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Hysterectomy what to expect afterwards?

Posted by cheriels @cheriels, Aug 29, 2022

Hi tomarrow I see the Doctor at Mayo Clinic Rochester and if I have a radical hysterectomy what are the steps to recovery and how long are you laid up and do you have minimal pain and how long is your hospital stay? Just so much going through my brain want to recover fast cause my Fiancé just found out he has Prostrate Cancer this past Friday and I want to be able to be there for him. He has to to decide what action he is going to do, but waiting for me first to see what is gonna happen? I don’t want him to wait to long he needs to get his cancer taken care of also. Thanks

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 12 9:39am
In reply to @sam1108 "Hello all, My grandmother who is an otherwise healthy and physically independent 88 year old has..." + (show)
@sam1108

Hello all,

My grandmother who is an otherwise healthy and physically independent 88 year old has endometrial carcinosarcoma with spread to cervix.

Her doctor would not operate first based on age and other factors (I guess) I didn’t get a clear answer on that.

Anyways, she did NOT want chemo but did complete 3 sessions of Brachytherapy and 5 weeks of radiation. She is now going to have a total hysterectomy (open) on Tuesday. I am her advocate and an RN. I plan to help with her recovery but looking for honest feedback of what she can expect.

Any advice will help!
Thanks,
Samantha

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@sam1108 How fortunate that your grandmother has you in her corner to advocate and provide medical attention for her.

My experience with a hysterectomy was likely different from what is planned from your grandmother. My hysterectomy was laparoscopic with just five small incisions in my abdomen so that part of the healing process was quick. My gyn-oncologist told me that my “inside” healing was pretty much the same as if I’d had an abdominal “open” hysterectomy.

I did experience pain for about 24 hours after the hysterectomy but that was due to the CO2 that was introduced into the pelvic area because my surgery was laparoscopic and robotic. Once the CO2 diminished I didn’t have any pain. I had restrictions on what I could lift (nothing heavier than a grocery bag), and no driving for about a week. I mostly had the expected fatigue from the anesthesia and healing process. I did not have radiation prior to surgery so I cannot comment on that.

I think the biggest issue could be if your grandmother resists medical advice. I did not need any assistance such as a walker after my surgery but I was very careful to stand up slowly and have my hands on the bed or arms of the chair before standing.

My partner was my caregiver and he would remind me about being careful when I stood up, when taking a shower, and walking. Will you be present at your grandmother’s home after her surgery? The challenge could be how to provide care but still allow your grandmother the independence she desires.

REPLY
charlotte12 | @charlotte12 | 1 day ago
In reply to @sophiem77 "No one should have a hysterectomy unless they have cancer. Hysterectomy is major surgery and it..." + (show)
@sophiem77

No one should have a hysterectomy unless they have cancer. Hysterectomy is major surgery and it is destructive.

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@sophiem77: This article may support your opinion.
Today, 12/2/2024, NY Times has published an interesting article about hysterectomy and patients lack of knowledge in some cases what exactly
has been removed. Title: "So you've had a hysterectomy. What did the doctor
leave behind." If you don't subscribe to the NY Times, maybe you know someone who has a subscription and can share the link with you.
It also mentions this study on the benefits to conserve the ovaries, read the
conclusion:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16055568/

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