Getting a Hysterectomy: A Nurse's Point of View

Getting a Hysterectomy
Everything a nurse wants you to know!
The recovery process after a hysterectomy is more active than you think! Walking after surgery prevents complications like blood clots, pneumonia, and bowel obstructions.
Watch this video to learn more about what to expect during your hospital stay after a hysterectomy.
00:53 Preparing for you hospital stay and hysterectomy
1:33 Packing for your hospital stay
2:42 Taking a Pre-operative shower with Chlorhexidine (CHG)
3:50 Laparoscopic vs Open hysterectomy
5:05 Waking up in the Post anesthesia care unit (PACU)
6:12 Transfer to the med-surg floor
Goals of Recovery:
7:29 Ambulation (Walk walk walk)
8:11 Passing Gas
8:38 Pain Control
9:45 Urination/voiding/peeing
10:46 Tolerating solid foods
11:36 SOME post-operative complications (Bowel obstruction/ileus, Surgical site infection, CAUTI)
15:38 Going home checklist
This video is based on my experiences at one hospital. Other hospitals may have different expectations and procedures. Though I covered as much and as accurately as I could, it is possible that I left out some things and made mistakes. Please follow your doctor's and nurse's instructions first. June 26, 2019.

[@Michelle-fi3ze]

By far the best video for someone with upcoming hysterectomy surgery. I've watched a few. Some questions were left unanswered leaving me anxious. This video however, answered them all and I feel much calmer. Thank you so so much.

[@Ubiquitous_1]

Informative, thorough and calming. I wish I saw this video sooner but nonetheless, this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@robynhurley5119]

I had my tah 5 weeks ago. Make sure you take all prescribed rx meds and rest but also walk .once you feel better after a few weeks try to walk a half mile in morming and half mile before dinner or sometime in late afternoon. Rest and nap.and make sure you get veggies and protein in

[@nassine0904]

I just got FULL hysterectomy like a C-section a week ago, I could hear everything that the Doctors and nurses were talking about , I had half body Anesthesia at my lower back! I was was numbed but awake without pain. After the surgery that lasted 1 1/2 , I was placed in a recovery for about 8 hours, I slept most of the time. One thing the Doctor made sure that I take my STOOL SOFTENER and ANTI GAZ pills every 8 hours. The next day I went pi and did number 2 , then I felt unbloated! With the suppositories, antibiotics taken every day, I never had any pain or problems. Make sure you wear a binder it does help ! Walk around from time to time. Few steps at a time.

[@nassine0904]

I forgot to mention that I also had about 7 injections one per day to avoid blood clot.

[@cherylringo685]

Wow! This is textbook, but THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT CAN CANNOT BE EXPLAINED UNLESS YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH IT.

[@lebronshairline4768]

IM SO GLAD TO HEAR U ARE OK AND HAD A GOOD RECOVERY. THIS MADE ME FEEL ALOT BETTER. IM HAVING THIS SURGERY ALSO. THATS FINE THAT THEY LET U BE AWAKE. I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT BEING PUT TO SLEEP. I HOPE I CAN CHOOSE TO BE AWAKE AND MY SURGERY WILL BE SHORT LIKE URS. DID U REQUEST TO BE AWAKE?

[@nassine0904]

@@lebronshairline4768 No , I didn't request it . The doctor made the decision knowing the kind of surgery he was going to do on me. Each individual is different. Good luck on your surgery. 🙏🏽

[@lebronshairline4768]

@@nassine0904 OK TY HUN. I APPRECIATE IT....

[@ruledbyvenus1859]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. It was very helpful for me before my partial laparoscopic hysterectomy which was 10 days ago. My recovery has been amazingly smooth. I was sure to walk daily and not sit around but I remained mindful of my movements. I had little to no pain, just low energy which is improving daily. 🙏🏼💛

[@jadebishop9814]

When you say a partial did they leave your cervix?

[@samanthapasell7010]

Wonderful thx so much! I am having it done this Thursday. I am more confident now.

[@jyotilic3079]

@Samantha I wish all the best for ur surgery .

[@mariannjack5839]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@krystalgarcia3397]

Thank you 😊 very good information and a soothing voice💕I am now 1 week post op of a “radical hysterectomy” (Dr. description not mine) maybe because everything is gone now, idk but I want to say walking really is a relief. I had to learn the hard way on managing the pain by waiting too long to ask for medicine, only took once though😆. Good luck to anyone going through this and take this advice 👍🏼

[@gglydie4242]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the information explained clearly, calmly and in a lovely voice :-)

[@RNin10]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Snitzler4710]

Thank you for all you do.

