If you’re preparing for a hysterectomy and searching for must-haves for your hysterectomy recovery, I’ve been there, and I know it’s a lot to process.
Whether you’re having surgery due to cancer, abnormal PAP smears, endometriosis, or another reason, one thing is certain: recovery is no joke.
But with the right prep, you can make it as smooth and comfortable as possible.
I had a laparoscopic total hysterectomy, and while the minimally invasive approach meant an easier recovery compared to an open procedure, I quickly learned that “easier” doesn’t mean “easy.”
This is why I’m here to share the must-haves that helped me get through those first few weeks with as little discomfort as possible. Let’s dive in!
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Must-Haves for Hysterectomy Recovery
1. The Car Ride Home After a Hysterectomy: Tips for a More Comfortable Trip
Whether it’s a short drive or a long one, getting comfortable is key—because let’s be real, everything is tender, and every bump in the road feels like a personal attack on your abdomen.
I’ve been there, and I promise, a few simple tricks can make all the difference.
Pain Management Before You Leave
Make sure to take your pain meds about 30 minutes before you leave the hospital (if allowed by your doctor). This way, they’ll kick in before you start moving around too much.
Watch Out for the Car Door and Getting In/Out
Getting into the car can be tricky when your core is out of commission. Here’s what helped me:
- Sit down first, then swing your legs in together rather than one at a time.
- Hold onto something sturdy (the car door or dashboard) for balance instead of using your abs.
- If your car is high off the ground, a small step stool can help.
The Seatbelt Situation
One of the biggest discomforts on the ride home is the seatbelt pressing against your incisions.
Since I live a short drive from the hospital (15 minutes), I used my daughter’s Squishmallow as a cushion between my belly and the seatbelt, and let me tell you—it was a lifesaver.
If you don’t have a Squishmallow handy, a small pillow, a folded-up blanket, or even a stuffed animal works.
If your car drive is longer, some women swear by cushioned seatbelt covers. They offer just enough padding to keep the belt secure but not pressing too hard.
Some women also found it useful to wear a abdominal binder which can also help with the jarring feeling of bumps and sudden stops
Recline, But Not Too Much
Sitting up too straight can put pressure on your core, but reclining too far back can make it hard to get out of the car. Try adjusting the seat to a slight recline so you’re comfortable but still supported.
Keep Essentials Within Reach
Have a small bag with:
- A water bottle: staying hydrated is key for recovery.
- A plastic bag or small trash bag: just in case nausea hits.
- Ginger chews or mints: to help with any queasiness
- Lip balm: hospitals leave you feeling super dry.
- Honey drops or candy: soar throat commonly caused by the intubation tube used during surgery.
Take It Slow and Plan for Breaks
If you have a long drive home, schedule stops to stretch and shift positions.
Sitting too long can make you stiff and sore, so even a couple of minutes standing up can help.
Some women recommend compression socks to help with circulation if the drive is long.
Wear the Right Clothes
Loose, comfy clothes are a must.
Anything with a soft waistband or no waistband at all (think a loose dress or oversized pajama pants) is ideal.
Your belly will likely be swollen, so opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
I personally wore a maxi dress, a sweater (since my surgery was in January) and some loved in sneakers and the socks I got at the hospital 🙂
I didn’t want to try and bend down to change my socks so I simply put my shoes on with my hospital socks. And went on my merry way home.
2. Hysterectomy Recovery – Pain Management & Comfort Items
Prescribed & Over-the-Counter Medications
Must-Haves for Hysterectomy Recovery: your pain medication.
Your doctor will likely prescribe pain meds, but don’t forget about:
- gas relief (trapped air from surgery)
- stool softeners
- and anti-nausea meds (I used ginger tea instead)
Trust me, you don’t want to be dealing with constipation while your abdomen is healing.
Heating Pad or Warm Compress
Gas pain post-surgery was way worse than I expected.
A heating pad was my best friend for easing discomfort, especially in my shoulders (where that trapped gas likes to travel).
Pillow for Abdominal Support
I quickly learned the “hug a pillow” trick when sneezing, coughing, or getting up.
Holding a pillow (in my case, my daughters Squishmallow) against my stomach helped reduce pain and kept me from feeling like my insides were shifting.
3. Hysterectomy Recovery – Rest & Sleep Aids
Recliner or Adjustable Bed Setup
If you have a recliner, you might just fall in love with it. Lying flat in bed was uncomfortable at first, and having the option to sleep slightly elevated was a game-changer.
This is where a Wedge Pillow is key to keep you comfortable and avoid some of the gas pain you will be experiencing the first few days port surgery.
Sleep Mask & Earplugs
I’m a light sleeper, and with all the weird sleep patterns post-surgery, these helped me rest whenever I could.
With the pain medication and overall exhaustion, you will find yourself sleeping whenever possible.
And sleep is a great way to allow your body to heal.
I personally need absolute darkness to be able to sleep and thats why I wear sleep masks.
And can’t go without my Loop earplugs.
