Hysterectomy! OMG!!!

[ny biker]

It sounds like having the surgery would ultimately make your quality of life much better, once you get through the recovery period. Do you know if they would be doing it laparoscopically or vaginally vs. open? That will make a difference in how much recovery there is.

I was thinking the same thing.

Speaking from my own experience with totally different surgery as well as some friends' recent experiences -- do what you can in advance to make things easier while you're recovering. For example you might want to stock up on paper plates, cups, bowls and plastic utensils so that you won't have to worry about washing dishes. Also stock upon whatever non-perishable or freezable foods you will want. Bear in mind that your appetite might be a bit off due to the side effects of pain relievers, so you might want to get some foods that you like when your stomach doesn't feel great. For example crackers, ginger ale, chicken soup, pasta.

If your home has more than one floor, you might want to arrange things so you can live on one level for a week or so rather than having to go up and down stairs.

It certainly sounds like things will be much better after the surgery. Good luck!

[rocknrollgirl]

I had a similar situation 10 years ago. I only had one tumor, but it was so large it pushed out of my uterus and nestled in my bowel causing all kinds of problems. The post surgery was not plesant, BUT I was up and back to it in 8 weeks.The most, most important thing is that you respect the incision. DO NOT go against the post surgery orders. Don't go up and down stairs too much, don't lift anything. You will need help for sure. A few days post I started walking, to the corner, then around the corner, then down the block. It helped a lot.

You will feel SO much better when it is over. And really it is the first week that is tough. You can ask us anything, don't hold back.

Oh and get some colace for after surgery, the first time you have to "go" it can be painful with the incision. The pain meds post surgery can be very constipating and you DO NOT want that with a belly incision.

[WindingRoad]

Thanks you guys, it really helps getting real life feedback. My surgical incision will be similar to a C section but not quite as large. Since the one fibroid is so big they couldn't do it laparoscopically. I can't believe this is happening right now. I just graduated school in May so I've been job hunting all this time. I have been through a few interviews and have two good offers and then this. I thought this was gonna be an easy laparoscope surgery removal of 1 fibroid on the inside of my uterus initially. It wasn't until my doctor got a hold of the full ultrasound report that she saw all the extra fibroids. This is awful timing. I'm having to push back start dates, explain this to potential employers and even reconsidered how difficult each job may be due to recovery time for this. As scared as I am, I really just want this to be over with so I can start recovering. I'm excited to hear many good post op results. Sounds like the first week will be rough. It is a good thing my BF is a PT and he's staying home with me that week. I love him so much.