13 Must-Haves for Post-Hysterectomy Recovery

I don’t think this blog needs a wobble warning, but I do want you to be aware that my total hysterectomy was treatment for endometrial cancer.

I am a planner.  So, before my total hysterectomy, I did a lot of planning, organizing, preparing…  And now, 3+ weeks post-op, I’d like to share my suggestions for the 13 must-haves that I have found vital during post-hysterectomy recovery.  Before I share them, however, we need to get a bit of legalize out of the way…

The All-Important Disclaimers…

Not So Mommy…™ is designed to provide information and motivation to readers.  This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice.  The information contained in the blogs, pages, shops, emails, and social media posts is the sole expression and opinion of its author(s).  Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in the blogs, pages, shops, emails, and/or social media posts, you are taking full responsibility for your choices, actions, and results.  (If you’d like to read the entire Not So Mommy…™ Disclosure Policy, click here.)

Though I am an Amazon Associate, this blog does NOT contain any affiliate links.  Honestly, I think I’ve earned all of about 25 bucks via my Amazon affiliate links–if that.  And it’s a pain to set them up!  So, any product links in this post are just to make it simpler for you to find the stuff you want/need for your post-hysterectomy recovery.  I won’t earn a dime.  I just want to help.

Okay.  Now that we’ve gotten that handled, let’s talk about the 13 post-hysterectomy must-haves…

Must-Haves for Post-Hysterectomy Recovery

#1: Wedge Pillows

My husband has had numerous abdominal surgeries.  So, I knew that I would need to sleep on my back for a while after my hysterectomy.  As a side-sleeper who never sleeps on my back, I was concerned about getting comfy.  Also, I remembered how difficult it was to get out of bed after I had my laparoscopic endometriosis surgery.  And I wanted to make sure I would be comfortable on the sofa when resting in our snug.  All that to say, my first purchase to prepare for post-hysterectomy recovery was a set of wedge pillows.

After a bit of research, I decided on the 5-piece set from A2ZComfy.  They weren’t the cheapest, but they also weren’t the most expensive, either.  And though I could have saved a bit of money purchasing the 4-piece set, I’m glad I decided on the 5-piece.  Because while that small flat pillow that goes between the back wedge & knee wedge seems insignificant, it made a world of difference in my comfort.  Without it, my butt was too low, which caused my back to hurt.

I am currently hanging-out on our snug sofa—day 21 post-op—and I am still using two of the wedge pillows.  Post-op day 13 was the first night that I slept using only one of them.  Truly, my wedge pillow set was a necessary investment for my post-hysterectomy recovery.  (Please remember that rest is vital for healing, so you really do need a comfortable sleeping space.)

#2:  Hysterectomy Pillow

Upon the recommendation from a member of my online endometrial cancer support group, the second item I purchased for post-hysterectomy recovery was a hysterectomy pillow.  (I didn’t even know such a thing existed!)

As with the wedge pillows, I did a bit of research before purchasing the MOYOAMA Star Lounger (with straps) hysterectomy pillow.  As with the wedge pillows, I could have saved a few bucks by purchasing the pillow without straps.  But I am so grateful that I spent a bit more because those straps came in handy as I recovered.

The MOYOAMA hysterectomy pillow is washable, has a pocket where you can put an ice gel pack (included), another smaller pocket to keep items such as your phone, glasses, & TV remote, and a hand muff.  The adjustable straps allowed me to wear the pillow while walking around, which was extremely helpful as I needed to hold a bit of pressure on my abdomen for comfort.

I started using my hysterectomy pillow on the car ride home–putting the seatbelt around it instead of directly on my abdomen—and I am still using it today, 21 days post-op.  In fact, I have slept with it every night, as I’ve needed an ice pack to help control my pain.

#3:  TWO Ice Gel Packs

And on that note, I strongly suggest that you have TWO ice gel packs.  Luckily, we already had one in our freezer and the MOYOAMA hysterectomy pillow came with one.  I am so glad that we had two because I could use one while the other was getting cold in the freezer and then swap them out.

Now, if you are cold-natured like me, you might be thinking that you won’t be using ice packs.  Well, my post-op nurse specifically told me to use ice on my abdomen and heat on my back.  Ice helps with swelling.  And cold-natured or not, the ice gel pack does feel soothing on a swollen, post-hysterectomy abdomen.  I’m still using mine, though not quite as frequently.

#4:  Heating Pad

As I mentioned above, my post-op nurse suggested that I use a heating pad on my back.  We already had an extra-large heating pad that I used often because of my endo pain.  And where is it right now?  Behind me, keeping my back warm.  Plus, with all the resting/sitting/lying down, my back has gotten a bit stiff and sore.  So, the heating pad has helped with those aches.

#5: Loose, Comfy Nightgown

I am not a nightgown person.  In fact, I didn’t own a nightgown before my surgery.  On the recommendation of a woman in my online endometrial cancer support group, however, I purchased a long, flowy nightgown (with pockets) and I am so glad that I did!

On surgery day, I wore a pair of lounge pants with a matching crop top, oversized hoodie, and slip on shoes.  When we got home from surgery, Dane helped me into my nightgown.  I alternated wearing it and my biggest, coziest, comfiest PJs for a week.

Honestly, thinking about what you are going to wear on surgery day, during the first few days of recovery, to your post-op appointment (I wore loungewear) might seem silly…  But I promise that you’ll be glad you did.

