I'm having a hysterectomy!

[SouthernLPN2RN]

I'm 24 with 2 kids, and I already have a tubal, so no worries there. I'll be having a TVH (leaving ovaries) with A&P repair and Monarc mesh placement. Any tips for me? I want to bounce back quickly and get back to work! Thanks!

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

You have the right attitude for a uneventful recovery from your surgery as long as you remember my tag line. Don't push yourself to do anything before the doctor allows you to do it. I am reminded of my favorite surgeon who did not allow his hyst. patient to lift anything heavier than a cup for 2 weeks, YES, 2 weeks. No bending over to put away dishes from the strainer or dishwasher, no stretching to put dishes in cabinets, no lifting the kids, no driving, no bending over to put shoes on. Now you say, that is going too far, well, if the patients followed most of his orders, they had a wonderful recovery with no "hernia" complications down the road. The ones who did not follow his orders often paid for it in complications. Please drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, please walk, increasing time and distance everyday, please eat a well balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and take the pain meds .

Do not use the vaccum or sweep or drive for at least 6 weeks. I know we always push ourselves to get back on our feet and get back to work because we feel like "our families need us" but, please, take plenty of time to recover and pamper yourself. It will make such a difference in the long run for your health. Good luck and let us know how everything goes.