I am having a hysterectomy on Thursday. I know everyone i have talked to says that it is a really easy?

surgery but i will be tried. I would like to hear what other people have gone through. what should i expect?

I had one a year ago and had a list soon afterwards for friends who have to go through it:

1. Putting the IV in can be painful but taking it out again is a breeze
2. Take your own blanket and pillow in as hospitals are cold and they often run out of pillows and blankets
3. After the operation you won't able to eat much at a time
4. If you have a tube down your throat during the operation you may be left with a small scab at the back of your throat. The scab may make you cough and this hurts because of your recent surgery. Have some hard candy on hand to suck on, this will help a lot.
5. Stool softeners for a month!!!!! Important!!!!
6. Be careful around stairs for several weeks after your operation. You can suddenly go rubber-legged when walking.
7. Have someone around who can make you small and frequent meals. You won't feel like making them and may feel it's easier not to eat if you have to get up and make them. Broth, cottage cheese, jello are all soothing.
8. When home wear a short gown. It's easier to get off and on.
9. Expect your throat to be raspy, maybe sore.
10. Don't expect to get much sleep while in the hospital. The nurses woke me 4-5 times the first night I was in. I was in 70 hours.
11. You'll need help getting out of and into bed. Have someone around with a strong arm.
12. Expect to be swollen. It will last perhaps six weeks.
13. Go for short walks when you can but don't make them long. You'll be weak for awhile.
14. If you take pain meds, expect them to knock you out.
15. You can't read for a few days after the operation, your eyes will seemingly bounce. Has to do with what's given to you during the operation.
16. Being hooked up to an IV isn't bad, neither is a catheter.
17. When home be sure you have a pair of very loose pants.
18. Leave your dignity at home; you can get it back later.
19. Nurses have to measure your urine, they'll have a type of measuring cup in the bathroom.
20. Once you can pass gas you can think about going home (yeah, I know...no dignity in a hospital).

I have a friend who has had over 20 operations. She says her hysterectomy was her "favorite". It doesn't take long to feel better; in a week I was driving again. In two weeks I was showing my mother-in-law how to hula-hoop (that made me a little sore). All this after having a 3-4 pound tumor removed! Good luck, dear, you'll be fine!

I had open heart surgery in March, and a abdominal hysterectomy 3 weeks ago, the hystie hurt a lot more be careful how you move, and do take the stool softeners as directed, and take your pain meds on schedule so the pain doesn't get on top of you it can be hard to get under control again, pamper yourself for a few weeks.

Expect to be very slow and not wanting to eat. Relax, your could probably use the break.

Is your hysterectomy abdominal or vaginal? Mine was vaginal. I had it done on a Friday afternoon, went home on Saturday. On Monday I was up cleaning house without pain medication. Two weeks later I was in nursing school. If yours is abdominal, it will take longer to heal. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, so don't be ashamed to use the medication provided. Make sure you take your stool softner because you are going to need it. Good Luck!