After 3 year of treatment, including esmya my gynecologist had decided I need a hysterectomy. My fibroid has grown to 18.5x16.5x 14 I look about 7 months pregnant and its beginning to effect my breathing. I am really scared. Not a good idea to look at images on web sites. Anyway, this may seem like a daft question, but what is the best thing to wear in hospital. I am going to have a vertical incision and not sure how pj's will effect my wound. I never wear skirts or dresses and practically live in jeans and leggings. Would this be ok post op. This may seem like really stupid questions, but I have no one to ask about such practicalities. Would love to hear about your experiences. Thankyou
Hi Lesley
I'm 4 weeks post hysterectomy , I too had large fibroids and a 16cm cyst so hysterectomy was my choice as well as the medical advice.
I had a horizontal incision so can only give my perspective and it will be different for you.
In hospital I was given a hospital gown for the op and I changed it for a clean one next day by the nurses . I had light loose nightgowns and I bought the biggest knickers that my grandmother used to wear , they are cotton and the waist goes way over the scar and feel so comfortable.
Out of hospital I stayed in nightgowns the first week and wearing leggings and tops which seen to make my tummy feel more protected.
Take the time to accept you need to rest and let your body heal
Best wishes
Maria
I had an abdominal hysterectomy 8 weeks ago - due to fibroids and nerve pain. In hospital - nightshirts are best, also some large pants - waistband above belly button, slip on slippers, some pads. I took other stuff but didn't use a lot. I've pretty much lived in loose joggers since. I was terrified; the first week I was very tentative about everything and dreaded getting in and out of bed - there are some good YouTube videos by an Australian physio showing how to get in/out of bed. I'm pretty much ok now - get the odd twinge which stalls you, then you move on. Also,start doing pelvic floor exercises now! Good luck, the waiting is the worst thing.
Hi Lesley, sorry to hear that other treatments haven't worked. It is of course your decision and the gynaecologist can only recommend. Your fibroid is on the larger side and if esmya hasnt reduced it. How long did you take eysma though? I had to take it for 6 months ( 2 courses) to get some results, but I know we are all different. Was a myomectomy not an option in your case, where they just remove the fibroid? Presume you have discussed that. I hope some ladies on here can give you advice you want about the post op side of things. Take care.
Hi Lesley,
No question is a stupid question! I've not had a hysterectomy myself but I've had a vertical incision for my fibroid operation. My womb was full of fibroids and was the size of an 8 month pregnancy.
I would buy a nightie/long sleep t-shirt for the hospital stay as the ward staff will be checking your incision and you may have a catheter for the first day or so after the op. You will need full briefs or so-called granny knickers as they won't irritate your incision. After you get out anything elasticated is your friend. I wore leggings and read online about getting a pair of maternity jeans for the first couple of months after. That was a god send! Zips and rigid waistbands were a no no for those months.
I'm sure that others will come along with their responses and experiences. Good luck - you will be fine!
Thank you for your advice. Was actually in process of buying pjs when the sales assistant asked whether I would be better off with a night shirt. Hadn't even thought of that
will need to get dome big knickers😃
Thanks for advice. Didn't even think about pelvic floor exercises. Will start today. How long were you in hospital?
Have taken 5 coursed of esmaya. Didn't shrink my fibroid. But it stayed the same size l. My gynaecologist wanted me to stay on it continually til I was 51, average age of menopause, expected my gp to continue giving me prescription for it. She wasn't licenced to do so as this id a bit experimental so in the three months I didn't take it,the fibroid grew quite a lot, hence my op.
