Skip to Content

Must Have Hysterectomy Recovery Items!

Sharing is caring!

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!

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy

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!

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy

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)!

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy

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.

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy
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!

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy
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.

Edit:  One of my awesome readers suggested that taking GasX helped immensely.  I did not personally do this, but I would have tried anything to move that gas!

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy

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.

Hysterectomy recovery after csection, hysterectomy recovery kit, what will I need after a hysterectomy, items that help with hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy recovery items, what to purchase for a hysterectomy

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!

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Natasha McCall

Monday 4th of September 2023

I’m a teacher who is getting a hysterectomy the Friday before Christmas break. How long did it take you to heal? How long were you out from work. Also, when I have my surgery my puppy will be five months old, and my boyfriend will be helping me recover, and my other dog will be with my parents. Curious why you said not to get a puppy? Thank you for the advise for what to get after surgery,

Laura

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Hi! It was a good week before I felt alright, but a few weeks before I had energy back. Just take it easy when you return. I had mine in the summer and had about 5 weeks before I was back to work. I probably would have been ok within 2 though. We went to Disneyland like 3 weeks after and I managed to do ok. We got a puppy 2 weeks before surgery. She was 11 weeks old, your pup should be just fine at that age. It was just me at home with 2 littles under 6 and a new puppy during the day so it wasn't the easiest to get off the couch to let her out and help potty train her.

Michelle F.

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

This has helped me so much. My hysterectomy was conducted 12 days ago and overall the recovery has been good but mentally taxing. I'm a soldier and a body builder so the bloating and relaxing has been hard. I was in the hospital for 6 days and on day 9 I had the nerve to start walking on the threadmill for 30mins. Yep, bad idea so I cut that down and took that rest. Today, I'm feeling much better and performed 30 push ups. 10 reps at a time which made me happy, but I quickly stood up and took a nap lol. I decided to use the Ibuprofen you suggested to see if it helps. Thanks again for sharing.

Laura

Thursday 4th of May 2023

I am so happy to hear this! Welcome to the next part of your life!

Alecha Johnson

Tuesday 11th of October 2022

Thank you for the advice. I have my surgery in two weeks and I’m nervous.

Laura

Tuesday 11th of October 2022

good luck! You will rock this and enjoy your new life!

Cindy

Thursday 5th of May 2022

I just made it through my first night at home and your suggestions have helped. I purchased the belly binder, using your link, life changing! I thank you my hystersister.

Laura

Thursday 5th of May 2022

I am so glad! Heal up and enjoy your new life!

Jennifer Hulse

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

Thanks for the advice. I ordered the belly binder thing. I've gained about 10 lbs - I'm blaming it on COVID lethargy, so I could probably use one now anyway. I'm terrified about this surgery, so knowing about the belly binder really helped ahead of time. Also, that's a good tip about the ibuprofen. I can't take it now, but after surgery I know I'll be desperate for it. Plus, I have a great massage pro. I thought a massage would make things worse. I'm going to book her now. Thanks again, this really helped me calm down.

Laura

Monday 21st of June 2021

So glad it helped!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.