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Hysterectomy Prep & Recovery: Comfort, Healing & Practical Essentials
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items Preparing for a hysterectomy can feel overwhelming, especially during perimenopause when your body is already going through so many changes. No worries, though! I've got your back I'm right in the middle of it…I just had a complete hysterectomy. This...
Sections
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Hysterectomy Education
Hospital Essentials
Recovery Road
Hysterectomy Education
A bit of knowledge goes a long way to prepare you for what to expect. But also know that every woman's experience will be unique.
Not every hysterectomy is the same. There are several different methods of removing the uterus. A vaginal removal is the most common method used today. (Basically, this isn't your mother's hysterectomy nowadays.) Also, most surgeons now recognize the...
What Is A Hysterectomy?
The Hyster Sisters website has TONS of helpful info for all things gynecological, but especially hysterectomy info and support. It's a great resource.
HysterSisters Blog - from HysterSisters Hysterectomy
There's no right or wrong way to feel before or after a hysterectomy. Every woman who undergoes the procedure comes to the decision from a different life circumstance, age, and health level. Personally, I felt thankful and relieved, but there are man...
How are Women Emotionally Affected After a Hysterectomy?
Hospital Essentials
More and more often, women are able to leave the hospital the day of the procedure, but depending on the surgical method and your own physical needs, you might be in the hospital for a day or two. Here are some perfect things to toss in your hysterec...
This is a very thorough hospital bag list. As a note, most women don't stay for the timeline listed in the article, so many of the items are a bit excessive. I ended up not needing most of the items, but I've included the ones I was really glad I had...
Hysterectomy Hospital Bag – your suggested packing list for hospital
An extra long phone charging cable keeps your connected and worry-free about updating friends and family.
Belkin Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable ( 10ft, 60W) - Soft, Flexible Fast-Charging Cable, Type C Charger Cord for iPhone 16 & 15 Series, Galaxy S25, MacBook, iPad Pro, & More - Gray (USB 2.0,) - Walmart.com
Come prepared with your favorite lip balm. Hospital air can be quite dry, and the intubation tube can be harsh on your lips. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is my favorite.
Lip Glowy Balm - LANEIGE | Sephora
Bring along a gentle moisturizing lotion.
Cetaphil Travel Size Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry to Dry Skin, Unscented, 3 oz
Gripper socks are a must-have. Most hospitals provide a pair, but you might want to have a second pair handy just in case.
Women's Gripper Half Calf Socks
Pack basic toiletries in case you stay overnight or two.
Travel Cosmetic Case - Garden Party
Make sure to bring a notebook and pens to take down notes from your care team. Also helpful to keep track of timing on medications.
Sooofa Soft Ring Notebook Green B6
While a robe can be handy, I actually found a lightweight blanket to be more useful and versatile. My husband could use it to nap in the hospital room, and I could use it as a shawl when I got up to walk around the ward.
Comfy Cubs Muslin Blanket, Extra Large Twin 90” x 66”, 6 Layer Cooling Cotton Softness (Neptune, Twin) - Walmart.com
While you might not need it in the hospital, having a pillow on hand for the trip home makes for extra comfort and protection.
Fapo Bed Pillows for Sleeping with Cooling Cover, Pillows for Bed Standard Size 2-Pack - Walmart.com
Recovery Road
Recovery can take anywhere from a couple weeks to two months or more. Here are some good items to have on hand as you rest and recuperate. These recovery must haves focus on post surgery comfort, and it's certainly not an exhaustive list. Listen to y...
Great hysterectomy care package for a hyster-sister (or yourself!
Hysterectomy Gift Care Package, Funny Post Op Gift, Monthly Subscription Cancelled Box
Due to the gas they have to pump into your abdominal cavity, you can experience shoulder and back pain. A good heating pad is a must. I have this hands-free shoulder wrap, and it's wonderful and effective.
RENPHO "24x37" Shoulder Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief, Electric Large Heating Pad for Neck & Wrap with 6 Heat Settings & Auto Shut-Off, Birthday Gifts for Women Men, Grey HSA/FSA Eligible - Walmart.com
Since you're under general anasthesia during a hysterectomy, you'll have to be intubated. It can really inflame your throat, so having some throat comfort tea can help soothe it afterwards. I like both the Yogi and Traditional Medicinals brands.
Yogi Throat Comfort, Organic Herbal Wellness Tea Bags, 16 Count
The catheter they insert during surgery can leave your urinary tract inflamed and stinging when you pee. This pain reliever works wonders to help relieve the discomfort. It also dyes your urine orange, so don't freak out about that. lol… Just make su...
AZO Urinary Pain Relief Maximum Strength Tablets, Promotes Fast Relief for UTI Pain & Burning, FSA/HSA Eligible, 24 Count
I was able to go without any prescription opioids, but I definitely stayed on top of pain with alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Make sure you have both on hand. And always make sure there are no added NSAIDs or acetaminophen in any prescripti...
