How quickly and easily your body recovers from hysterectomy depends a lot on how well you prepare before hand. This is a first hand guide to prepare.
Instructions
1. Once your hysterectomy is scheduled, start planning out a healthy diet high in fiber and protein to get your body strong and ready for the assault it is about to experience. Eating lean meats, bean and other proteins can really help make your muscles strong and you'll need that! Fiber will keep your digestive system moving and that will be very helpful after your surgery.
2. Plan your work schedule around your recovery. Most hysterectomies need a 6 week recovery period. During this time, make no plans to do anything other than rest! Doing too much will only set your recovery backwards, not help you feel better! Also use this time to check in with your insurance company to be sure of your coverages and what you will be responsible for.
3. Now that your diet is set, be sure to go over any medications you regularly take with your doctor. Most vitamins, herbs and aspirin-type medications must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery. Also, if you smoke, try very hard to quit - this will really aid your recovery.
4. Stock up on items that may be needed during your recovery such as comfy sheets and blankets, pillows and put them in a central location so you aren't searching around the house when someone isn't available. If someone from outside of your household will be staying with you, be sure to have them come ahead of time and familiarize themselves with where things are kept.
5. Pack your bag for the hospital. Be sure to pack any medications your doctor has prescribed for you to begin while in the hospital such as hormone replacement therapy or pain medications. Having these ready to go is one less step you have to take on the way home from the hospital. Take anything to the hospital that will make you more comfortable but remember that you won't be up and around right away so don't stress over every magazine or book - you might not get to them anyway!
6. Look into online resources and groups that offer support and pre and post op information. Ask friends and family for help at this time - don't be too proud to accept an offer of help. You will need the help. Don't make any plans for a few weeks and plan to be able to nap as needed, which will be often for a few weeks.
7. Now, try to relax, go over the doctor's paperwork one last time and get a good night's sleep the night before your surgery.
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