My Hysterectomy Experience

I recently made the decision to undergo a hysterectomy. I chose to do so for a number of reasons (I’ll share more below) but wanted to create a place where I could share everything that I experienced or wished I would have known. Whether you’re considering a hysterectomy due to medical necessity or exploring it as an option for improved quality of life, this post aims to provide you with valuable insights, guidance, and support throughout the process.

Why I Chose to Have a Hysterectomy

Trigger warning: One of the reasons I chose to undergo the procedure was due to multiple miscarriages. Also, disclaimer: I am not a medical expert; what works for me might not work for you. Always check with your physician before making medical decisions.

Now, jumping into why I chose to have a hysterectomy.

One of the first reasons – my periods were AWFUL! Next time you go see your gynecologist, ask them to show you how much blood you should see during a menstrual cycle. I was literally in shock. I was miserable the week before and then of course the week of my cycles, which isn’t normal. There was maybe one week of the month when I actually felt really good. Comparatively, I’ve had two miscarriages and my period looks just like that every single month, which is a constant reminder for me and just puts me in a bad head space. My uterus was also the size of someone that’s 16 weeks pregnant. I kept getting cysts, etc. – so all that to say, I was hoping and praying that the procedure would give me a better quality of life and help fix some things I don’t want to struggle with anymore.

Aftercare

Regarding post-surgery and aftercare – this is something that I strongly encourage you to talk to your doctor about. Everyone’s journey looks a little different, especially when it comes to the different reasons one might want or need a hysterectomy. Mine was done vaginally, yours might be done with an incision. Depending on your doctor’s determinations, post-op will vary from person to person.

The typical recovery time is six weeks. It’s super important to listen to your body during this time. Again, each individual’s journey looks a little different, but across the board, you know your body best.

Hysterectomy Essentials

I wanted to share some of my saving grace items for the hospital stay and also post-surgery. Save this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable experience.

• Portable fan – This was a must-have because, after surgery, you can have hot flashes or feel nauseous. Had it blowing at me the entire time.
• Miralax – Start using something immediately! I would even ask if you can start before surgery.
• Period panties – You will experience light bleeding post-surgery.
• Gel freeze packs for hemorrhoids – If you are gonna have any “reconstruction” while you’re down there, these are must-haves for any removal of skin tags or anything.
• Freida Mom pillow – This will help you sit if you have any discomfort from any topical procedure.
• Ice wraps – Give you a nice relief, put in undergarments (just like post-partum).
• Freida Mom Upside Down Bottle – Absolute must-have. Saved my life! The cool water helps you clean yourself and coolness brings such a good relief.
• Cooling pad liners – Helped reduce swelling!
• Postpartum recovery kit – You could opt to grab this to get everything in one. It just doesn’t come with an upside-down bottle.
• Extra disposable underwear – The Freida Mom brand ones were higher-waisted and gave some compression.
• Dermaplast spray – Def a must. They give it to you after a baby but it’s perfect for a hysterectomy, too.
• Ibuprofen 
• Heating pads – You need two: a lower back one and an abdomen one. I added the lower back one to help with back pain and the one to my abdomen for extra weight.
• Pajamas, pillows, blankets, toiletries 
• Stanley Cup – You all know where I stand on this. Wouldn’t have left my house without it!
• Liquid Magnesium – To help keep me regular post-surgery!

You can grab everything from the list above here!

I hope this article was helpful in knowing what to expect pre- and post-hysterectomy. Have any questions about the process? Drop them below and I’ll reply with my best answer!