies, I took a bit of time off this past week. I had the massage about 4 days after the surgery and she had be in a chair which was super helpful, but I also was comfortable on my belly. I am sure you have already figured this out, but you can sleep however you are most comfortable.
Samantha
Thank you so much for your post. I had a total, kept my ovaries, almost 3 weeks ago. I do wear my belly binder almost everyday except when I go to sleep. There are some days that I don’t wear it tho. Would you rather I’m still swollen and that my tummy will still go down more?
Laura
Swelling can last for up to a year, be patient, it will go down, your body has been through extreme trauma and is healing.
Sonja
Thanks for your post! I’m having mine done in 2 days. Had to travel to the city for it and wished I had this info when I was planning at home. All good, we can still get the stuff. I’m a bit nervous, actually quite a bit🙂 glad for your comments like manageable pain, Disney rides 3 weeks after… it sounds do-able, again, thanks!
Laura
Good Luck! You will do great! It is so do-able and you are going to feel so much better after.
Ragini
Hi. Im from SA and we are in the second wave of covid 19. I am 59 and am booked for the 12January 2021 for a total hysterectomy. Thank you for the list of items I need after my surgery. Met with My surgeon yesterday and he told me to decide on whether or not I want to postpone the surgery considering the risk involved with regards to the virus.
I have not experienced any pain. I just had abnormal bleeding and discharge.
Had numerous blood tests, biopsy of the uterus, utrasounds, CT SCAN,
Its 2:45 am and am wide awake. Didn’t have a wink of sleep yet. Made two lists. One has to do with things I need to pack and the second things I need to purchase. After my visit with the surgeon today, I bought a few loose straight cut dresses and a few sleep shirts.
I haven’t made a decision as yet. Need to go for a covid test tomorrow if I’m going ahead for the surgery on the 12 January 2021.
Do I need to isolate after the surgery?
Thank you so much for sharing.
Ragini.
Laura
I am so sorry, last week was my first week back to school as a teacher and it is always a bit hectic. Yes you need to isolate after the test and just go for the surgery. You wont want to go anywhere for a few weeks after anyway, so do not worry about isolating after.
Christy
I scheduled to have my hysterectomy in 2 weeks. I saw where ibuprofen is needed but how long do they give you pain meds? I have heard the first 2 weeks are the worse with pain and I already take alot of alive so I don’t know howich that will help me with pain? Also is there a particular belly band that you recommend?
Laura
It has been 3 years since my surgery but I believe that I had pain meds for about 5 days. I think I took them for 2 of those days. The pain was minimal compared to any other surgery I had with the worst part being the gas pain in my neck and shoulders that was easily relieved with a good chair massage from a licenced massage therapist. I took a ton of advil because I had major back issues before and after this surgery and the ibuprofen actually did help with the swelling which was wonderful. I actually just recently had another abdominal surgery (unrelated) and was given this https://amzn.to/35RZOf3 and it was great.