Last month I had a hysterectomy. Some of what happened before the procedure was expected, but others were a complete surprise to me. If you are planning on having a hysterectomy, make sure you talk to your doctor and fully understand all that will take place before your procedure. Please note that your doctor's preparations may vary from mine, but you will likely be able to expect most of the following to occur before your hysterectomy.
Ultrasound examination
One of the first things that my doctor scheduled after my yearly exam indicated that I might need a hysterectomy is an ultrasound examination of my ovaries and uterus. This is not like the ultrasound you might have had while you were pregnant. This is what's called a transvaginal ultrasound, and is performed by inserting a wand in the vagina to get clear images of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding tissue.
Your ultrasound should be scheduled a few days after your period, so that the walls of the uterus are easier to examine. The exam itself is relatively painless, although you may feel some pressure as the technician moves the wand to get the best views needed by your doctor. On a positive note, you don't need a full bladder for this type of ultrasound.
Pre-op appointment at the hospital
I recently wrote an article about what to expect at your pre-op appointment. Besides lots of paperwork, you'll need to have an EKG, give a urine sample and have some blood drawn. You may also need a chest x-ray and possibly other exams depending on your health. Make sure to take your insurance card, identification and a list of medications you are taking to the hospital for this appointment. And as I mentioned in my previous article, plan on being there a while, as pre-op appointments can take hours.
Bowel prep
Oh, the worst surprise I had before my hysterectomy was the fact that I would have to perform a bowel prep before the surgery. I had no idea that would be necessary. I expected to do one sometime this year for my first colonoscopy, but thanks to the hysterectomy, I got some extra practice.
If you have never done a bowel prep, this is what you might expect. First, you will need to fast, consuming only liquids the day before your procedure. I was allowed a light breakfast, but after that, nothing but broth, Jell-O (not red) and clear liquids were allowed. You'll need to drink lots of liquids, especially water, to stay hydrated up until about midnight, after which no food or drinks are allowed.
In the afternoon or early evening, you will likely take a laxative, either in the form of a salty liquid or pills, depending on your doctor's instructions. This will serve to empty your colon and prep your bowel for surgery. Even though your hysterectomy will likely not involve your colon, your doctor will be working very close to your intestines and the bowel prep will help prevent infection in case of any complications.
Medicated douche
After your bowel prep is complete, and trust me, you'll know when it's over, your doctor may want you to use a medicated douche to help further prevent any chances of infection. These are available over the counter. One word of warning, though: medicated douches may contain iodine. If you are allergic or sensitive to iodine, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
At the hospital
Once you arrive at the hospital, you'll face a flurry of activity as nurses and doctors get you ready for your procedure. Try to relax. Although everything may seem hectic, before you know it you'll be sleeping and recovering from the surgery in your hospital room. And not long after that, you'll get to eat again, and if you're lucky, maybe you can get extra bacon with your breakfast the next morning. Go ahead and ask for it. You deserve it!
Ultrasound examination
One of the first things that my doctor scheduled after my yearly exam indicated that I might need a hysterectomy is an ultrasound examination of my ovaries and uterus. This is not like the ultrasound you might have had while you were pregnant. This is what's called a transvaginal ultrasound, and is performed by inserting a wand in the vagina to get clear images of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding tissue.
Your ultrasound should be scheduled a few days after your period, so that the walls of the uterus are easier to examine. The exam itself is relatively painless, although you may feel some pressure as the technician moves the wand to get the best views needed by your doctor. On a positive note, you don't need a full bladder for this type of ultrasound.
Pre-op appointment at the hospital
I recently wrote an article about what to expect at your pre-op appointment. Besides lots of paperwork, you'll need to have an EKG, give a urine sample and have some blood drawn. You may also need a chest x-ray and possibly other exams depending on your health. Make sure to take your insurance card, identification and a list of medications you are taking to the hospital for this appointment. And as I mentioned in my previous article, plan on being there a while, as pre-op appointments can take hours.
Bowel prep
Oh, the worst surprise I had before my hysterectomy was the fact that I would have to perform a bowel prep before the surgery. I had no idea that would be necessary. I expected to do one sometime this year for my first colonoscopy, but thanks to the hysterectomy, I got some extra practice.
If you have never done a bowel prep, this is what you might expect. First, you will need to fast, consuming only liquids the day before your procedure. I was allowed a light breakfast, but after that, nothing but broth, Jell-O (not red) and clear liquids were allowed. You'll need to drink lots of liquids, especially water, to stay hydrated up until about midnight, after which no food or drinks are allowed.
In the afternoon or early evening, you will likely take a laxative, either in the form of a salty liquid or pills, depending on your doctor's instructions. This will serve to empty your colon and prep your bowel for surgery. Even though your hysterectomy will likely not involve your colon, your doctor will be working very close to your intestines and the bowel prep will help prevent infection in case of any complications.
Medicated douche
After your bowel prep is complete, and trust me, you'll know when it's over, your doctor may want you to use a medicated douche to help further prevent any chances of infection. These are available over the counter. One word of warning, though: medicated douches may contain iodine. If you are allergic or sensitive to iodine, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
At the hospital
Once you arrive at the hospital, you'll face a flurry of activity as nurses and doctors get you ready for your procedure. Try to relax. Although everything may seem hectic, before you know it you'll be sleeping and recovering from the surgery in your hospital room. And not long after that, you'll get to eat again, and if you're lucky, maybe you can get extra bacon with your breakfast the next morning. Go ahead and ask for it. You deserve it!
