I recently went to my gynecologist because of some issues with my menstrual cycle. The ultrasound showed that I had a fibroid cyst. Because the size of it was concerning, my doctor presented me with a few options.
I am 40 years old and have four beautiful children, and because I have already had a tubal ligation (tubes tied, cut, and burned) and an ablation, the best option for me was a hysterectomy.
Decisions to Make Prior to a Hysterectomy
Full or Partial Hysterectomy?
The first decision I had to make was whether to have a full or partial hysterectomy. Your doctor will be able to help you decide which is best for you. I chose to have my uterus, cervix, and tubes removed but to leave my ovaries as long as the surgeon determined that they were healthy during the operation.
Surgical Method
The second decision was which surgical method was best. There are a few different methods for the surgery. A hysterectomy can be done laparoscopically or vaginally, or if you’ve had a c-section, that scar can be used (or the surgeon can make an incision similar to it). The c-section scar/incision is the most invasive hysterectomy method and usually takes longer to heal.
Another appealing option to some is to have a tummy tuck at the same time as the hysterectomy. This option requires more planning and coordination because you have to make sure your plastic surgeon has rights at the same hospital where your gynecologist performs the surgery. An incision is made from hip to hip for the tummy tuck, and then most often, the hysterectomy is done through that same incision. The hysterectomy is done first, and then the plastic surgeon does the tummy tuck.
If I had the time to figure that out, I probably would have done that, but I only had five weeks to prepare, so I chose to have my hysterectomy vaginally.
Preparing for Surgery
You will need someone to drive you to the hospital, remain there during the surgery, and drive you home afterward (no Uber or taxi). In addition, you will need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours following the surgery.
Also, be sure to schedule all of your post-op appointments in advance. Because you will not be able to drive for two weeks following the surgery, you will need someone to take you to the two-week post-op appointment.
And, of course, make arrangements for anything that needs to be done during those two weeks (carpool, groceries, etc).
One Week Before Surgery
The week before, I had a pre-op appointment for bloodwork and also had to take a pregnancy test (even though I had a tubal ligation). If you have a shy bladder, drink plenty for this. Those are standard procedures to make sure your body is clear for surgery.
The nurse also told me to get stool softeners and gas pills to help with the recovery and to start taking them the day before or the day of surgery. She also told me to have menstrual pads/panty liners for after surgery.
They also called in the medications that I would need after surgery so I could have them filled and waiting for me at home when I returned from the hospital. I was also told I could not take omega oil, fish oil, Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, vitamin E, or any herbal product seven days before surgery. Again, confirm with your own doctor regarding what medications are allowed before your hysterectomy.
The Day Before Surgery
I had to bathe my procedure area with chlorhexidine and clean the rest of my body with an antibacterial soap, like Dial. Your doctor may also ask that you shave if you are having the procedure done vaginally.
You will not be able to eat or drink past midnight, so be sure to eat a light meal to help with any nausea from the anesthesia and to drink plenty of water throughout the day, to help with dehydration after the surgery. If you take any regular or prescription medications, be sure to confirm with your doctor whether you can take those the day before or the day of your procedure.
The Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, I had to shower with antibacterial soap. I could not use any hair products, deodorant, lotions/creams, make-up/mascara, perfume, or have artificial nails or nail polish on. In addition, I could not wear any jewelry (this also includes body piercing jewelry) or wear contact lenses.
Be sure to bring your driver’s license or photo id with you along with your health insurance information. It is also recommended that you bring a Last Will and Testament with you (this is standard for all surgeries but not required). You will also have to retake a pregnancy test.
Finally, wear loose clothing. Not only will you want to be comfortable, but it will also help the nurses dress you following the surgery.
Preparing for Recovery
Purchase some good books and have all the streaming apps you use logged in on your television at home.
If you have the time and energy, deep clean the house and make sure groceries are stocked. I also held my youngest and carried him to bed since I wouldn’t be able to pick up or carry anything over 10 pounds following the surgery. I enjoyed and soaked up that moment.
