Care package for post hysterectomy

[Nonny]

If you've had a hysterectomy, or if you've been friends with someone whose had one, what things did you/they need or want the most while recovering?  My BFF is facing one in a few weeks, so I'm going to send her a few things.

So for I've got a maxi dress, because one of my FB friends lived in clothes that didn't press on their abdomen, and a nature coloring book and pencils so she has something to fiddle with while she's forced to not be off hiking and being outdoorsy during her recovery period.

I'm planning to avoid any "spa" stuff because she has too many scent allergies, and won't be allowed any tub baths.

[Captain Catnip]

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, not laproscopic, and used panty liners inside oversized panties to press against my incision.

I ended up wearing leggings, surprisingly, because they actually felt like they helped after the 3rd day. I wore maxi dresses in public though.

[shauni27]

A robe, tea, puzzle books, amazon gift card (so she can download books on her kindle), nail polish, flowers.

(Note, this is what my MIL liked when she had hers done)

[megstoo]

When my mom had her hysterectomy a while back anything to keep busy while being able to sit was ideal - I remember she did a lot of needlepoint/craft type things to keep her hands busy since she likes to fiddle. A deck of cards for solitaire, books, comfy robe and tea.

I had a laprascopy and a hysteroscopy 2 months ago (I know now the same) and a friend of mine gave me her wedge pillow which helped a lot more than I expected as well as anything that's loose fitting around the abdomen area. During the day I pretty much slept though. Also ready cook meals, or crock pot meals that she can toss in the morning and forget about are really helpful especially if her DH works long hours.

[carmenere]

Maybe some nice soft PJs? Throw in some of her favorite snacks and magazines if she reads them. You could also add gift card for takeout so she doesn’t have to cook.

[wambam]

Laxative and I’m not kidding. I only had the tubes removed, but I was surprised by how uncomfortable it was to poop after the surgery.

[megstoo]

Jul 16, 2019 14:07:51 GMT -5 wambam said:

Laxative and I’m not kidding. I only had the tubes removed, but I was surprised by how uncomfortable it was to poop after the surgery.

How I forgot about this I'm not sure - I think I wanted to block it from my memory but OMG yes she will need this.  

[Nonny]

I can maybe do a food gift card...I live 9 hours away and so physically helping with meals myself isn't possible. Luckily all her kids are older (youngest is maybe 6th grade and oldest is going to be a senior this year), so they and her H should be able to take care of meals.

She'd probably crack up and be grateful if I sent her a laxative. Any brand suggestions?

[megstoo]

Jul 16, 2019 14:27:31 GMT -5 Nonny said:

She'd probably crack up and be grateful if I sent her a laxative. Any brand suggestions?

They had recommended I get Colace so I did.  Dulcolax or Miralax is a popular brand.  

[Laura Palmer]

Housekeeping or laundry service

[cabbagecabbage]

I had a laproscopic hysterectomy this spring. I liked trashy easy read books, adult coloring books, etc. I was in bed for days and I burnt out on TV quickly. I really appreciated food/gift cards. I swear I'm not a contrarian but I had no issues wearing loose pajama pants and prefered them because they didn'tbunch up i
bed .

[Nonny]

Jul 16, 2019 13:36:45 GMT -5 Captain Catnip said:

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, not laproscopic, and used panty liners inside oversized panties to press against my incision.

I ended up wearing leggings, surprisingly, because they actually felt like they helped after the 3rd day. I wore maxi dresses in public though.

Jul 16, 2019 16:46:12 GMT -5 cabbagecabbage said:

I had a laproscopic hysterectomy this spring. I liked trashy easy read books, adult coloring books, etc. I was in bed for days and I burnt out on TV quickly. I really appreciated food/gift cards. I swear I'm not a contrarian but I had no issues wearing loose pajama pants and prefered them because they didn'tbunch up i
bed .

I've already ordered the maxi dress, and I know she has lots of leggings/sweats, and PJs.  I just want her to have options. 

[sweetiesparkles]

I dropped off a very soft fuzzy blanket for my girlfriend at the hospital and she actually used it in recovery as she was freezing after surgery.

[erbear]

This might not be for everyone, but I gave my friend a plushy uterus pillow and she loved it. She said it made her laugh and it was comfortable. Also food and hanging out when she is ready for company.

[ellipses84]

I had a total laparoscopic a few months ago. My sister had one like a year before that. A cute straw cold cup or water bottle is a good reminder to hydrate. Mothers milk laxative tea was a gift from my sis. Another friend got me a little pillow with a pocket that holds a hot/cold pack and that was amazing!