Being well-prepared for a hysterectomy can help speed recovery afterward. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. I look way more mature with my beard. Sometimes, pelvic pain isn't caused by a problem in the uterus. I had a hysterectomy but it was for continual bleeding, fibroids, severe endometriosis. Sex life should be discussed before you have your uterus removed. Talk with your doctor about the specific limits and timelines for when you can resume these activities. A radical hysterectomy may be performed to treat cervical or uterine cancer. Even if hysterectomy might be the best option at some point, depending on why you need the procedure, you might want to wait. A woman's sexual function is usually not affected after hysterectomy, and her sexual desire should not change. Ugh. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. If your doctor doesn’t state when you should stop having intercourse prior to your hysterectomy, be sure to ask so you can stay as safe as possible. Should I Do a Bowel Prep before Hysterectomy? A radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, the upper portion of the vagina and some surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes. It lets others know your health care wishes. At the hospital or surgery centre Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Questions to ask yourself before considering hysterectomy. If you shave or wax before your hysterectomy, your surgery may be cancelled. by Eileen Bailey Health Writer. I turned 45 years old on 12/1. 2. So, should you shave your head? It's shoulder length right now, good for putting in a pony tail or bun. In most other cases, a hysterectomy is done to improve a woman’s life. Questions women should ask before a hysterectomy 600,000 women in the U.S. undergo a hysterectomy each year, making it the second most common surgical procedure for women. There are different ways to perform a hysterectomy.Depending on … A hysterectomy is not a reasonable choice for permanent birth control. From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List. Typically, you will need two post-operative appointments after a hysterectomy: 2. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. The problem is that my scalp is very oily, with bonus thin scraggly-textured hair. Abdominal Hysterectomy Here are some steps to take from a month to an hour before the procedure. Just make sure it is shaved on the day of your procedure. A hysterectomy is a common surgery, but one that should be thoroughly considered before making the final decision to have the procedure. I just got tired of getting all the way out of bed just to turn off the lamp each night before bed. Vaginal/laparoscopic hysterectomy—you will be assisted as needed with having a shower. He said it’s a simple surgery and I’d feel much better afterward. Before you decide to remove your uterus, you need to be sure it’s the cause of your pelvic problems. Most women go home 2-3 days after this surgery, but complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks. This information will help you understand what you can expect. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. My husband was my person, and if there was an award for best husband, he would win it. My husband had to bring my old maternity pants to the hospital so I could go home because the stretchy yoga pants I bought were too tight. Preparing for a Hysterectomy Surgery. LOL How should I prepare for my appointment? But, it is not needed to save her life. Shower, wear comfortable clothes, and if you are really nervous tell your gynaecologist … In every case, hysterectomy should be a last resort, except in the case of cancer where your life may be at stake. It is a major surgery and as such hysterectomy complications and side effects can occur which can negatively impact your life forever. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. In fact, some women enjoy sex more when they no longer have to worry about birth control or heavy bleeding. You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery. For the first few days that spot will most likely be your bedroom. There was a time when doctors didn't think much about removing a woman's uterus. Read this article here: Washing with Hibiclens Before My Hysterectomy. ..... 4 Why you may ... accurate diagnosis before you consider a hysterectomy. Walk… You will also be counselled regarding your recovery period and how much time you will need off from work following the sugery. It’s a requirement. First, you will probably be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before your operation. A Week Before a Hysterectomy Surgery Drink lots of liquids. What side effects can you expect after a hysterectomy? Be sure you have someone to take you home. Your ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or part of your vagina may also need to be removed. Because of the combination of medicines given to keep you comfortable, you may not remember much about the operating room. Just before the procedure an ultrasound scan or CT scan may be carried out to confirm the location of any adhesions, fibroids or tumors. Your doctor is there to give you the information you need to make a decision that’s right for you, … Abdominal hysterectomy—you may be well enough to be assisted with having a shower on the first day following your surgery. (query) Consider the odds before you decide to get rid of your pubic hair. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. ©2006-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding. There are several things you may wish to do before a hysterectomy to prepare both your home and your body. Questions to ask yourself before considering hysterectomy. I am going to have sex for the first time. You'll no longer be able to get pregnant after the operation. Here’s a helpful graphic of what is going on down there. Sex: Should be avoided for the first six to eight weeks after a hysterectomy Working: You may need to take a leave for six weeks, especially if your job is physically demanding. You could potentially have small nicks or cuts if you shave which increases your risk of infection (irritation from the scrub used to exfoliate). Join Now - Help for Your Hysterectomy Support Needs. 1. Brief Answer: Follows. Because I’m weird (or lazy), I had actually put a Clapper in our bedroom a year or so before my hysterectomy. