HYSTERECTOMY UPDATE AND TIPS (POST OP)
I’m now two weeks post op- hysterectomy. Initially after surgery I was having very minimal pain. I’m a busy body so I don’t stay still or in bed for long (‘bed rest’ is a joke to me- never happens). Even with me running around and doing things, I still didn’t feel much pain. I had a laparoscopic surgery and went home that same day. Without a complication like mine, the recovery is pretty easy going.
I was healing pretty well at first and everything was going great until about a week after surgery I ended up having something called urethra spasms. I thought it was a UTI because it felt just like one and I couldn’t figure out why the UTI medicine wasn’t working- found it’s because I didn’t have a UTI. I was having these spasms that weren’t allowing me to urinate properly and/or without insane pain. It gave me some of the most horrible pains that I’ve ever felt- especially post op (I’ve had a pretty fair amount of surgeries).
Here’s some tips for a hysterectomy:
BUY MAXIPADS- Yeah, I know it’s a bit triggering for some of us trans guys to have to wear these things again if you’ve been off of shark week for some time. It’s more than likely you likely you’ll need them. I personally still (at 2 weeks post op) have to wear them because as my stitches inside loosen up and dissolve, I still bleed. It’s normal.
BATHROOM ISSUES-You’re going to have a hard time going to the bathroom at first. Your body is going to be a bit confused and out of whack. I always felt like I had to go and couldn’t. It’s super weird, but it gets better with time. It may even hurt for a little while. I had a lot of burning when I urinated for a bit.
HYDRATION- For most people and myself, pain medicines will make you sweat at night and make your body act all crazy, so hydration is always good to keep up with. Not to mention it’s pretty important after any surgery. Even better, fresh juices (especially pineapple) will help make your healing process.
CORE PAINS- Since this is basically an ab surgery, it might be a little tough on your core. You may not expect some things to be painful when they will be. I personally had a thing I called a ‘belly binder’ that really helped keep everything snug and less painful. It’s basically a long piece of stretchy fabric with Velcro on one end that goes around your core somewhat tight to help with movement with less pain.
DON’T ORDER A BIG MAC WITH FRIES!- Eat small and light at first. Your stomach won’t be be able to handle a lot of food or anything heavy or greasy for a few days. Take small steps. But still make sure to eat!
BELLY BUTTON INCISION- Yeah, I was weird about it at first. I reached up too far too soon and opened it up. It’s normal for it to open up again and again (I only did it once). The belly binder helped me not to do it again.
HAVE HELP-Getting up out of bed is a challenge for about a week or so, so having someone around to help you in and out of bed is always helpful. Reaching around to grab things isn’t easy on your own either, maybe get something to help grab things far away (sounds fun, right?)
POSSIBLE MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS- Some people get off their testosterone for a little while before surgery and some don’t. It all depends on the agreement with your doctor. I know personally took 2 weeks off just for my own safety and sanity. I wasn’t taking any chances for issues due to T. I definitely ended up having some hot flashes at first, but they didn’t last very long. I got back on my T a few days after surgery and it hasn’t happened since. If you aren’t on T, you’ll have a much higher chance of these symptoms happening.
TAKE YOUR MEDS!- Certainly we know we should listen to our doctors, right? Haha. At least for the first week take your painkillers when advised. The pain will come shooting if you don’t. I always say don’t get too dependent on them. Wean yourself off of them as soon as you feel you can handle it and switch to something OTC. Your bowels will also thank you for it.
GET OUT OF BED- Don’t stay in bed all day. Walk around some. Do what you can. You recover faster and better when you are active. Not to mention, you get stronger faster, too.
SLIP ON SHOES- You aren’t going to even want to think about tying your shoes, let alone bending your core at all. Save yourself with this one. Everything I write here is my personal experience. As we know, everyone is different and reacts different after surgeries. I want to help anyone who might need it or wants to know more. I never realized my ask box has been closed, but it’s now open! If you have any questions or anything, shoot it my way. (I know this is long! Sorry, not sorry. The more you know, the better)
