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.
 |
| 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!
 |
| 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!
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?
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.
I just had my hysterectomy and your info was helpful, thank you!
You are very welcome. It was the BEST decision I have made to date. Take care healing and make sure to take it easy!
I just found out I’m having a radical done soon and will be preparing myself with your ideas. Thanks for the info.
I know it is a bit overwhelming, but it is still the best choice I have ever made! Good luck!
Thank you. I’m having mine next week and I’m freaking out as days passes..Im afraid of the pain. 😢 Great advices, thx!!
Good luck! Let me know how it goes.
3 days post op thanks for the post
You are welcome! Hope you are healing well and starting to feel somewhat human again.
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!
Hi! Glad to hear that enjoyed the article. I wore the belly band for about 10 weeks. I started wearing jeans around week 7
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.
They took my uterus and cervix but kaiser categorized it as partial. I know I don’t have a cervix lol.
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.
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.