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I was diagnosed with cervical cancer two weeks before my 30th birthday (August 28th). This was devasting to me since I had a 1.5yr old and 2.5yr old at home. I felt I was still so young to be undergoing such a major surgery.
In November 2018, I ended up having a laparoscopic hysterectomy and I am very thankful for no complications. The staff at the surgery center were completely amazing as well as my wonderful neighbors who watched the boys.
I was told it on average it is an eight-week recovery following a hysterectomy and I wanted to laugh in the physician’s face. Like seriously? You do understand I have 2 small kids at home that rely on me and no family local. He said no lifting over 20lbs and to try to take it easy. I felt like saying how do you do that with 2 toddlers at home?
With the extra time, I was able to plan Luke’s 2nd birthday and Jack’s 3rd birthday party which went amazing! It helped that I was laying around a lot following the hysterectomy on Pinterest, making goodie bags, and more. So the time off was nice, but here are my tips and tricks below!
Table of Contents
Tips and Tricks to recovering from a hysterectomy with little ones:
- Take any help for the first two weeks at least as you will be tired for the first few days possibly from the anesthesia. Plan a few movie nights with your kids and enjoy some popcorn as it is high and fiber.
- You will not feel that bad for the first few days till the numbing wearing off. However, walking is one of the best ways for your body to recover and heal. Start slow and listen to your body.
- DO NOT DRIVE WHILE ON PAIN MEDICINE. (Common Sense Right?)
- Keep an eye on constipation from the pain medication. Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day and increasing your fiber intake. If constipation does occur, you should take a gentle stool softener or laxative to manage it.
- Take care of any incisions and keep clean. Proper care will prevent infection. Wash with warm water and mild soap daily then pat dry. Keep an eye out for redness, swelling, drainage or a fever over 100.5F which may be signs of an infection. If any of this should occur you will want to contact your surgeon immediately!
- Avoid sexual intercourse for at least eight weeks following surgery as it is necessary to allow your body the proper amount of time to recover. Do not put anything including tampons in the vagina till cleared to do so.
- You may experience somebody changes which include vaginal discharge or blood for the first few days for up to eight weeks. You may also experience some symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. If you had a full or partial hysterectomy you may be emotional or depressed. This is common and you should talk with your surgeon.
If you have any further tips or tricks you want to recommend please do comment below. I would love to hear them as they will help others.
If you want to talk personally feel free to use the contact form as I would love to relate to others.
Sincerely,
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