Recovery tips - robotic hysterectomy and oophorectomy

[Anonymous]

I'm having this operation later this month - I haven't had surgery except for a c-section and my recovery from that was not bad.

What were your experiences? My doctor says 80% recovery in 2-4 weeks depending on how I do and 100% in 6 weeks.

Any tips to make recovery easier (other than make your family wait on you)?

[Anonymous]

No experience but good luck!

[Anonymous]

For a friend it was absolutely horrific. She had good reasons to get it done but would have second thoughts on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a friend it was absolutely horrific. She had good reasons to get it done but would have second thoughts on it.

Seriously this. Try everything else first.

[Anonymous]

Please don't be scared from the previous posts! I had this surgery about 4 months ago. I had it on a Friday and was driving by Monday. I only took Tylenol for pain. I could definitely feel that someone had been moving things around inside me, especially when I stood up from sitting, but that passed after about 30 seconds.

The recovery was way easier than I expected. And I am not a particularly fit/healthy person.

[Anonymous]

Easy recovery poster here -- forgot to mention that the only annoying thing was the constipation from the anesthesia/initial pain meds. Eat lots of fruit with fiber (especially dragon fruit) and drink the fiber supplements right after your surgery. Don't wait until you feel miserable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don't be scared from the previous posts! I had this surgery about 4 months ago. I had it on a Friday and was driving by Monday. I only took Tylenol for pain. I could definitely feel that someone had been moving things around inside me, especially when I stood up from sitting, but that passed after about 30 seconds.

The recovery was way easier than I expected. And I am not a particularly fit/healthy person.

how old are you? this makes a difference in terms of recovery from any surgery

[Anonymous]

I had this surgery about a year and a half ago, at 47. Found it to be a very easy recovery. I was up and about in just a few days. No exercise (beyond walking) or heavy lifting for weeks, but other than that I went back to my normal routine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had this surgery about a year and a half ago, at 47. Found it to be a very easy recovery. I was up and about in just a few days. No exercise (beyond walking) or heavy lifting for weeks, but other than that I went back to my normal routine.

Me too. Had it at 42, after three healthy kids. Was easy. So grateful to have had six great years without periods

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don't be scared from the previous posts! I had this surgery about 4 months ago. I had it on a Friday and was driving by Monday. I only took Tylenol for pain. I could definitely feel that someone had been moving things around inside me, especially when I stood up from sitting, but that passed after about 30 seconds.

The recovery was way easier than I expected. And I am not a particularly fit/healthy person.

how old are you? this makes a difference in terms of recovery from any surgery

This is OP and I am 52. I'm having it b/c there is a suspicious cyst on my ovary and I also have fibroids/long history of fibroids and uterine polyps. I had a uterine artery embolization for a large fibroid 12 years ago. So this is it.

[Anonymous]

I only had an oophorectomy due to an ovarian torsion about 3 years ago. Recovery from that was not bad at all. I was 38 at the time.

I'm not sure what your pain med situation will be like as docs are really cracking down on giving them, but if you are on them, be sure to get some fiber powder or MiraLax (this one was recommended to me by the nurse).

TMI, but the first time I went to go #2 I cried. Not from constipation but because I was so sore I couldn't reach to wipe. So if you don't have a bidet, buy this item on Amazon now. Trust me. My SIL gave me one after I broke down crying to her. A friend had gifted one to her before her shoulder surgery and she thought it was a gag gift until after the surgery. She now says it's the best gift she received and recommends it to everyone.

https://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Assistance-Comfort-Extends-Pre-Moistened/dp/B07B6P3MC5/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DyXnUrQ1Fx6DtJpCpR70F9wCHxyM92x-yZ6ychvBMsFc2j6YIibIvbhjSVA7PZcS6KRE3fg4p_27bHNAEeY7uo_2z0KUWgQEgyZltClZG_H9xBZW81eVf5H3QvsXTEFUZQ2XJAH5bDkGrQTPfTCB31spDQcs0Zr5Ri-m23BM4sja5CQ7ey8igXNBkVoQPdAk4AmfuICn65h5hbcpwg9kt1m_prMl_jec8hak8ZBRiCFF9pIfE5a_J8NiJOxljT82n56iJqwloNXHQS_PfMR5GLV-Lz8HKizyAMDgUD1-dfM.5NipWOjtINUxplsLS_p5yrHsEsFZdAqZHY3NqyM85yc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bottom+buddy+wiping+aid&qid=1714747491&sr=8-9

Also, get a small fan for sleeping if you don't have one. The hormone fluctuations and night sweats were wild for me. I would wake up completely drenched to the point of having to change sheets in the middle of the night.

You may also want a wedge pillow if you don't have one for sleeping. I have an adjustable bed which was a lifesaver as going from a prone position to sitting is the most painful part of the whole process, IMO.

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Bed-Wedge-Pillow-Sleeping/dp/B0CQ73P9MS/ref=asc_df_B0CQ73P9MS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693328241991&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18252860700066364729&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027188&hvtargid=pla-2294570524076&psc=1&mcid=cb543876184a39a0b6271355d4142886&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImqeWid3xhQMV9k5HAR1wUQfQEAQYASABEgJ3IvD_BwE

[Anonymous]

I thought the robotic surgery was NOT recommended if there is any suspicion of cancer because there is more likelihood the cells can spread versus open abdominal surgery.

[Anonymous]

I’m a nurse and have supported several family members after hysterectomies/oophorectomies. As others have said, one of the biggest issues you’re likely to face is post-op constipation. Be diligent about staying hydrated and taking stool softeners. Otherwise I’d expect 3-5 days of recovery, with diminishing discomfort/increasing energy. Don’t taper off your pain meds earlier than recommended. Oh - and prepare yourself for the possibility of shoulder pain as the gas dissipates!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Easy recovery poster here -- forgot to mention that the only annoying thing was the constipation from the anesthesia/initial pain meds. Eat lots of fruit with fiber (especially dragon fruit) and drink the fiber supplements right after your surgery. Don't wait until you feel miserable.

Miralax! It is THE best! It's the only thing that works for me when I've had anesthesia or opioids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a friend it was absolutely horrific. She had good reasons to get it done but would have second thoughts on it.

How is this helpful?