[@michellerodriguez8564]

Very helpful, thank you so much!

[@OMGXBELLA]

Bless you ! And all nurses

[@faithandlightsteubenville5691]

Super helpful Thankyou!

[@preciousbaby6345]

Thanks so much for this explanation i love the way u calmly took your time to explain, God bless u

[@Qvpzymaglptq]

AMAZING VIDEO!!! 🙌🏼

[@bonniepeele1504]

Very helpful, Thank You!

[@rosaspeakspr]

Great video! Thanks!

[@hailygreghoury1596]

very helpful video, thank you

[@marcieduff3841]

I thank you so very much for using the medical and with layman terms for aLL of your discussion. Now I feel prepared to go in for my hysterctomy.

[@RNin10]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Princess-78]

I just had a partial hysterectomy on June 24th .The only thing for me is my stomach seems sensitive and so as for everything else it’s like falling into place

[@elainebates6967]

Thank you very much.

[@RNin10]

You are very welcome!

[@shaycoiee]

I’m one day post op laparoscopic- I was released the same day as the procedure. I wish I had more professional help. I’m seeing this too late. I think a lot of my pain has to do with gas. I now took an otc gas x and have gotten pain relief

[@eminaks1418]

Quite elaborate.

[@knowl3dg3iz5se]

Nice video easy to understand. I'm scheduled for Fribroid removal and Total Hysterectomy. I have had a blood clot before. Will I just in case be prescribed Eloquis again ?

[@ebotnora3441]

QUEEN ASIAH, this is exactly what am going through. Am on Eliquis blood thinners and am about to get a surgery. I don’t know how it’s done.

[@deesensation7460]

Post op 5 week from Total Abdominal Hysterectomy My days and nights on this road to recovery are PAINFUL SLOW DEPRESSING

[@BreezeWithAfrica]

DEE SENSATION Tfs

[@properlybonafidetv7172]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@anglophils645]

You should not still have pain after five weeks. You need to follow up with your surgeon or gynecologist. Continued pain could be a sign of serious post-op infection.

[@roseistutorialsmore0013]

🙏

[@joannethomas8156]

how do you adjust hormones when every thing is removed, I am slower and tire more easily

[@dinapalkowski8146]

What is open hysterectomy? Do you get that even though your having it laproscopicly?

[@valerialee7176]

Just found out last week I have to have this surgery. I have no kids, surgery in 2 weeks. Trying to mentally prepare

[@MARY30NJ]

Im having the same procedure today… I have not kids as well … ☹️

[@LynneWright]

I recommend having your eggs harvested and frozen if you can afford to do so. You never know if you will want children in the future.

[@RavensSoTired4081]

@@LynneWright i have no kids and don't want any! My full hysterectomy was done July 6 2021

[@ArtaxFalkor]

My daughter just informed me that the medication I bought for her from Dr Aluda on KZbin worked that her multiple fibroids has be shrunk and I am so happy for her and I am thankful to Dr Aluda for his help-

[@RashidaBlake]

What if you are going in with anemia, is there a possibility you might need a blood transfusion?

[@jyotilic3079]

Yes

[@RashidaBlake]

Thanks!

[@rhondapagan5759]

**💓💓am filled with joy and happiness with my family today, because of fibroids my tubes was block for 5years after using Dr Omo herbal medicine I just give birth to a boy🤱🏿last month here❤️ herbal medicine work perfectly well.*,

[@littlemisspeachessandcream2936]

Ive just had a hysterectomy 12 days ago, I needed a blood transfusion on Day 2 and I now have to take iron tablets

[@roseistutorialsmore0013]

💖

[@HoosierMama27]

What about an ab binder. Is this supplied in recovery?

[@RavensSoTired4081]

When I had mine done 7-6-21 the gave me one but I don't like the one the dr gave me go to amazon and search them i got one from there, I'm 4 weeks post opp now

[@sjordan7085]

I have an ab binder given to me at the hospital, and find it helpful. I am also using an electric throw that goes from chin to toes, or can wrap around my shoulders. I used a small pillow on my lap incase I coughed or sneezed and pushed it into my stomac, also comes in handy for taking BP. I also used a larger pillow under the seat belt, and a garbage bag to swivel on the seat when getting in and out of the car. Watch out for bumps, unless you want an unpleasant surprise. I am nine days out now, and not so bothered by the bumps anymore, or the pulling on my belly if I get up or down too quickly, and I can also stand up straighter and walk more easily now. Getting better every day, a little at a time. Having a toilet riser also made life easier, and I am still using it. They are free at the local Lion's Organization, as are many other medical bits and pieces such as walkers, and grabbers. No charge, but they do appreciate a donation.