#6:  Non-slip Slipper Socks

Speaking of clothes, get you some cozy, comfy, non-slip slipper socks.  I didn’t even realize I needed these.  My aerial community gifted me a care basket which included the cutest pair of non-slip Hello Kitty slipper socks.  After walking to the bathroom one time (with Dane’s assistance) in regular cozy socks, we quickly changed my footwear to my non-slip socks.  As the days progressed, I fell in love with these low-cut slipper socks even more because I could more easily put them on by myself.  Regular socks were quite difficult!  So, think about your footwear, too!

#7:  An Abdominal Binder

After sharing via social media that I was going to have a total hysterectomy, a former student suggested that I get an abdominal binder.  She stated that it was extremely helpful after her hysterectomy, especially as she started to become more mobile.

Now, two things about the abdominal binder…

One, I must give a WOBBLE WARNING to my childless ladies.  As you search for abdominal binders, “postpartum belly wraps” are going to show up.  Everywhere.  And many of the reviews will be from moms who have had c-sections.  So, if you’d like to skip all that…

After researching, I purchased the MAMODY abdominal binder.  It comes in two sizes, is one of the most reasonably priced abdominal binders I found, and it had a 4.4 rating when I purchased it.  Personally, I have found it beneficial, giving me support as I have begun to become more active.  (Though I caution you to not wear it too tight.)

The second thing I must tell you is…

I checked with my doctor before I started using the abdominal binder.  I encourage you to verify with your surgeon that wearing an abdominal binder is okay.

#8: Something to Cuddle

As with the non-slip slipper socks, I did not know that I’d need something to cuddle after surgery.  Included in my care basket was an Uoozii weighted cuddle dog.  Though he is warmable and coolable, I have not used that feature.  I have, however, cuddled him, used him as a pillow, used his legs under my back for support, and pet his soft, soft ears for comfort.  I named him “Zo,” and he has been by my side 24/7 since I arrived home.  At 4 pounds, he is well below the 10-pound limit, so I can carry him from my bed to the snug sofa without worry.  And he is machine-washable, but I haven’t given him a bath yet. 😊

#9: Cozy Blankets

Before surgery day, I washed all our linens, putting fresh sheets & blankets on our bed.  I, also, washed the blankets in our snug, making sure that my favorite was clean & ready for post-op recovery.

#10: Stuff To Do…

The day I got home from surgery, I went straight to bed.  I woke for a short time—enough to eat a few bites of chicken noodle soup & some saltine crackers.  Then, I slept through the night.  After eating breakfast in bed the next morning, I was ready to move to the snug.

One of my favorite things to watch is Christmas movies.  So, despite it being February, Dane and I had recorded numerous Hallmark, Lifetime, & Great American Family Christmas movies.  And I watched quite a few during my first few days of recovery.

By day 5, I was getting a bit stir-crazy.  Again, the care basket from my aerial community came to the rescue!  In it was included a pumpkin coloring book and a 24 pack of colored pencils.  I have spent hours coloring while a TV fire crackles in the background.  I’m also working on a Shutterfly project and plan to start organizing my photos this week.  Because there is only so much reality TV that one can binge…

#11: Stool Softener & Gas-X

Reality is that during surgery, they are going to fill your abdomen with air.  That means, after surgery, you are going to feel bloated.  On top of that, the pain meds are likely to cause constipation.  Because of this, my doctor prescribed a high-powered Gas-X for me to take.  And I took a stool softener once a day.  Because you truly need to be careful about straining your abdominal muscles too much.  (As with the abdominal binder, check with your doctor before taking any medications.)

#12: Pads

Immediately after surgery, plus two to four weeks later, you might experience some spotting.  Because you absolutely canNOT put anything in your vagina for six weeks after hysterectomy surgery, make sure you have some pads on hand.

#13: Help

Last, but not least, ask for help.

It isn’t easy to admit that we can’t do everything ourselves.  But after hysterectomy surgery, you will need help.  And while many will likely say, “Let me know if you need anything…”  YOU must be willing to actually tell them what you need.

As for me…  Yes, I took my own advice.

I asked my mom to fly out and visit.

I asked Dane to take a few days off work to be home with me.

I asked my aerial fam to help with home-cooked meals post-op.

I asked you, fabulous ones, for donations to help Dane and me purchase delivery meals during my recovery.

I asked for help.

Heck, even weeks post-op, when I was still struggling a bit with pain, I asked Dane to pick up my glasses that I’d accidentally dropped on the floor and to put my gel pack back in the freezer.

And allowing myself to ask for help…  It took (and takes) such a weight from my shoulders.

Some Final Thoughts…

Well, those are my recommendations for 13 must-haves for post-hysterectomy recovery.  And my one do NOT have…

Take OFF the smart watch!  Seriously, do NOT worry about how many steps you are getting!

Rest!

Heal!

Recover!

I took my watch off the night before surgery and didn’t put it back on until day 14 post-op.  And you know what happened on day 14?  I over-did it.  Because I was worried about how many hours I stood and how many steps I got.

Just listen to your body.

It’ll tell you when to move.

And when to rest.

If anything I wrote resonates with you, fabulous one, please tell us about it in the comments…

Fellow hyster-sisters, what was a must-have during your post-hysterectomy recovery?

Do you appreciate the work I’m doing here at Not So Mommy…

Featured Photo:  Created by me, using Canva