It has been nearly 2 years since I had my hysterectomy and by far one…
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!
Looking for Answers to the Top Hysterectomy Questions? Click Here.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase, I make a tiny bit of cash, not enough to call home about, but a couple pennies which could add up to purchase another pair of leggings, so feel free to click!
Christy
Sunday 17th of January 2021
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
Monday 18th of January 2021
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.
Ragini
Friday 8th of January 2021
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
Monday 11th of January 2021
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.
Sonja
Sunday 6th of December 2020
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
Sunday 6th of December 2020
Good Luck! You will do great! It is so do-able and you are going to feel so much better after.
Samantha
Tuesday 13th of October 2020
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
Wednesday 14th of October 2020
Swelling can last for up to a year, be patient, it will go down, your body has been through extreme trauma and is healing.
Karlajohnson
Thursday 7th of May 2020
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
Monday 11th of May 2020
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.