Laproscopic hysterectomy: What helps with recovery?

Hello, I had a total hysterectomy along with left side pelvic lymph node removal in January 2025. The right shoulder pain is totally normal, and is the gas that they use to inflate you working its way out of your system. I found that walking around helped, along with a heating pad. The good news is that the pain only lasted one day. This is one thing I wish they told you in advance so that you are better prepared. My surgery was day surgery, and it felt way too soon to be discharged (which happened at 6:00 p.m.), but by 8:00 I was ordering room service in the hotel and feeling so much better. I was not prescribed any pain killers, but alternated 2 extra strength Tylenol and 3 Advil every 3 hours, and this was very sufficient to deal with. I think avoiding the narcotic painkillers, if possible, is very beneficial. I walked every day as soon as possible, and avoided constipation and straining by taking Restoralax. Honestly, the best advice I could give is to listen to your body and rest when you need to, but keep walking and moving to promote digestion and prevent blood clots. If you can do this outside, it is a bonus for your mental health. I just had laparoscopic surgery again 2 weeks ago for a gallbladder removal, and followed all the same principles. This time I was prescribed a narcotic painkillers reliever, but I didn’t take it at all - I followed the same regiment as I had with the hysterectomy. When I had the 25 pelvic radiation treatments, I did the same thing - rested when I needed to rather than push myself, but I made sure I got outside and walked everyday, both for physical and mental health. The mental health component is just as important as the physical, so make sure you have supports in place. Best of luck to you!