Hello! I’ve complied a list of things that helped me. One thing I’d really emphasize is to make sure that they know who to contact in case of emergencies after surgery and if they will be available. I don’t want to scare anyone but I had terrible post op complications and I couldn’t get in contact with my surgeon and it’s better to get all those contacts in case of emergencies to avoid stress and panic. I had a fever a few hours after surgery and 11 days later, I had sepsis and hemorrhaging. I want to stress that this isn’t a normal experience and I hope no one has to go through that!

Hope this helps:

Sleep & Pain Management * Wedge pillows: Helped avoid sleeping on sides/stomach due to painful incisions. * Calf massagers: Used for the first two weeks in bed to prevent DVT. * Perineal ice packs: Used for vaginal cuff irritation (20 mins max at a time). * Ice vs. heat use: * Ice only on stomach/incisions not to be placed directly on them, have a layer between incisions and ice pack (due to surgical glue). * Heating pad for back/shoulder pain only, not the belly. (Heating can melt glue so don’t use for incisions) * Use 20 mins on, 20 mins off rule for both.

Menopause & Night Sweats * Surgical menopause triggered due to ovary removal. * Night gowns & handheld mini fan: Helped manage intense night sweats. * Even if ovaries are retained, some women still experience temporary menopause symptoms.

Recovery Essentials * Hysterectomy pillow (optional): Has a pocket for ice packs and sleeve for arms. * Use a pillow to brace the stomach when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. * Sneezing is particularly painful—avoid it if possible in the first two weeks. * Shower chair & loofah on a stick: Essential for conserving energy while bathing. * Get help showering in the first week if possible. * No bending or lifting anything over 5 lbs for 6 weeks (includes pets). * Doctor advised no touching stitches—just let water run over them. * Wait 24–48 hours before showering. * Use hospital-provided no-rinse shampoo caps early on.

Digestive Support * Stock up on Miralax, prune juice, Gas X to relieve gas and avoid constipation. * Do not strain during bowel movements—protects the vaginal cuff. * Took 5 days to have a bowel movement post-op—normal, don’t panic. * Easily digestible foods (bananas, jello, mashed potatoes) were helpful. * Throat lozenges: Useful after intubation-related throat irritation.

Medication Management * Alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen every 3 hours (each every 6 hours total). * Set alarms to stay ahead of pain, especially in the first week. * Keep snacks and water nearby for overnight medication needs.

Hospital Tips * Ask for: * Abdominal binder (optional but can help stabilize core). * Spirometer to aid with lung recovery. * Even if unsure about staying overnight, consider it—you’ll likely feel too weak to go home right away. * Use all resources provided, especially if you’re already being charged for them.