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.

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In all honesty, today is the day I have been dreading the most (sorry if this is gross-I’m just trying to share everything in hopes it helps someone else). Today is “Bowel Prep” day and these are my friends in the picture. Today I get a light breakfast before 9am then I start a clear liquid diet. No milk, juice with pulp, solid foods or anything red or purple! I have stocked up on chicken broth, lemon Jello, lime Jello, apple juice, water and lemon Italian Ice.

Then at 1:00pm the real fun begins with taking 2 of the laxatives. Then at 3:00pm I need to start drinking 1 8oz glass of clear liquids with 17g of Miralax in it. I need to repeat this every 15-20 minutes until I have had 10 glasses!! I’m not sure if I will survive this. Then at 8:00pm I take 2 more laxatives and at bedtime I use the enema and take 2 high dose antibiotics. Then…I’m supposed to get a good night’s sleep? I will probably spend from about 6:00pm on in the bathroom…fun, fun.

Anyway, I have been reading and learning all I can about pre-op and post-op care and I am as ready as I can be to have my first surgery! My hospital bag is packed (I should only be there about 24 hours). My husband and sons have been prepped with the information that I am not to do housework for 6 weeks, not to lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks, to spend most of week 1 in bed-except to walk around the house with assistance every few hours and that during my recovery they are to pamper the princess.

I am having the robot assisted daVinci hysterectomy. if you want to know more about the actual surgery, watch this video.

I arrive at the hospital at 11:00am and my surgery is scheduled for 1:00pm. My son will update my Facebook and Twitter if you want to stay up-to-date and I’ll post a post-op update here on the blog when I am able.

I thank you for your concern, thoughts and prayers today, tomorrow and during the 4-6 weeks of initial recovery.

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