Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Checklist the only one you will need.

This is from personal experience of a partial hysterectomy (ovaries left behind) what I did before and after in recovery.

I hope if your reading this it helps you beyond what a generic hospital checklist will provide you with.

A hysterectomy is a big deal bottom line its best to be as prepared as possible for before and after to give yourself the wiggle room to accommodate the tide of emotions and healing that will come with leading up to your hysterectomy and for after while on recovery and all that follows in between.

When organising for your hysterectomy and preparing for after your hysterectomy recovery the complete list the only one you will need

1. Stock up on Panadol and Nurophen, check in with your doctor that they can provide you with a script for anti nausea tablets (incase of any nausea from being under general anaesthetic) and a medical certificate from the hospital for work.

2. Have some Sanitary Pads handy if all goes well the bleeding may last a day or so but for comfort take some with you (usually the hospital will provide very large pads so take some medium sized for comfort)

3. You may want some hygienic body wipes to freshen up after your surgery while lying in bed you wont want to move around to much after surgery but may feel yucky this will make you feel a little more human.

4. Take Lip Balm and Moisturiser/Face cream the air conditioning and pain relief/general anaesthetic can give you a dry mouth and lips.

5. Pack a small pouch with a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, travel deodorant, travel shampoo and conditioner these are small and you will get a few uses out of them and they are not bulky. A hairbrush and hair tie/clips

6. You may want to take a few snap cold packs with you it’ll help with the pain from your surgery and help with inflammation. They also will provide something for you at your hospital stay.

7. Phone Charger and Ear Pods/Earphones

8. Journal, Pen or a few Current Magazines

9. Ear Plugs as hospitals are noisy and you may have to share a room.. Take some comfy ear plugs to help you sleep and block out the noise, also eye mask incase the lights are annoying you at night/day while your trying to sleep.

10. Take a water bottle and maybe some lollies and chocolate to keep your spirits up 🌼

11. Prep some frozen meals and stock up your fridge

12. Have a support person to help you those first few weeks you will barely move to much apart from regular little walks for blood flow and movement.

13. Book in any appointments or follow ups prior to your surgery and clear you schedule for at least the first two weeks do the bare minimum its a Major Surgery and you will feel it, you literally just had an organ removed.

14. Stock up on cotton breathable surgical bandaids if you are having a keyhole laparoscopic surgery, also ask at hospital for a small supply you will need to change them so they don’t get infected.

15. Stock up on Movical or Bene fibre with pain relief it can constipate you you wont want to push to hard as it may cause prolapse you have to be very careful. You can also by suppository’s if worse case scenario hits.

16. Don’t lift more than recommended or do strenuous activity’s or abdominal exercise again prolapse is something to avoid.

17. Supportive Pillows for home that maybe placed under the tummy or between your legs to give support.

18. Cold Packs (Snap Packs or gel freezer packs) for after your operation and also heat packs for down the line or not long after your operation.

Clothing To Take to Your Operation before and after

Make sure to wear something comfortable to your operation and a fresh change for up to two days

You will feel inflammation pain and bloated (gases built up from your operation) so be prepared for it.

Underwear

Take a few changes of (I picked Black as incase of any blood loss) underwear for up to two days go big like “Bridget Jones” high waisted loose fit go up a size in underwear as you will need too, your tummy will be bigger than it normally is for a while but will eventually go down as time rolls on but comfort over style is perfectly okay. Your tummy will be bruised and sore you will not want pressure on it so go up a size. Also keep in mind to take a comfortable bra or wireless soft supportive bra to wear during your hospital stay.

Take super comfortable breathable Pyjamas and some socks for your feet (they will make you wear compression socks for the duration of most of your visit) but take yourself a pair or some slippers to get around in, personal preference on this step.

Wear loose clothing home a dress that flows or leggings a loose top anything you can think of that will not hug your abdomen to tightly.

Make sure that you have systems in place for when you come home after the operation. You will not be able to do much for at least 3 weeks. Organise help for meals, domestic chores, childcare and pets.  

Make sure that your partner understands what to expect, so they can support you.  

TRUST YOUR BODY. Take pain medicine as prescribed if you are in pain, don’t hold off because you are trying to be tough/strong it just takes longer to heal and makes life more difficult emotionally. Rest, rest and rest some more – even if it is months later.  

Rest is the up most important thing after a hysterectomy if you go to hard to quickly you will suffer for it I know all to much how it can delay progress as a mother of three under eight boys I went a little to hard to quickly and ended up going backwards its a choice to rest

Its a roller coaster – so don’t beat yourself up if you feel down, tearful or scared even months after the operation. 

Although most hysterectomies are performed without any problems, there can occasionally be complications. If anything doesn’t feel right – such as pain, bleeding, funny smells, oozing around the wound, etc., seek help immediately. Rather be safe than sorry.  

If your ovaries were removed, hormonal changes will cause havoc on your body and emotions. This can happen even if you have gone through menopause. Make sure to get help from a hormone specialist to get through it. 

Although it’s a radical intervention, a hysterectomy can be lifesaving and life-improving. However, to have the best possible outcome, it is important that women are prepared, supported, and allow their bodies and minds lots of time to recover.

You can find my story of my Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and advice Q and A here – https://gypsyjoicreations.com/2023/11/19/my-laparoscopic-hysterectomy/

You will be anxious and have a lot of questions, be prepared and ready as ready as you can be, so be kind to yourself you got this beautiful, Cassie x