4. Hysterectomy Recovery – Bathroom & Hygiene Essentials
Dry Shampoo
It may be a few days before you have the energy to wash your hair.
Using a dry shampoo can be a great option (in the beginning) if you are trying to avoid overexerting myself.
The Amika talc-free dry shampoo has a ton of great reviews.
Stool Softeners & Fiber Supplements
Pain meds + surgery = constipation.
Your doctor will prescribe stool softeners along with your pain medication. You should take them, especially the first few days.
Another great thing to do is add fiber to your diet as a natural way to help your body start getting things moving again.
If fiber supplements is something you prefer, then Vitafusion Fiber Well Sugar Free Fiber Gummies Supplement are a good option to try.
Peri Bottle or Soft Toilet Paper
I didn’t realize how sensitive my whole pelvic area would feel post-surgery.
A peri bottle (the kind they give you after childbirth) made bathroom trips much gentler.
The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle is a must! Especially the first few days when your core is so sore and you can barely twist and turn.
5. Hysterectomy Recovery – Nutrition & Hydration
Gentle, Easy-to-Digest Foods
Soup, broths, smoothies, and light meals were my go-to for the first few days.
Your digestive system might be sluggish, so ease into solid foods.
Chia podding or over-night oats are a great option for something easy to eat/make that is tasty and full of fiber.
I used my Overnight Oats Container and had a few ready in the fridge for whenever I got hungry.
Hydration Helpers
A giant water bottle with a straw was a must. Staying hydrated helped with healing, digestion, and energy levels.
Anti-Bloating Teas & Supplements
Peppermint tea and simethicone (Gas-X) were lifesavers for post-surgery bloating and gas pain. Other great teas to help with bloating include:
- Ginger Tea – Aids digestion and reduces inflammation.
- Chamomile Tea – Helps with relaxation and digestive discomfort.
- Fennel Tea – Known for its ability to reduce gas and bloating.
- Dandelion Tea – Acts as a mild diuretic and helps with fluid retention.
- Hibiscus Tea – Rich in antioxidants and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can help with digestion and bloating while also supporting overall hydration.
Drinking these teas warm, rather than hot, helped me feel more comfortable without irritating my sensitive stomach.
6. Hysterectomy Recovery – Entertainment & Mental Well-Being
Books, Podcasts, or Audiobooks
I didn’t have the energy to focus on anything too complex, so I stuck to lighthearted books and easy-listening podcasts.
Learn from my mistake… do NOT watch anything funny! Your core is really sore and anything like laughing, sneezing, and coughing is quite painful.
Streaming Services & Low-Energy Hobbies
Binge-watching shows? 100% necessary.
I also spent hours playing with Pinterest and making boards for future projects I’m interested in doing once I feel better.
I love anything gardening and even though a bunch of my plants end up not making it, I always come back for more 🙂
Support System & Online Communities
Joining an online hysterectomy recovery group can be incredibly reassuring.
I personally loved watching Tiktok’s from other women, it really helped get an idea of what to expect and be better prepared.
7. Hysterectomy Recovery – Movement & Recovery Tools
Small Step Stool or Walking Cane
Getting in and out of bed was a challenge at first. A small step stool can come in handy.
And if your core feels too sore when walking, you can add a walking cane or simply use an umbrella to help relieve some of the strain.
Gentle Stretching & Walking Plan
Walking a little each day was essential to prevent blood clots and keep my circulation going. My goal was just a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing as I felt stronger.
8. Hysterectomy Recovery – Emotional & Hormonal Support
Journaling or Therapy Options
Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
Recovering from a hysterectomy is a deeply personal journey, both physically and emotionally.
Journaling can be a powerful tool during this time, helping you process your feelings, track your healing progress, and reduce stress.
Writing about your daily experiences can provide clarity, help you notice patterns in your recovery (like pain levels or energy fluctuations), and serve as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care.
Emotionally, a hysterectomy can bring up a mix of feelings—relief, grief, frustration, or even newfound freedom.
Journaling allows you to express these emotions without judgment and work through them at your own pace.
It can also be a space to celebrate small victories, like getting out of bed more easily or walking a little farther each day.
For example: The 6-Minute Diary – Gratitude Journal with Prompts.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (If Needed)
Hormonal therapy after a hysterectomy helps manage symptoms of estrogen loss, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss—especially if your ovaries were removed.
It can improve energy, sleep, and overall well-being.
Talk to your doctor about HRT options to find the best balance for your body and needs.
Self-Compassion & Realistic Expectations
I had to remind myself constantly: healing takes time.
It’s okay to rest.
It’s okay to ask for help.
You are not weak for needing support.
To Summarize
Recovery from a hysterectomy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay.
The key is to be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and give yourself the time you need to heal.
If you’re about to have surgery, I hope this list helps you feel more prepared. And if you’re in the middle of recovery right now—hang in there, you’ve got this!
It took me about the third week to start feeling normal again. and, now that I’m at week 4 I feel as if I never had the surgery to begin with. Feeling great 🙂
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