Hello, Rose53,
I’m not sure how much detail you would like to know. If there is something I’ve left out or you’d like more information, please ask. I can tell from your posts that you are nervous and worried. And why wouldn’t you be? Please tell yourself that it’s normal to be worried about this diagnosis and surgery and please don’t try to talk yourself out of what you are feeling.

My hysterectomy was same-day surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I spent a few hours early in the morning in a hospital room with a very empathic and informative nurse who got me ready for surgery. Then, I was taken to the pre-surgical area where the anesthesiologist checked in with me and the IV was started. The nurse that started the IV asked me to drape my hand over my bed and then she crouched down to start the IV. That’s the first time I’d ever had that experience and she told me that gravity would help this process and it sure did. It was the most painless IV start I’d ever had. When the OR was ready for me the surgical fellow (surgeon doing a fellowship in gynecological oncology) wheeled me to the OR. And then the surgeon came into the room. She stood next to me, held my hand for a moment, and told me she was there. I’m almost in tears as I describe how calming this was and how much everyone I had contact with focused on me, the patient. And then I was asleep. The hysterectomy was robotic non-invasive with 5 very small abdominal incisions. I awakened in the same hospital room where I started the day. I was really uncomfortable when I awoke because the surgeon must introduce gas into the belly in order to visualize the surgery. That gas bloats the belly. The pain medications were somewhat helpful and I was told it was take some time for the gas to dissipate from the abdomen. Within 24 hours I believe the gas was gone because I felt better. We stayed in Rochester for an extra day and then made our way home stopping every hour or so (it’s a 9 hour drive for us) for me to get out of the car and move around as the surgeon recommended.

I had a whole list of things to do and not do including not driving for at least two weeks and not lifting anything heavier than two grocery bags. The first week I was fatigued which is normal after surgery especially when there is general anesthesia which I had. I didn’t have any pain after I returned home two days after surgery. The incisions were covered with small bandages and were self-healing sutures. I returned to Mayo Clinic 4 weeks later to see the surgeon again. By then I was back at work (I work part-time) and my energy was back to normal for me. Since internally I was still healing, the surgeon advised me that I continue to be careful about physical activity.

Initially I didn’t have a strong emotional reaction to the hysterectomy other than gratefulness. That’s when I started the “Noticing my blessings thread” here (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/noticing-my-blessings-every-day/) on Mayo Clinic Connect. But later I did have some psychological adjustments to make for myself and in my sexual life with my partner. I can share some of that in another post if you like.

Your appointment with your surgeon is tomorrow? I’d like to suggest the following. Be prepared ahead of time with your questions already written down. Take notes during your consult with the surgeon. And bring someone with you so that there are an extra pair of “ears”. Don’t’ go to the appointment by yourself if you can. This is an emotionally difficult time and the person who accompanies you can better recall when the surgeon says.

Please check back in and let me know what happens at your Monday appointment. Ask any questions here that occur to you and please know that I and the other Volunteer Mentors are here for you.

Blessings,
Helen