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The first few weeks after a woman has a hysterectomy I describe as being stuck in a Paula Abdul song. One day you take two steps forward and the next you take two steps back. It’s a rollercoaster recovery full of twists and turns and is not only physically taxing but emotionally exhausting. You’re tired, in pain, possibly anxious or depressed, dealing with new hormones, and sometimes mourning the loss of your womb.
I had a robotic laparoscopy hysterectomy leaving just my right ovary, an appendectomy, and excision for Endometriosis in May of 2018. During the first week of recovery, I was miserable and had a hard time staying grateful and present. But then on day seven, I felt like I turned a corner and could finally see things from a new perspective. Since I feel better I decided to share some of the things I’ve learned about healing in order to help others who may need a hysterectomy.
So if you too are embarking on this surgery, here’s what every woman recovering from a hysterectomy needs to know.
20 Things Every Woman Recovering from a Hysterectomy Needs to Know
- Everyone has different conditions and circumstances, and each surgery is unique and different.
- Every one of us heals differently due to our age, health, and pain tolerance.
- Comparison is a joy-stealer, do not let someone who is doing better than you make you feel less than. Also when people tell you that they vacuumed three hours after their surgery, smile and move on.
- Fear is an emotion based on your thoughts. The second you feel fear – say and think something positive. (Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” is a great book to help you release fear and stay present.)
- Expectations will depress you. Have none and your mood will improve greatly. There will be twists and turns – ups and downs just like life.
- THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Repeat this over and over again.
- Each day you will heal exponentially.
- Trust your instincts. Even if your doctor tells you to increase activity – if you don’t feel right – LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE. I was cleared to drive at seven days post op, but waited another few days until I was fully ready.
- Throughout your recovery – remember how far you’ve come, and what your goals are.
- Drink Water. Not only will it help you heal faster but it will help with your bowels. (I use this water bottle!)
- Stool softener is your BFF. Trust me.
- Music heals. I did a dance party the morning of my surgery, had a playlist in pre-op to keep me calm, and ironically my favorite song was playing in the OR. I still use music when I’m feeling down. Whatever your thing is, don’t forget to do things every day to make YOU happy.
- Walk. The sooner you get up the better. It releases the gas if you had a laparoscopy and gets you and things moving. Also wear a belly binder, it will help reduce pain and swelling. If the hospital doesn’t give you one this one is super cheap!
- Be compassionate. We have all been through SO much leading up to this. Give yourself grace. Eat comfort foods. Do what you need to do to make yourself feel better. You’re WORTH it!
- Use all of the pillows! Pillows will help you when you try to sleep on your side and back. Also, you might want to invest in a body pillow for maximum comfort.
- Get help getting up. The first week it’s tough to pull yourself out of bed. Have someone help you or buy this. This bar next to my bed was a lifesaver for me!
- Be Grateful. Some days it’s hard to find something to be thankful for, but if your eyes are open and you’re breathing, that’s a win in my book. (This gratitude journal is AWESOME. Use code BEYOU for 10% off.) Also, I have a free gratitude printable here if you need a little help!
- Ask your doctor everything. And I mean everything. Keep lists and don’t be afraid, we need answers!
- Surrender. This was so hard the first week for me. But I finally leaned in and just allowed whatever was going to happen to happen.
- Find comfort in the discomfort. Ya’ll this is something we all need to do regardless of the surgery, but try to find joy in the healing. Read a book, watch a TV show, do something that makes you feel better as often as possible.
While this surgery can bring many feelings of fear, anxiety, and apprehension, please know that in a blink of an eye you are recovering and feeling better and stronger every single day. Good luck and stay faithful. Also if you are looking for more hope, my friend Christine wrote this book. It’s a short read and has lovely suggestions to help you prepare for any recovery. 
If you liked this post, please follow along on Facebook. Also, you may like Saying Goodbye to My Uterus.
This is probably one of the most up front what to expect! I’m terrified BEYOND words of my upcoming hysterectomy. I’m looking forward to reading more. Thank you
Don’t be scared, you will get through it!
Thank you! Day 2 post op. I’m hanging in there.
Thank you for this, it’s been a week today since my full hysterectomy. I was in the hospital until Friday. This read has given me a little comfort. This too shall pass.
Sending you so much love, it WILL get better!
Thank you for all your tips. I am 2 1/2 weeks out from mine and the time seems like a blur. It hurt, but I found that Ice, heat, Smooth Move Tea, probiotics and Ibuprifine were my best friends. The doc sent me home encouraging me to walk a little every day, which I tried to do the first two days. Then I realized that it was too much. You’re right…. Listen to your body. We are the only ones who can hear what our bodies are saying. If I could just get up and go to the bathroom and sit in a recliner, I was doing good. Every day is better than the next. I am now able to walk more comfortable outside…. Slow but comfortable! 😊 Keeping positive with no expectations, is a really good tip. “Try to enjoy the down time”, is what I have to keep telling myself. I’m a mother of 6 and my husband travels regularly, so to have this down time is very unusual, but will be worth it!
Hope you are feeling better soon and on the mend. ANd yes, 6 kids?! Wow enjoy the quiet!