Equate Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets, Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, 500 Count
Have plenty of soft, loose, comfy lounge pants ready for your recovery time.
Cloud Lounge Pant | Lightweight Sleep & Lounge Pants
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate as you recover.
Stanley Cup 40oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
I made a big batch of soup before my surgery, and it was nice to have it waiting. If you don't like to cook (or if you're looking for a hysterectomy care package option for a loved one), consider soup from Spoonful of Comfort!
Gourmet Soup Delivery, Gifts & Care Packages - Spoonful of Comfort
There are some great, souper easy (hee hee) recipes in this bunch. Make ahead and freeze!
20 Ridiculously Easy Soups Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Smoothies are a good way to pack a nutritional punch into an easily digestable food, especially helpful if your appetite is down post-surgery.
Our 15 Favorite Smoothie Recipes
Your doctor will likely prescribe a stool softener post-surgery. It definitely helped as the anesthesia and pain meds (if you need them) can be constipating.
Equate Stool Softener Laxative Softgels for Constipation, 100 mg, 140 Count, Compare to Colace® Regular Strength Stool Softener Active Ingredient
Sleep can be uncomfortable, especially if you're a side sleeper. Having a nice body pilow to support you helps a lot.
Pea Pod Body Pillow for Side Sleeper, Double Wave Curve Side Sleeper Pillow, Ergonomic, Cooling Side Sleeper Body Pillow, Full Body Support Pillow for Arms, Hips & Knees (110cm-Green) - Walmart.com
Compression socks are a great help with circulation post-surgery.
Women's Everyday Compression Knee High Sock 3-Pack (15-20mmHg)
You'll want to have soft, stretchy, underwear with full coverage on hand. I love the Innersy brand, and it was handy to have them in period undies because of post-surgical spotting.
INNERSY Women's Rayon from Bamboo Period Underwear - High Waist Leakproof Briefs for Heavy Flow, Breathable 3-Pack(L,Purple Dark) - Walmart.com
Another good item to have on hand is pantiliners for bleeding the first few days after surgery.
Cora 100% Organic Cotton Topsheet Bladder Incontinence Liners, Extra Long Length, 30 Count
One thing that I purposefully did was launder my sheets the day before I went to the hospital. It was so nice to come home to fresh, clean sheets on the bed, especially as I knew I'd be spendng so much time resting.
Rifle Paper Co. Peacock Sateen Sheet Set | The Company Store
For when laughing no longer causes pain.
Comfort Colors® Funny Hysterectomy Shirt, Hysterectomy Surgery Gift, Hysterectomy Support, Hysterectomy Recovery, Get Well Soon Gift
Show everyone just how hysterical (pun intended) you can be.
Hysterectomy Surgery Recovery Shirt, Funny Endometriosis Awareness Post Op Tee, Post-Hysterectomy Humor Tshirt, Support Gift for Fibroids
I know it says “flushable” but don't actually flush any wipes down your drains or they can cause a clog. But wet wipes are a lovely addition to your comfort as you recover.
Cottonelle Fragrance Free Flushable Wet Wipes, 4 Flip-Top Packs
DoorDash (and other meal delivery services) are a great option while you're recovering, especially those first few days.
DoorDash: Food, Grocery and Retail - Fast Same Day Delivery
I didn't buy my robot vacuum for the express purpose of surgery recovery, but I've gotta say…it's been a wonderful thing to have in my cleaning arsenal while I'm in recuperation mode.
bObsweep Dustin Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop with 100-Day Dock - Samsclub.com
Deep breathing exercises will help you on your road to full recovery. Follow your post-op instructions, and use a pillow on your abdomen for counter-pressure to any coughing or deep breathing.
Post-Surgery Breathing Exercises
Not a necessity, but definitely a nice addition to your recovery space as you're healing after your hysterectomy. A wedge pillow is especially nice for finding the most comfortable, best sleeping position post-surgery.
Triangle Pillow Comfortable Reading Pillow With Zip Pocket Triangle Wedge Small Back Support Pillow Cushie Pillows for Office Home Bed Sofa - Walmart.com
I was very thankful that I already had some pet stairs for my mini beagle to get on the bed without being lifted. She wanted to be by my side non-stop during my recuperation, so this litte elevated bed would have been perfect to keep her nearby but n...
Tucker Murphy Pet™ Bedside Dog Bed With Stairs And Mattress, Elevated Wooden Pet Bed Frame With 3-Step Foldable Storage Staircase & Plush Mattress, Paw-Friendly Ladder, Space-Saving Design Modern Pet Furniture For Small, , And Dogs, & Reviews | Wayfair
Resting can be a bit boring at times. Stock up your book pile ahead of time.
Download the Libby App: ebooks & audiobooks FREE from your library