How to Make a Hysterectomy Pillow & Lava Sand Heating Wrap/Pad

Quilty Hysterectomy Recovery Comforts

Are you or someone you know getting a hysterectomy? I see you. I went on my own hysterectomy journey at the age of 49 in September 2024, and I made a few 'quilty' comforts for the 'occasion'. Particularly two, which were extremely helpful during my recovery. Did you know this surgery is the second most common surgery in women (C- Section is first)? I did not know this until I did more research, and I was shocked at how many of my sweet email subscribers and social media followers had been through it too!

After getting so many messages about my hysterectomy pillow & lava sand neck heating pad wrap that I made for myself out of Cottage Farmhouse Fusion by Maureen Fiorellini of Studio E Fabrics, I decided to make tutorials so that you can make your own or as a gift for someone about to embark on the hysterectomy recovery journey. As a 2024 Benartex Ambassador, I selected the lovely Cottage Core fabric collection by Jessica Flick to use for these tutorials. At the end of this blog, I also share some other tips, non-sewing related, that were very helpful for me and my recovery. It's my sincere hope that you find them helpful as well.

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The hysterectomy pillow, lava sand neck heating pad and Fray Boxes quilt I made for my recovery.

The Hysterectomy Pillow

I saw a similar one on Amazon and then one in an online hysterectomy group, so I reverse engineered how to make one that worked for me. The purpose of this pillow is to protect your stomach after surgery. Protect it from what? Cats, dogs, the seatbelt, a cough or a sneeze! Let me tell you, those things can hurt your stomach after surgery otherwise. The middle of the pillow is held up against your stomach while you rest your arms in the curves of the sides of the pillow. The pocket in the front is to hold your cell phone, tissue, cough drops, tv remote and/or Chapstick. The pocket facing your belly is to hold an ice or heating pack.

I made mine reversable by using a different print for the front and back of the pillow.

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I used mine on the 2-hr drive home from the AIRBNB we stayed at the night after surgery. I highly suggest this if you are having your surgery more than an hour from home. I felt every bump, even with a pain killer and my husband being careful with potholes and the like. You just put your seatbelt strap over the pillow which prevents it from being smashed up against your 'swelly' and tender belly. I also had a bit of a cough due to the tube they put down my throat during surgery so I would hold the pillow up tight against me when I coughed. Lastly, I have two sweet kitty's who are snugglers and usually lay on my stomach. This pillow kept my tender belly and four small incisions safe from their kitty paws and heavy bodies. This pillow could also be used for any type of abdominal surgery to include a c-section.

Me resting with my fur babies during recovery.

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Here's the tutorial to make your own hysterectomy pillow.

Hysterectomy Lava Sand Neck Heating Wrap/Pad

How you might be thinking, why is this for my neck when my stomach is what hurts. Let me tell you....GAS!! My surgery was robotic laparoscopic, so they filled my abdominal cavity full of carbon dioxide to create room for all of the instruments used by the Di Vinci robot (surgeon is behind the console). That gas has to come out of your body and although surgeons try to get out as much as they can, they can't get it all. It becomes trapped in your body until you can pass it and I'm sure you can guess what two ways that happens. The place the gas often goes is all around your shoulders and neck. Having a long rectangular heating pad is so helpful for that pain (along with walking and peppermint tea).

I decided to use something special called Lavayoo Lava Sand, since any type of grain will eventually go bad and stink. Plus, you want to be able to wash it after sweating on it with use.

You will need most of a 6lb bag of Lavayoo Sand.

By using Lava Sand it will never go rancid, and you can wash it (soak in the sink or tub). It's easy to make and you just heat it up in the microwave for 2 min. Just make sure you use 100% cotton fabrics and thread. It takes almost a full 6 lb bag to make one. Why real Lavayoo lava sand? Here's what makes it great:

Pain Relief: Heating pads have been used for centuries to relieve pain and stiffness. Rare lava sand slowly releases a dry radiant heat to warm and soothe pain.

Deep Soothing Pressure: Just like a weighted blanket lava sand applies deep soothing pressure to relieve anxiety and stress.

Completely Oderless: Lava sand doesn't rot, mold, or burn like rice. It's completely unscented.​

Moldable: The fine lava sand easily molds and conforms to your body, hot or cold.

Microwavable: It can be heated up in the microwave just like a rice bag, but it stays hotter longer.

Freezable: Even when frozen it molds to the body and slowly and comfortably releases the coolness.

