One week post-hysterectomy: the honest truth about healing, hormones, and hope..
It’s been a full week since my hysterectomy.
Seven days.
A blur of pillows, pain meds, herbal tea, and people checking in.
Each day brought something new — discomfort, progress, questions, and even a little humour.
Here’s how the week unfolded.
Day 1: Recovery Begins
The day after surgery, Dr B came by. She was happy with how everything went – there were some fibroids in my uterus (which could explain the extreme periods lately), but everything else looked clear.
Good news. Relief.
I actually slept surprisingly well, even with the annoying leg pumps and catheter. Not the most comfortable combo, but manageable.
Today’s goal? Shower after breakfast. (Small wins.)
Day 2: Rest Mode
Another solid night’s sleep.
But today, I felt a bit dizzy and drained, so I listened to my body and did… very little.
A visit from my brother and his wife, and my E friend, was a precious change.
A little walk with each visitor helped get me on my feet and gently back into my body.
The pain’s still there, but thankfully, the sweet provision of drugs makes it manageable.
Day 3: Moving Again (and I mean that literally)
Another decent sleep. And since I was due to leave hospital the next day, I gave myself a mission — movement. Bowel and body.
Glamorous? No. Necessary? Absolutely.
To help things along, I made myself a real coffee with full cream milk and a real custard (no lactose free here). Desperate times.
Three slow corridor walks, full cream goodness, a little pharmaceutical support — and we had a movement.
Again – it’s the small things.
Day 4: Rest & Wondering
Back at E’’s house now. Pain meds in hand, discharge notes by my bed, and a whole lot of resting ahead.
No lifting for 6 weeks. Hardcore resting for 2. Message received.
But in the quiet, I found myself wondering: How exactly was my uterus removed? And… where did it go?
No one really talks about that part. It feels odd to lose an organ and not even know what happened to it.
Day 5: Visitors & Videos
Sleep was rough — nothing compares to an electric hospital bed.
Once I finally drifted off around midnight, I managed okay.
Today was full.
A visitor, a lunch date, and a podcast debrief had me completely wrecked.
Later that night, I watched a few hysterectomy surgery videos – I mean pretty gross, but it reminded me why I need to keep resting.
Even if I can’t see the surgical site, it happened.
The healing is real — even if it’s hidden.
Day 6: Doing a Bit Too Much?
I did a bit of work today — updated the Farmers Across Borders website and set up Still Counselling’s POS system.
Another lunch catch-up, then I crashed on the couch and binged Lord of the Rings.
Mentally, I’m ticking along.
Physically, my body’s reminding me: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Healing isn’t the time to be hyper-productive.
Day 7: Heading Home
I’m sore today. And a little anxious — REX flights are notoriously unreliable, and I’m in no mood for airport drama.
I’m so blessed to have a Perth home that cared for me — but I need to get home to spend time with family.
One week post-op and I feel… all over the place.
I’m sore, I’m good.
I’m emotional, and I’m tired.
This week was messy, slow, and a little desperate in ways I didn’t expect.
I didn’t bounce back (much to my disgust). I crept forward.
And that’ll do, for now.
Written by: Christiane Smith