Hello
I am a week post hysterectomy and I thought j would share some tips that I used or wish I used:
wind tablets - essential if you are having key hole and even if you don't I would as wind pain is horrible
constipstion tablets I would take one the first night
light dressing gown as it's warm on the wards
Travel size bathroom bag - the next day I couldn't lift anything especially my full sized bath bag. I would recommend having a shower as soon as they say it's ok to get up as much as you might not want to it makes you feel so much better
Ear plugs noisy ward and other patients. Head set and I found watchinh the TV a good distraction and don't think I could have watched a film. the TV was free 8-12 in my hospital. Magazines again I wouldn't have wanted to have read a book
Drink lots of water
Pack of biscuits - even if it's for your partner as long time for them. Maybe book and crossword for them
Ask them for a spare pair of surgery stockings or when they change them ask them to keep dirty pair you have to wear them for weeks and I only have one set so constantly washing them
hair brush I nearly forgot mine and was nice to freshen up
make up I didn't use mine mind due but some people said nice to make themselves feel better by looking better
do your hair nice the day of the op so hopefully lasts longer dry shampoo if your hair gets greasy
might sound silly but I got a pedicure no varnish as you tend to see your feet more either feet up and the lovely surgery stockings are toeless so having nice feet cheered me up also do any normal beauty things you would normally couple of days before too
pillow for journey home in car
meals for your return in freezer or ask family
hair ties
sanitary towels the nhs ones are horrible
a plastic bag to put dirty washing in (hopefully that extra pair of stockings lol)
Your own big towel I was glad I had my own things
Tidy house and change beds show partner how to do things you normally do or where things are. My husband asked for a list of things to do as I didn't have to verbally nag him then ha! Create a nice space in your room de clutter etc it was lovely to get home to nice room. I put a big wooden bowl to put all my medication in one place and on my bedside table.
stock up with food shopping
On the day of the operation I felt so calm and I think you need to give yourself a pep talk. The first couple of days are hard but honestly say a week on I am feeling ok and would ask you not to worry as it's an operation they do so many times they know what they are doing.
Be nice to the nurses, I heard some people be v rude to them, they are only trying to do their job. They work long hours too. Also you might be treated better if you are nice too. Ps I am not a nurse lol
Try and plan something nice for a few weeks after something to look forward to whether it's a nice meal or having some friends round
warn people in advance re visiting I had 14 visitors at home on Sunday some didn't call to check they were coming. It was fab to see them but I was so tired.
Accept help if people offer to do things do let them, I have found this hard but necessary.
I think that's everything if I remember anything else I will post. Hope it helps xxxx