Had op mid afternoon Thursday and went home Sunday early afternoon. I also asked my GP to refer me to women's health physio for after
Op - due to see them soon. They check pelvic floor, give advice and exercises. Also worth strengthening core muscles - I wasn't able to do a lot of that cos of the amount of pain I was experiencing.
hi there Lesley, i had a total abdominal hysterectomy in january this year, i had everything removed and a vertical incision. Its right what the ladies are saying, the waiting is the worst. Defiantly loose jogging bottoms or leggings, nightie and peppermint tea for the wind pains, also take a cushion for the journey home to put between you and seat belt. If you have any other questions please dont hesitate to ask. Take care my lovely x
Hi Leslie, I haven't had a hysterectomy, but I had a surgery which opened me from breast bone to 4 inches below belly button (25 years ago). I recently had the lower portion below the belly button revised to look better, and I totally screwed up by going back to my low-rider jeans too soon, and now where the top button hit my scare is a keloid. It still looks much better than it did, so I'm still happy, but it could have been wayyyyy better had I following instructions for longer... Here you go.
You will want to keep the area compressed, but without irritating or rubbing on the incision. Get some (tight) spanx or tight fitting jogging compression shorts to hold in the area tightly, but without the waist band crossing the incision. After the original bandages are removed, get Silicone Tape/bandage that helps scars heal and wear it every day. Get vitamin-E oil and rub it on there every night. Keep it out of the sun for at least a year. Only wear soft clothing over it, or bandage it if that can't be helped.
The recommendation was at least 3 months, but the longer you can stand to go the better. Right now, half my revised scar looks fabulous! But the other half is about where it was before. Bummer.
Thankyou for your advice. I think I may have some maternity trousers from many years ago. Will have to dig them out. I have added all these items to my shopping list.
I like the idea of peppermint tea. Thankyou for all your suggestions. How long were you in hospital? The cushion os a good idea. Am still waiting for a date. But was told about 6-8 weeks. How long was it before you could cook and do the normal everyday stuff. My 10 year old is a bit concerned x
That's a really good idea. I actually have to see a physio next week about unrelated neck pain. Will have a word with het about getting a referral as we usually have to self refer at my gp. I'm hoping won't be in to long as I'm a single parent and she is only10. How are you feeling now?
Great advice about pelvic floor excercises now, another one, as soon as you come out of the opetation, start circling your ankles, it helps your circulation.
Also, if you have the strength/ money , get your house cleaned and tidy before you go in for surgery, it will allow you to stay relaxed while you rest.
my advice about getting back to normal, first week you have to rely on your nearest and dearest, your 10 year old can learn to put the washing on, load the dishwasher and cook simple meals. Teach them now ! By week 2 you will feel able to walk to the corner shop or cook a simple meal, but get friends and family to do everything else.
by week 3 I was able to do the ironing sitting down and walk about 30 mins. I am an overweight 53 year old and feel blessed that my body is mending and every day I feel stronger. I hope this gives you some inspiration that you will get out the other side, but if you are not used to asking for help, now is the time, before your op, schedule friends to come, visit and help you..
best wishes
maria
hi, i was in hospital 3 days hun. As for doing everyday things around the house it was about 6 weeks but that didnt include vacuuming or ironing. Its really important you give yourself chance to heal, you only have one chance to do so, if there are people willing to help you take them up on it, your going to need it. I was completely back to normal after 12 weeks. We are all different hun and we all heal differently. Hope this helps x
Glad to hear you are over the worst. Have you noticed an improvement with nerve pain was it in back? Hip? Area
Hi, not had the operation but just want to wish you well, You'll be so glad to get rid of that monster! Take care.
I'm feeling a lot better - the nerve pain still niggles but my GP did forewarn me that it could take a while for nerves to settle and I have to be patient...hysterectomy wise, it seems to be going ok - occasional tired afternoons but not bad at all.
After a few days I was pretty despondent as nerve pain still around and painkillers needed. However, I was actually sitting - hadn't done that since January! Talked to GP, who explained that nerves can take a while to settle, even once cause has gone - can be quite a few months - so I clung to this but was quite fed up at times. When you're actually living it you don't see progress, but 8 weeks later I'm not taking any painkillers during the day ( I was on paracetamol and ibuprofen 3/4x a day) and I've begun reducing the pregabalin dose - slowly. So that's good. So, in answer to your question, there has been a big improvement with the nerve pain, but I've come to accept I have to measure it in weeks rather than days.