[@sjordan7085]

Sorry for the typo, meant to say 'stomach'.

[@kerryannc4876]

I had a hysterectomy done I am only 33 years old

[@belindaculbertson1994]

Im 68 getting this procedure. Do i need hormon?

[@lesliehughesRN96]

Don’t think so. You should be past menopause. But ask your GYN. If you had your ovaries removed, you automatically go into menopause.

[@elkiegriffith7386]

If you don't deal with this issue when you're younger then you have to face it at this age. It's best to have the subtotal hysterectomy and some women opt to keep the ovaries or some women opt to remove everything especially when they have had children already. At your age I would remove everything and get that over with and live your life.

[@teoluangheng7381]

I am delaying my open abdomen surgery coz I am aged over 60. W a fibroid measuring 6 cm monitored for three years . I fear most is UTI it was v painful to pee after hysterecscopy. I fear the re insertion of catheter after op . It’s v fearful to be inserted not under anaesthetic

[@RashidaBlake]

Do they insert the urinary catheter before or after the anesthesia is administered? Is it painful when it’s inserted and taken out?

[@jyotilic3079]

Yes they insert urinary catheter. The pain is bearable. So don't worry. What's ur age. Why r u going for hysterectomy

[@RashidaBlake]

I’m 35yo. I have massive fibroids and an enlarged uterus and now they are starting to cause problems with my right kidney.

[@jyotilic3079]

@@RashidaBlake ok. Is it lapo or ooen

[@RashidaBlake]

Open because everything is too large.

[@jyotilic3079]

@@RashidaBlake mine was also open. 2 yrs ago. Be positive. When is urs

[@TessieDobey]

I am getting a complete vaginal hysterectomy on April 1 and obese, is there anything I can do to help me recover safely?

[@crazy4kawaii546]

Tessie Dobey did they put off your surgery due to covid?

[@JulyRobbins]

I’m asking for vaginal hysterectomy as well I DO NOT want them cutting me at all takes much longer to recover and more pain. Did you have your surgery tessie?

[@michelleinfo-vlog2449]

@@JulyRobbins I think you can only get vaginal hyst if you don't have fibroids outside of your uterus and you have smaller and few fibroids, right?

[@JulyRobbins]

@@michelleinfo-vlog2449 ya sadly he wouldn’t do a vaginal hysterectomy on me :( he said if they was just taking out my ovaries he could but they did mine robotically I went home 40 mins after waking and even stopped at Starbucks after I was very lucky. They took everything except my ovaries and they got all the cancer out so thankful 🥲

[@roseistutorialsmore0013]

@@JulyRobbins 🙏

[@DJPoundPuppy]

Why does no one mention ADENOMYOSIS?? Good video otherwise. Thanks. :}

[@chantalcourtney]

I was just thinking that

[@bcs3948]

I’m getting a hysterectomy next week because of terrible adenomyosis.... 😢

[@jyotilic3079]

@@bcs3948 how was ur surgery

[@stephaniegreene8307]

I was just diagnosed with andenomyosis after an MRI last Thursday. I had the MRI in preparation for a robotic laporoscopic myomectomy. Now I am terrified that I will lose my uterus. I didn't want that.

[@bcs3948]

@@jyotilic3079 I had an abdominal hysterectomy ( partial: left the cervix, and everything else except the body of the uterus). Everything went well. I’m still feeling some pain, and tomorrow is going to be one month. Improving every day. Thanks for asking! 🙏🏻

[@annmariereyes585]

Hystesisters:

[@araceliserrato1189]

Nothing will prepared you for what's next after a hysterectomy 😢. It is so unfair to trust your doctor and you end without a uterus because you had 2 uterine polyps 😔😭. I have so much hate towards my doctor 😢. God needs take control of my depression, after this procedure my life has changed me forever 😢.

[@mack3542]

Did they take your ovaries?

[@araceliserrato1189]

@Mac K I only have one. My doctor just checked my hormones and vitamins, and it looks like I am low on B12. I hope it helps because I feel really overwhelmed and depressed 😔 ☹️

[@chchwoman9960]

The uterus is the centre of our very being. I learned this the hard way, 13 years ago. I walk 2 to 3 hours a day to treat my depression - its all I can do

[@mack3542]

@@chchwoman9960 I’m very sorry. Just got my hysterectomy last week. It’s been rough already.

[@littleredhen3590]

Sound like a child

[@chicabuena4451]

Your information may have been wonderful but your presentation is the most boring ever.