My Hystersisters Rock!

Today is my 6 week post-op anniversary of my hysterectomy! I am back to work and healing well. I still get exhausted easily and just a walk through Wal-mart can wear me out. As I told you before, my doctor gave me very little information and told me to Google search to find the answers to my questions. When I searched the first thing I found was Hystersisters.com. This site has been my go-to resource for the past 9 weeks. It was there that I learned what to expect pre-op, during surgery, during my hospital stay and each week post-op. My Hystersisters know and understand the emotional and physical hurdles and milestones that I encounter and they have been there to cheer me on, pick me up and advise me as I heal and move forward. If you know anyone, anywhere in the world that is considering or planning any type of hysterectomy please let them know about the website. It has been invaluable to me and I want to make sure other women know where to get their questions answered.

Some of the things I learned on Hystersisters were what to take to the hospital and how to prepare your bedroom for your first few days home. These hints and tips made that stressful time so much more bearable. Hystersisters also has great information for your husband and kids. I printed out about 3 pages of information so they would understand what I can and can’t do. I am still restricted to not lifting more than 10 pounds and I can’t bend over or push a vacuum or a grocery cart. My family has been awesome and supportive and I have been able to take full advantage of my recovery time and they have all picked up the slack for me.

One of the most important things I learned was that I would want a pillow pet!  I got Raymond the Tampa Bay Rays mascot. Raymond helped me get comfortable in the hospital bed and since I’ve been home but is most important job is in the car. I use Raymond between my tummy and the seat belt so that the belt doesn’t irritate my incisions. Raymond makes car rides so much more comfortable. Now that I am driving I can’t use Raymond, he’s too big, so I have a beach towel that is folded in thirds to cushion me from the seat belt.

I still have a ways to go, full recovery from a hysterectomy takes a year, but I am heading down the road to recovery and I’m grateful for my Hystersisters who have supported me along the way.