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. Prepare in whatever way makes you most comfortable. Should I shave my pubic hair? (query) Consider the odds before you decide to get rid of your pubic hair. Start with a good cleaning. But there are newer treatments with fewer side effects and long-term consequences that are forcing doctors to consider the role of a woman's uterus. Can I live with the symptoms? Difficulty having sex: Although your sex life doesn t come to a grinding stop after hysterectomy, it is never the same as before. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. It is important for you to follow whatever instructions your surgeon gives you regarding intercourse before your hysterectomy. A hysterectomy probably will not lower your interest in sex. A Word From Verywell. I used conventional medicine only as this was in … There may be other ways of treating or dealing with these problems. That man helped me off the couch, made me food, got me water, rubbed my shoulders when the pain from the gas was searing. In every case, hysterectomy should be a last resort, except in the case of cancer where your life may be at stake. Having surgery can be stressful. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water. You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Surgery can be stressful. Remove all jewellery, piercings, and contact lenses. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. I was good to go about 10 days out from surgery. Vaginal Hysterectomy: Before Your Surgery. Questions? Donating Your Own Blood before a Hysterectomy, Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements before Hysterectomy. It can relieve bleeding or discomfort from fibroids, severe endometriosis Hysterectomy is a type of surgery that can treat several gynecological conditions, from uterine fibroids to endometriosisto cancer. During this time, you need to rest at home. I had a bushy beard before my own wedding, and I just had it cleaned up a bit the day before (neckline, cheekline, some light shaping work), and no one had anything negative to say about it. If you do not come to this visit, we may have to cancel your surgery. You may feel better each day, but you will probably need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. Your doctor should speak to you about the effects of the menopause and possible treatments, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) before you have a hysterectomy. I am going to have sex for the first time. I have a job interview coming up that I'm really excited about. Rather than remove your uterus to prevent a pregnancy, there are multiple, less invasive birth control options which you can consider. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Water all the plants. A small tube (IV) will be placed in a vein, to give you fluids and medicine to help you relax. Enter A511 in the search box to learn more about "Vaginal Hysterectomy: Before Your Surgery". Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own. Then, after my first breast cancer in 2011 and the removal of some of my nodes under my right arm, it was almost impossible to shave because the area was so sensitive. TRY MEN’S SKIN CARE 1. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. When is my Pre-Admission Clinic visit? This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Before your hysterectomy the doctor will do a complete physical exam to make sure that you are a good surgical candidate. He listened to me cry and rubbed my head. Here are 9 common reasons you might need a hysterectomy, plus what to expect and things to consider before having this surgery. I'm about to have a hysterectomy which the surgeon told me to expect to be in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. If a gynecologist recommends hysterectomy, find out about life after hysterectomy, especially after total hysterectomy. Would it be alright to just trim it so it looks neat or should I just shave it completely. It can relieve pain, discomfort, or heavy bleeding. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Did you have a special pillow for after your hysterectomy? Before we get any further, I want to clarify that pubic hair grows on and around your vulva, not the vagina. You will have an appointment in the Pre-Admission Clinic 1 or 3 weeks before your surgery. Remove all jewellery, piercings, and contact lenses. Can I live with the symptoms? If you shave or wax before your hysterectomy, your surgery may be cancelled. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure. You also have to shave away the hair all the way to the top of the penis. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. One study showed that patients with shaved incision sites had a 5.6 percent rate of infection, compared with a rate of less than 1 percent among patients whose hair was removed with clippers.” You could read this two ways. Now all we do is knock twice on the headboard of our bed and the lamp magically turns ON or OFF. After the surgery, you will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant. I had a robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy leaving only my left ovary on 11/29 two days before my birthday. I don't have the best jaw line and my beard really helps that out a lot. I'd appreciate any input as to what to bring with me that I might want or need. Your doctor may recommend that you take hormone pills if your ovaries were removed. These are some basic questions you need to ask your surgeon before your hysterectomy, and the answers that should help set a threshold for what you will accept. How can you determine if your surgeon has the best experience to perform the best hysterectomy procedure that will minimize your recovery time, overall pain and get you back to yourself faster?. Definitely had to avoid the heavy lifting and still was feeling a bit fatigued a few weeks after surgery but we did Disneyland only 3 weeks after surgery and I felt ok riding rides. Only if the ovaries were removed with the uterus prior to menopause, decreased sex drive may occur and vaginal dryness may be a problem during sex. You should not be doing housework until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery. After 6 kids, apparently even the thought of me wanting another baby was enough to send my uterus packing. I am still so happy with my hysterectomy 2 years later! Do all the laundry. You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold). From a medical standpoint, there are several things you doctor may have you do before a hysterectomy. Look, we’re not trying to talk you out of shaving your head. 2. If staples were placed to hold the incision site together, they will be removed. The information detailed below relates to any other condition apart from cancer, where you will not have the same choices available to you. It's not necessary to shave pubic hair before a hysteroscopy. After a hysterectomy, you will have a brief recovery time in the hospital. Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Your doctor may recommend that you sleep on freshly laundered sheets after showering with the Hibiclens the night before your hysterectomy. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, please do so using only a sip of water. The surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. So at the ripe old age of 33 I gave in and got a partial hysterectomy. I did have dysphasia, and needed to have treatnents. Must Have Items For After Hysterectomy Surgery. The time frame for when to stop waxing before surgery can also vary, but it may be greater than shaving. Often, the top of the vaginal canal is … How to decide. Whether intercourse is discouraged or not, the goal is your safety. Change air filters, if necessary – so you don’t have to reach and bend to replace them in the first 2 months after your surgery. Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options. He fed the dog. A body pillow is a great idea or at least extra pillows for supporting your every lounging position would be helpful to add to your bed. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Its a security job at a water park. One to two weeks after surgery: Your doctor will check your incision site (s). It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. HysterSisters.com is a patient support website and does not intend to take the place of the relationship between patient and personal physician. Besides, I had been rocking a beard for a couple of years before without ever fully shaving it off, it would have been really weird if I had suddenly been at the altar all babyfaced up. https://www.lifeafterhysterectomy.com/hysterectomy-preparation They don't shave it all off. You should also clean your house in advance, freeze meals so you won't have to cook, and enlist the help of family and friends to give you a hand after you are back home and recovering. I can almost relate to all of you to some degree. Yes, you should. In addition, you’ll be instructed not to remove any body hair for a couple days before your hysterectomy. Before making a decision you should find out as much as you can about the procedure your doctor is ... 12 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Having a Hysterectomy. About a year and a half ago, after an epic battle, I lost custody of my uterus. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. It is important for you to tell your doctor and nurse how you feel and ask questions about any concerns you may have. There should be no lifting for the first two weeks. Hi everyone, I have a hysterectomy scheduled in the summer. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb (uterus). Do NOT shave the surgical site yourself. Post surgery you will likely not only find holding urine in a bit more difficult as the muscles and post-catheter strength of your pelvic floor won’t be as they were before. There are two types of hysterectomy: A simple or total hysterectomy – the surgeon removes the womb and cervix. On the second day following your surgery you will be encouraged to shower independently. Before surgery you will be asked to repeat your full name, what surgery you are having, and what part of your body is being operated on. Additionally, a burn could create a sore and infection risk. See you there! Here are five things to consider before you rock the chrome dome. Do not shave the surgical site yourself. Should you have a hysterectomy? Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be cancelled. This information will help you understand what you can expect and how to safely prepare for surgery. But if you want to do it then its for your personal hygeine . You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. The vagina is internal. Do they shave the area preop and do they give you bowel prep prior to OR? Leave your valuables at home. Waxing opens pores in the skin which could increase your infection risk. A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately. Vaginal hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus, and usually the cervix, through a cut (incision) in the vagina. Detailed Answer: Dear Sir, Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX Well looking into your issue I will tell you that it is not mandatory to shave your groin hair for the procedure . Alternatively you will be given a sponge in bed. Top image: Pelvic organs before hysterectomy 2. After all, once women were done having children, did they really need it? Change the sheets on your bed the day you leave for the hospital so that your bed will be fresh. Join to Ask Your Questions and Receive Hysterectomy Checkpoints! Some nurses may think it's unusual to see a woman with pubic hair because so many women do shave down there. Having a hysterectomy can be a very daunting prospect, not least because it is major surgery and cannot be reversed. Don’t shave before surgery or if you do, shave with an … Follow any instructions given by your doctor on what will need to be done prior to surgery. I've never had major surgery before and I don't know what to do with my hair. Abdominal hysterectomy. 1. Communities. Benefits and risks of a hysterectomy 10 If you have cancer, a hysterectomy may save your life. Most women will be concerned about what to expect if they agree to have a hysterectomy and what is involved in the pre-hysterectomy preparation. Sex life should be discussed before you have your uterus removed. How a hysterectomy might affect your sex life, how long you should wait before having sex again and how to cope with issues such as vaginal dryness. Question: Should I shave my legs before a pedicure? 5.You will be exhausted for weeks. Incontinence Protection: I’ve already shared some of the reasons for this, but I’ll share again. The organs and tissue that will be removed depends on your medical condition. Flip the mattress, if necessary – we flip ours every 6 months. Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd. I've never had to stay overnight at a hospital before. The ovaries and fallopian tubes also may be removed. But, thinking I had to keep up the American custom, I suffered through and shaved my pits.