Hysterectomy, what would be useful?

lisawood78

Hi everyone.

A very good friend of mine is going in for a full hysterectomy next week, they are needing to do the full cut you open bit, no driving for 6 weeks etc due to the reason for the op.

I just wondered what I could do/give to help out, to start with when she is in hospital and then afterwards.

I want to get her some nice bits to use in the hosp (I do not yet know how long she will have to stay in?) and then afterwards is there anything I can get, and what can I do to help?

Any suggestions hugely appreciated!!

LW78

Radish72

My mum struggled with housework , especially hoovering

Maybe stock the freezer with some meals, my mum struggled lifting pans, that can just be re-heated

Whilst she is in hospital, probably a visit everyday so she had some company

But from the sounds of your post, she has a very good friend

Barneysmom

Antibacterial hand wipes are good, and face wipes, little things like that.
Most of all she'll need a friend who'll sit and listen while she's down in the dumps, as it she might get down in the dumps for a little while.
Inane magazines and quiz books too.

rachbc

anything to help the boredom of being house/ bed bound- books, dvds etc, practical help with housework and cooking and once she is up to getting about a bit more lifts out.

roadiegirl

As said above, my Mum really struggled with house work. After being let home, she spent about a week in bed, only moving to go to the toiler (which she found a painful manoeuvre), so it was left to me (aged 9), my younger brother (aged 5) and my father (real age 35 at the time, mentally, about 10 ) to look after ourselves. I did the hoovering, washing up and my little brother had to keep all his toys away and do the dusting, whilst my Dad cooked us meals and shrunk our school uniforms. My Nana used to come up 2/3 times a week with meals she had made (pies/stews/pasta dishes) which we could easily warm up in the microwave for my Mum when she felt hungry.
Just realised how much rambling I have done, sorry. But yes, the best thing you could do would be to prepare a few meals which can be frozen, and help with housework!

luxor4t

I had a full too, was advised to take some tablets for trapped wind with me into hospital. The hospital's remedies didn't work & I was very glad of them in the days afterwards

I also took facial & body moisturiser as the air was so dry. Talc (obviously not for the wound) was very useful.

Oh, and like an idiot I took pyjamas into hospital which were useless as I had a catheter for several days

nearlyrich

When I had that OP I was out cold for six weeks, it really left me feeling tired. If you can help with practical things like meals and hosework I am sure it would be appreciated, otherwise books, mags, DVDs interesting websites to keep her occupied might be helpful.

If she can't drive herself for six weeks I am sure she would appreciate an offer of a trip out once she feels up to it.

jacnorm

I had a full too and had terrible trouble with wind so take her something for that. I was advised to take a pillow to sit on when I was in the car on way home and I was really pleased I did as you can feel every bump on the road. Also doing the washing at home was a nightmare as it felt like a ton weight. Most of all though a good friend is the most important thing as you do get really down.

Bonbon

I had a full as well.Unfortunately my didn't quite go straight forward and I was in hospital for 2 weeks instead of one.
I had plenty of help around the house, but the one thing I appreciated the most was a 'walking partner'. I was told to go for a little walk each day, just 5 mins out and 5 mins back to start with. I felt quite frail and was scared that I would trip, or someone would bump into me.Just having someone with me gave me the incentive and confidence to go out.

Barneysmom

Good point Bonbon, I was really scared to go for a little walk on my own.

Savvy_Sue

not had serious abdominal surgery, but the food idea is good - soup as well as full meals has been a lifeline!

toenails! suggest she cuts hers pre-op as she may not be able to reach them.

walking partner also a good idea.

but turning up and just doing things which need doing is sometimes the way to go, don't wait to be asked but offer ...