Thank you so much for this article. I am having a total hysterectomy in 1 week. You briefly mentioned some women can have the feeling of mourning the loss of your womb. I am 53 years old and raised 4 children. I also sadly Lost a baby at 5 months pregnant. I really have thought about how sad it is that what I carried my babies in, will no longer be within me. I just wanted to say I thought I was a bit over exaggerating my thoughts on this loss of this part of me. I thought I was the only one who thinks this is a very sad moment. Actually thought I was a bit nuts for thinking this until I read your article and I’m not the only one. This article will help me in a week… Thank you and God Bless you for sharing.
I’m so glad this helped you, and no you aren’t alone. It’s been a year and I still feel the loss. Honor your feelings, they are the gateway to your soul. You may like this post as well: https://khewitt.bgrweb.com/saying-goodbye-to-my-uterus/
Question- crazy but going on a cruise 3 1/2 day post hyster- dream vacation. No way pants (yes packed early so I wpuldn’t Have to stress about it on 3 weeks). I didn’t know about swells belly and I know none of my pants will fit. Will maternity pants work? Did any of you ditch your pant wardrobe to wear maternity pants. If so can you offer tecommenations
I didn’t wear any pants for awhile if they didn’t have elastic. I wore alot of maxi dresses, skirts etc. That’s early, hope you feel well and good luck!
Hi, thank you for this post, it is really helpful.
How soon is the binder recommended for use?
I am also not wearing pants unless they have elastic. Wearing maxi dresses for now. I had my surgery 2 1/2 weeks this Friday and still feel some pain if I move around too much, but I do listen to my body and stop at that point.
Thanks for sharing.
I have my surgery on 15/6, and I go through some ups and downs (physically, which affect my emotional as well) since then. Sometimes, I feel weak especially when I m suffer from GI discomfort. Thank you for your sharing. It helps!
I’m so glad it helped. Hope you feel better soon!
Great article! I had surgery to remove a mass which they found some cancer cells, along with a full open hysterectomy. Each day gets alittle better. I’m on week 3 of recovery and dealing with a build up of gas, which is new this week. Walking helps but now I’ve lost my appetite. Waiting for the doctor to call me back. It’s amazing how the body works. I am definitely taking time to heal and recover during this part of my journey. Looking into Reiki for some extra healing benefits.
Good for you! I did acupuncture as well to help me. Good luck!
This was very encouraging! I am 38, having a hysterectomy and excision for endometriosis, too. They took my left ovary last year and I am doing everything I can to keep my right one. I have to admit that I can relate to so many of the comments above-especially the one about having 4 kids, losing one (my loss was much earlier but still very painful) and sad my baby maker will be gone! And I’ll be honest and say I’m scared of the pain but the daily pain from endo definitely has me prepared!
I”m so glad it helping, hope you are healing well!
Having my Hyst on 8/15, truly terrified! But this article helped me out, especially the ‘find comfort in the pain’ and the uterus sadness part. I, too, thought I was a bit Cray cray feeling sad about losing my uterus, but together we brought two amazing humans into the world! And we did an amazing job, but it’s time to part ways. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you!
I hope you’re surgery went OK!
Im 11 days post op and I was told by my doctor its like having a baby lol no it is not lol but its ok. I love my down time I am enjoying it very much. I am enjoying the pjs everyday. I do know that this is only temporary and cant wait for the new me in 2 months. I have had good days and bad days. I rest on my bad days and then im good. Sometimes I will pop a pain med to help me rest….i still have some left so use as needed when I get days of pain. I nap about 2 times a day. I sleep ok some nights I dont. I had intestinal spasms but today was not that much psin so maybe it will get better from here on. I have a little discharge from time to time of very light blood and clearish liquid. I walk to the restroom and down my hall a few times just to walk. Its been great but its a long recovery I get that now.
Hi
Just three weeks after surgery
Didn’t have a clue it would be so uncomfortable
My back aches all the time and you can feel useless cause you can’t really do much
Each day at a time sounds good
Thank you
I have a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy coming June 15. I’m glad I stumbled across this. I’m scared and excited. I’ve been dealing with pain 14 days a month for 3 years so I’m looking forward to living my life not revolving around pain. This gives me hope. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much!! I’ve been searching for positive hysterectomy stories online couldn’t find any. They all sound so terrifying! I’m so thankful I found your article!! God bless!!
Good luck!
I am 9 days post op robotic assisted lap hysterectomy and removal of Fallopian tubes and ovaries. I felt nothing for 3 days! I thought it was the easiest thing I’d been through…then I guess all the anesthesia wore off. Not that I’ve had excruciating pain, it’s the gnawing kind of pain that requires Tylenol every 6 hours or else you’ll need something stronger, which I refuse to do. I swear by magnesium for bowel regularity and I started that 3-4 days prior to surgery. The thing I hadn’t bargained for was the loss of the life giving womb that produced my 2 beautiful daughters, one of which passed away 32 months ago. I had my tubes tied when my second was born and never regretted it, even after remarrying a man who had no children of his own. But knowing my beautiful girls is gone and so is her first “home”, required a little more soul-searching and prayer than I had anticipated. Tip: expect the unexpected, be easy in yourself. You’ll never regret it. Good luck and God bless!
I’m 5 days post op and 67 years old. I’m so glad I found your posts. I’m just going with the flow..it’s gonna be alright!