Calling all Hyster Sisters!!!

[cdrn1]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!! Scheduled for TAH next Friday...kind of freaked out for two reasons: I don't want to miss 6 weeks of work, and we have a trip to WDW in April.
If you have had a total abd hyster, please share with me: were you really off work the whole six weeks (and what do you do for a living if you care to share) and three months after will I be up for ToT, EE etc.
Please help this freaked out nurse who is (for the first time) on the other side of the IV needle.
TIA.

 

[doxdogy]

I was out of work the entire six weeks. Then when I returned to work, I did half days for about a week. I thought I wouldn't need the entire six weeks, but I did. They had to do an incision to perform the hysterectomy. Make sure that you have some pajama bottoms that have a stretch waist. I also found it helped to sit with a pillow in my lap. The hardest part was rolling over in bed. I literally had to flip over before the stitches were removed. I had mine about 15 years ago.

 

[mfd25wife]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!! Scheduled for TAH next Friday...kind of freaked out for two reasons: I don't want to miss 6 weeks of work, and we have a trip to WDW in April.
If you have had a total abd hyster, please share with me: were you really off work the whole six weeks (and what do you do for a living if you care to share) and three months after will I be up for ToT, EE etc.
Please help this freaked out nurse who is (for the first time) on the other side of the IV needle.
TIA.

I did not have a total. But, I will tell you my experience anyway if it will help. I did take the entire 6 weeks off, but I know a lot don't. But, although I am an accountant, you have to go up 3 flights of stairs to get to my office. There isn't an elevator. I think you will be ok for the trip, but may tire somewhat easily. I had mine in September, and it seemed to take a while for the stamina to catch up. Some of my friends felt great in about three weeks, though so it may not take very long at all for you. I had problems with a kidney infection, though which made it harder.

 

[Barb D]

I took the whole six weeks, and I think I would have been OK for WDW at 3 months.

That said, I now have health issues which make it so that I'll never be able to do roller coasters again. And WDW is still just as magical and fun. I can happily sit and enjoy the atmosphere and people watch while my kids do the coasters.

 

[mfd25wife]

A couple of things:

A pillow is great for when you cough to hold on your stomach.

Take chapstick/carmex. I had a fanny pack that DH attached to the bed rail at the hospital for me that had carmex, peppermint, pen post it in it. I kept it all close by when I got home.

I stayed on the couch at home for a while instead of trying to go to bed. It was much easier standing up, sitting and laying.

I started walking a little in a week or so. I was not able to do much because I didn't heal quite as easily as some. I had my cell phone with me ALL the time after my step mother went home.

Sleep a lot!!!!

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I just had my total hyst. last week. Mine was done robotically so I do not have the incision that you will ( I have several small incision sites rather than one large one).

I can tell you that while I feel better each day, my overall energy level has yet to return. I tire very easily and take a nap each day, which is something I never really did before.

I do plan on taking the full six weeks. I am a volunteer coordinator for a Hospice agency. I can do the basic things I need to from home, if absolutely necessary. When I get back to work there will be a lot of paperork to catch up on but I will get to it all eventaully.

The reason I am taking the full time, even when many women who have had my surgery feel well enough to return after a few days, is because I really want to give my body a chance to heal.

I think as long as you do not push yourself too hard or try to recover too fast then you should be just fine for your trip.

 

[DeterminedOne]

I needed the entire six weeks and more. My doc agreed to put me on a part time schedule for two weeks after the six. At the time I worked in a call center (insurance) and it was very demanding in the sense that there were times I couldn't get off the phone to even go to the bathroom. Everyday I talked to people who were in crisis and very ill - it was very difficult for me emotionally. Speaking of "Hyster Sisters" hopefully you have joined that forum. It's an excellent resource. Good luck with your surgery. Don't push yourself too hard. Keep in mind a TAH is considered a major surgery.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

A couple of things:

A pillow is great for when you cough to hold on your stomach.

Take chapstick

Sleep a lot!!!!

These are such awesome points. I normally do not need or use chapstick. It was such a wonderful thing to have with me in the hospital. I was so grateful for it.

A pillow is also nice for the car ride home to have between you and the seat belt.

 

[DisMN]

I was able to go to WDW 3 weeks after my total hysterectomy. Was very tired but we really paced ourselves.......I got a lot of sunshine and found all the rockers at the various parks and resorts. LOL

I see lots of good advice already given so I'll just wish you all the best with your surgery.