I recently read this post by a faceless friend who had her hysterectomy in August 2012. I am so glad that I found a support group because I find that most my friends question my choice, Travis' and my decision, and our doctor for doing this. There are more reasons out there and less resources (especially in this area of Wyoming) for ideas on what to do and how it will go. We have decided to leave the ovaries (as long as they are healthy), take the cervix out, and NOT use any Hormone Replacement Therapy that is prescription. We may have to use the herbal stuff, but not sure as of know.
KaCe will go to school as usual, a friend has stepped up to take E and A, friends have offered to cook dinners for us, and other friends will be stopping by the check in on me when I am home alone in the day time.
It’s my turn to help out fellow pending pre-op Princesses
1. Pre-Op Appts- are time consuming and necessary so give yourself extra time off work and co-ordianate to be in town on the same day if possible, this is the time to make important decisions regarding your health and how you want to deal with your hospital stay, meds, etc. be alert, take notes, bring someone. What you didn’t pick up another will.
2. Predict- the –UNPREDICTABLE- anything that can happen will happen. Throw those ideas of being in control out the door of the hospital. You are now at the mercy of nurses, doctors who have a different plan for you. Diginity is not an option, out the window it goes. I learned that the first full day in the hospital. I felt humilitated when I peeed my bed and stood up and left a mess on the floor, I soon said to myself…….. who cares this is there job and I need to concentrate on myself getting better not the mess I just created for someone else.
3. BE Prepared. A 3 day visit turned into 7 for me. So bring extras, nightgowns, underwear, etc.
4. Shopping List- Make meals to freeze
a) Use the quick meals recipes Hystersisters provide, freeze, cause you are not going to feel like making every meal ,every night just because your home doesn’t mean mom can do everything, your going to be tired, exhausted, sore and just not feeling like doing anything some times.
b) Shopping must haves when you come home- belly pillow, body pillow, extra pillow, heating pad (blanket put in dryer works well too), belly wrap, ice packs, vitamin E or Emu oil for incision scars only when fully closed week 5 or when doc approved )
c) Shopping list of items when you get home-food, crackers for nausea, water, ice chips, freezies, gas X, stool softeners, yogurt (greek) fight infections, gingerale, cranberry pills ( prevent infection) or cranberry juice, prune juice, orange juice, apple juice ( I bought the small 200ml juice boxes perfect size to drink no leftover, no spill, throw away simple clean up. Meal Replacement Drinks- just in case you don’t want to eat/cook, easy and gives you the protein & calories you need. Fresh fruit, eat small meals every couple of hours, water water water (keep stools soft and flowing), bottled water to count for intake.
d) Grabber- long stick that picks things off floor or high on shelf, put clothes in washer, helps make bed, pick things up in yard. MUST HAVE*** no bending allowed
5. Ok time to pack for the Castle
A) Nightgowns, house coat
B) slippers
C) Underwear – 2 sizes bigger, tummy girdle
D) Loose clothing for ride home
E) Sandles, easy slip on shoes
F) Sports bra
G) Book, puzzle magazines , cards( your concentration is foggy, trying to read a book is a task of it’s own
H) Ipad, computer- hours of boredom
I) Watch, cell phone- tell what time it is that the nurse comes in at 3am woke you to take your meds. Now ur up for another hour till the meds kicked in.
J) **Ear plugs Must have- nice, soft spongy ones- to sleep, keep the noise of the nurses bells , carts and snoring roommates out.
K) Toiletries- brush, comb, toothbrush, paste, deodorant, hair pieces, soap, moisturizer*, conditioner, chap stick**, face wipes, pads (you will need your own as hospitals are not comfy for the first couple days, unless you have complications like me)
6. Don’t forget to shave- this is your last chance for 4-6 weeks- pamper yourself, give yourself a facial, Don’t forget to take off nail polish before you go to hospital.
7. Theraputic Theapy- Relax before surgery
b) get a massage
c) take a long hot bubble bath- it will be weeks before this happens again
d) one last couples encounter- same as above, weeks
e) start taking natural remedies- Arnica 30c- prevents lessens bruising/swelling take a couple days before and continue for at least 2 wks if not 4.
8 Have a Support System in place- family, friends and let them know ahead of time what needs to be done. ie. kids taken to school, meals made, shopping, companionship. your going to go through all the emotions and need all the support you can get.
Try to Relax, this is a big thing but it's worth it!
HUGS
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