What to expect on the day of hysterectomy

You will arrive at the hospital check in and be brought to pre op. Here there are different regulations by hospital and seasons (COVID brought regulations restricting visitors), however it is sometimes allowed to have a loved one with you for short periods of time during pre op. 

You will change into a hospital gown and will likely have a last urine test and an IV will be started by the nursing staff. You will often meet with your surgeon one last time (usually a cursory “Good day, good to see you” type of meeting, not typically long) as well as with the anesthesiologist assigned to you that day. Especially if you are nervous about medications you might be receiving, it is great opportunity for you to discuss concerns, tell them if you don’t tolerate a medication well etc. Most anesthesiologists are awesome and want to ensure you are as comfortable with the medications as possible. 

Depending on anesthesia protocols in your hospital, and your comfort level, you may be given something to reduce anxiety before you go into the operating room, and they will also likely give you an antibiotic in your IV and some type of pain reducers. In the OR they will obviously give you medications to go to sleep and likely more pain reducing medications.

When you wake up, you will head to post op to continue to wake up/clear anesthesia, have small sips of water and often a small snack. They may have you walk a bit or transfer from bed to chair before heading home. If you are in an outpatient setting, you will likely go home after you have shown you are safe to urinate, walk/transfer, hold down fluids and your pain is well managed. 

When you arrive at home, this should be a day that you spend in bed, getting up to use the restroom as needed but otherwise rest; unless your doctor has specified otherwise. You did it!   

If you are feeling worried, anxious or scared of your upcoming surgery, and would like to head into that day feeling confident and prepared for the day of and ready for healing after, please reach out. I would love to help.