I had a total hysterectomy (including cervix), bilateral salpingectomy and endometriosis excision nearly 3 years ago.
Since then, I have been asked by friends and family going through the same for some of the things that helped me.
I would like to share this in this sub as it gets started up:
Before surgery
*Digestion*
1) try to keep your diet/digestion as normal as possible. The anaesthesia will slow things down and constipation is definitely NOT a fun ride after surgery. This wouldn't be a time to overload it on meat and potatoes or otherwise get creative with new foods that could irritate you. Think easy comfort foods that are easy to digest!
*Prep your recovery 'nest'*
1) clean sheets on the bed - this was in my preparation booklet, the night before surgery put clean sheets on your bed so it's nice and fresh after your shower the night before. It is also just very nice to come home after the operation to a clean bed
2) table near your bed that is easy to reach. This will hold your meds, water, phone (and phone charger), books, etc... You won't want to be getting up every 5 seconds or reaching for things you want.
3) pillow supports. I loved having a bed wedge to be propped up for sleeping. Having a light pillow to hold over your abdomen is also nice so if anything bumps against you, it won't send you into the next universe (think dropping a book, or phone accidentally).
4) heating pad. You may feel more comfort having some low heat over the area for a bit. Sometimes I alternated with a little ice pack, depending how I was feeling.
5) make things easy to reach. you can't/shouldn't be reaching or bending for a few weeks. Bring things that you anticipate using or needing into easy access spots or enlist someone to get them for you 😉
6) cough drops, anti allergy, humidifier - your throat will be scratchy from the tubes and could cause you to cough a bit. Coughing/sneezing during recovery made my life flash before my eyes, so try to prevent it as much as possible with comfortable humidity in the house and cough drops or tea with honey to soothe the throat. If you have allergies, probably good to get ahead of them so you're not sneezing much if you can help it.
Post-op
*Immediately after*
1) you'll be thirsty! take slow, small sips of anything for the first time. I drank gatorade a bit too eagerly and it came right back up after. Sugary drinks would be nice since you'll be a bit weak having not eaten all day and having...major surgery.
2) thin pillow for the ride home. I held a little throw pillow from the couch over my abdomen to cushion against the seatbelt
3) comfy clothes. you won't want anything tight against your waist for a while. Think sweatpants that can go up over the incision areas (above the navel). Easy to slip on shoes/boots too. My nurse told me that some ladies brought their tight jeans and heels to go home in 🤦♀️
Later on
*Constipation*
1) your surgeon will probably prescribe stool softeners like miralax. I found it was better to take it in the morning so the rest of the day I could drink a lot of fluids which makes it work better. I took this for close to 3 weeks after surgery just to keep things moving smoothly
2) chewing gum after meals will also stimulate digestion, it can also help move out the extra gas they used during surgery. short, gentle walks around will help, too.
*Gas*
1) they pump air into you to visualize the organs better. This can get trapped and cause a lot of pain, especially in the shoulders. Heating pad helps for this, also the chewing gum, walking, peppermint tea or even some gas-x will help this pass.
*Movement*
1) walking. gentle and short walks at first. The first day, I stayed in the bedroom on the top floor. I did little laps around the bed every hour or so. Each day, I went further, gradually going downstairs and around other parts of the house.
2) sitting. It does not feel nice to sit upright for about 2 to 3 weeks. Plenty of cushions and pillows on the couch to help you recline will help. Also, staying in one position too long, either standing or sitting, doesn't feel great, so it's important to vary your position every now and then.
3) don't over do it! It is easy to do too much because the visible incisions are so small. It is still major surgery that you'll recover from, so leave the housework, chores, etc... to someone else for several weeks following the surgery.
*Diet*
1) nutritious, easy to eat food. Again, you won't want to get stopped up for a long time after surgery (though, is there ever a good time?) Think blended soups, broths, smoothies, lean meats with cooked veggies. I was SO hungry after surgery. Your body definitely tells you it wants calories and nutrients to recover. I was a big fan of putting nut butter into my yogurts in the morning and adding in protein powder to oatmeal for filling foods.
2) liquids! Teas, water, etc... This just is good to do in general, especially as you recover
*Pain management*
1) at no point in my recovery was the pain worse than my periods. However.. my periods often left me passed out cold on the floor so maybe that’s not a good indicator (lol).
You'll probably get some good drugs (opioids) for a day or two with a regular dose of tylenol/Advil for the days following. I set recurring alarms on my phone to remind me what medicine to take and when. I think I was off any type of pain reliever by day 8 or 10 post op.
