Hey friends! I recently went through a hysterectomy, and I wanted to share my experience with you all. Leading up to the surgery, I was a ball of nerves. I’ve had surgeries before, like a myomectomy to remove a bunch of fibroids, but this one felt different. My procedure was a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy, where they removed my uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes but left my ovaries intact.
Did you know that hysterectomies are the second most common surgeries for women in the U.S., right after C-sections? Over 600,000 women undergo this procedure each year! I had the usual worries—Would my hormones go haywire? How would my sex life change? What would recovery be like? Luckily, I had a fantastic doctor, which made me feel prepared for everything before, during, and after the surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
A week before the surgery, my OB/GYN, Dr. Smith, gave me a neat white folder filled with info about how to prepare. It included pre-op instructions, post-surgery details, and even directions to the hospital. I took all the advice to heart.
As the surgery date approached, my anxiety ramped up. I’m a planner—I like to know all the details, which is why I wanted to be as prepared as possible. Here are some things I found helpful before heading into the operating room.
My surgery was outpatient, and I expected to be home before dinner. My partner took charge of coordinating everything for our kids, from school pick-ups to meals. I even sent her a reminder email (fingers crossed she’d check it) because once I was in the operating room, everything would be out of my hands.
I stocked up on the medications my doctor recommended. Tylenol and Aleve became my best friends during recovery, and I also picked up Hibiclens, an antibacterial skin cleanser I was told to use the night before surgery.
In the week leading up to the procedure, I kept my diet simple, avoiding sugar, dairy, and foods that might cause gas. Staying hydrated was crucial—I drank water like it was my new best friend. I wish I had found some meditations to help calm my nerves; instead, I ended up snapping at my partner while searching for parking on surgery day. Not my proudest moment!
The Day of Surgery
The day before the surgery, Dr. Smith advised me to stick to clear liquids. The plan was to have the surgery, recover briefly, and go home the same day. But, of course, things didn’t go as planned. My procedure started late, and I ended up staying overnight.
After the surgery, my doctor advised against gas-producing foods like broccoli and beans, which was tough because I love those! I had decided to follow the post-op dietary recommendations a week early, which I believe helped my recovery since gas is a common issue after surgery.
Recovery
I’m grateful for how my body heals. After multiple surgeries, I knew to expect certain things. I had to remind myself frequently to follow my doctor’s orders, like not driving for a week (especially on narcotics, which I didn’t even end up using) and avoiding lifting anything heavier than ten pounds for six weeks. I mean, come on, no lifting is easier said than done when you have kids!
Exercise was a no-go, but I did start walking just four hours post-surgery to help prevent blood clots and ease the gas. Vaginal spotting is also a normal part of recovery, though I wasn’t really prepared for that. While I only had light spotting, some women in the Facebook group I’m part of experienced heavier bleeding, which is definitely something to watch out for.
If your ovaries are still there, you won’t get your period, but you might still deal with PMS symptoms. Super annoying, right? But hey, at least no bleeding!
Make sure to rest and take it easy, even if you feel a burst of energy after a day or two. Overexerting yourself can lead to regrets later. And trust me, take those stool softeners—gas and constipation are not a fun combo post-surgery.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on a hysterectomy is a big deal. Everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to make the choice that’s right for you. Educating yourself about your options, building the right support network, and taking your time will help you through this process.
If you’re considering family planning options, check out Make a Mom for at-home insemination solutions, or visit the Make a Mom Facebook group for community support. You can also learn more about how at-home insemination works here or explore their Impregnator kit for an easy, reusable option. For more information on fertility topics, visit Medical News Today.
In summary, navigating a hysterectomy is a personal and often overwhelming journey. With the right preparation and support, you can make informed decisions for your health and recovery.
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