Laproscopic hysterectomy: What helps with recovery?

@dmarkz0101 You've received good support and suggestions here. I will add my support and comments.

I had a hysterectomy at Mayo in Rochester, MN in 2019. I can only imagine the updates and improvements with this procedure. My surgery and discharge was on the same day. Every single interaction I had with Mayo physicians, nurses, and staff was compassionate. The only pain I had was due to the gas (carbon dioxide) that was used by the surgeon to inflate my abdomen during surgery. The gas is safe and it dissolves but it takes some time for that to occur. Many people I've talked with over the years have had a similar reaction. Once the gas dissolved in about 12 hours I had fatigue and five little tiny sutured incisions covered with gauze and medical tape. The sutures dissolved on their own and those tiny incisions caused me no pain and are barely visible. My surgeon came into my hospital room to check on me after surgery and to give me the preliminary results from pathology. The final pathology report was on my patient portal about 24 hours later. My follow-up appointment with my surgeon was 6 weeks after surgery.

I prepared for surgery in the same way as others have indicated here. Prior to surgery, I prepared meals that were ready-to-go, and stocked up on some favorite food items and beverages. There were no food restrictions after surgery. I was sent home with restrictions including not driving my car for a period of time and not lifting anything heavier than a lightly packed grocery bag. During the first few days of recovery I took short walks as tolerated, rested, and watched movies or shows on streaming channels. My mind was fuzzy off and on for about a week due to the general anesthesia and I was told that is common.

September 26 is soon. I'm relieved to know that your surgery is scheduled so quickly after diagnosis. While you may feel anxious (I certainly did) in the days leading up to the surgery please be assured that when you check in to Mayo on your surgical day you will be in the company and hands of Mayo staff who will make all of this comfortable for you as possible.

Do you have other questions I can help you with?

I had robotic laproscopic hysterectomy last November. I didn't need any belly binder. Just 5 tiny incisions. The only thing is be prepared for gas pain. I think they use gas to be able to visualize what they need to do. Strange as it sounds I had gas pain in my shoulder (not unusual). I had good night sleep at home before. Had surgery early afternoon, spent night in hospital. And to be honest, I was glad to be discharged and not have hospital staff come in every few minutes asking me something. Discharge nurse gave me oxycodone, stool softener, and tylenol to take home. As I live alone, I stocked my frig and freezer, did my laundry, paid my bills, in case I didn't have to go to sub-acute rehab, Be Prepared (old old Girl Scout). I didn't need sub-acute and enjoyed my bed at home, slept late, had my coffee in morning, read my newspaper online. As a result of the anesthesia and oxy in hospital, stool softener might be necessary to have on hand. I never used the oxycodone, and tylenol never works for me, aspirin/ibuprofen are my pain relievers of choice, but never had any pain other than gas, which is gone in a day or two. with my best wishes for a speedy recovery......

I was given one at the hospital. I kept it on the first couple of days but didn't feel it was needed beyond that. I was surprised how quickly I was up and moving about. I hope your recovery is as swift. Of course, there's a lot of internal adjustment so take it slow with bending, reaching, etc.
I'm more surprised by how exhausted I am. Get lots of sleep!

@sabwal Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm glad your recovery went well. I'm remaining positive and praying all goes well. I now leave it God's hands. Have a great day
Donna

@dmarkz0101, thinking of you as you recover from your surgery. I look forward to getting your update when you are able.