Cottage Core Stripe Multi by Jessica Flick for Benartex

Learn how to make your own Lava Sand Neck Heating Wrap/Pad!

Other Helpful Hysterectomy Recovery Items & Tips

First, I am not a doctor so the information I share is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor/surgeon on what is best for your specific recovery. I am simply sharing what worked well for me. Many of these tips came from joining an amazing hysterectomy support group on Facebook called Hysterectomy Sisters six months before my surgery date. I'm forever thankful to the women who went before me and shared so much to prepare me for surgery as well as support me in recovery when things happened along the way. It can be frightening as well as embarrassing when certain things happen or don't happen to your body so it's nice to have a safe place to get support. The group is private, and you can post anonymously. I can't stress this enough but FOLLOW ALL OF YOUR DOCTOR'S ORDERS. They exist for a reason. You want to heal well- you have one shot at that so don't try to be superwoman. Ask for what you need from loved ones.

Supplies I bought before surgery and used (some are in my Amazon Store via affiliate link):

• Belly Binder

• Compression Socks (to help prevent blood clots)

• Disposable Underwear (these were so helpful the first four nights for heaving bleeding)

• Wedge Pillow for reclining in bed

• Soft roomy nightgowns (my quilty friend sent me one)

• Granny panties that are 2 sizes bigger than you normally wear (you swell)

• Pantyliners for light spotting

• Slip on shoes (you can't bend over for a while)

• Bedside rolling cart (I used my 3-tiered on from my quilting studio)

• Shower chair since baths aren't allowed for a while (I had to use this for four weeks to shave my legs)

• Body wipes

• Biafine Cream (it's French and a magic cream that helps heal scars)

• Lip balm

• Gum (helps with gas)

Supplements I took for healing:

• Calms (calcium magnesium) to relax your muscles, poop and sleep

• Multi vitamin (I take Gruns Gummies)

• Zinc

• Elderberry (immune support)

• Arnica Montana 30x HPUS (for bruising, swelling and pain)

• Life Space Erogen Probiotic w/Cranberry (my bladder was not happy after a catheter)

• Turmeric (natural anti-inflammatory)

• Vitamin C (a lot of it!)

• Living Collagen (helped me heal faster)

• Dulcolax Stool Soften (I took 3x a day)

• Rector Electrolytes (variety pack)

• Gax X (this was the hardest part of recovery....all the gas 😔)

• Ibuprofen and Tylenol (I rotate them every 6 hrs). Note: I did take pain pills the first 4 days

• Peppermint tea (for gas)

Food that helped:

• For the first 4 days I stayed on a liquid diet because the anesthesia and pain pills cause constipation, so I did not want a painful poop! I drank bone broth, protein shakes (Ensure Moca was delish!), apple sauce, prune juice, organic low sugar popsicles, coffee (helps you poop) and ALOT of water.

• On day 5, I was off pain pills and progressed to soft foods (no fast or junk foods). I can't stress enough how helpful it was to eat clean for easy BM's and healing. We found Banza Chickpea Mac & Cheese which had high protein and was yummy and I am normally not a pasta person. I also ate a lot of salads and fruits, sweet potatoes, and nuts. No dairy yet.

• On day 15, I started introducing chicken, shrimp and ground lamb in my evening meal, which my husband made.

Self-Care tips that helped:

• Make sure you have someone to help you those first 4 weeks at a minimum. I could not lift more than 10lbs for 8 weeks. That means no carrying laundry, vacuuming, sweeping or much bending. My husband has been a rock star and has done everything! 🧡

• Start reading about surgically induced menopause before surgery. It can still happen even if you get to keep your ovaries. Honestly, it's 12-weeks post op for me as I write this article, and my hormones (aka weight gain, dry skin, lack of energy, feeling down) are what I'm struggling with the most as we try to figure out what's good balance is for my Estradiol, Progesterone and Testosterone levels. I suggest The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Clare Haver. Currently, it's the #1 New York Times best seller and she discusses all of your HRT (hormone replacement therapy) options. This HRT FB group is helpful also. It's A JOURNEY so be patience with yourself for the first year, which I'm trying hard to do.

• REST. REST. REST. Then REST some more.

• I started walking one mile about three day a week at the 4-week mark and then up to two miles most days at the 9-week mark. It's been good for my body and my spirits.

• Learn how to roll out of bed that first week. I found this video very helpful.

• These are the exercises I did in bed to help prevent blood clots and speed up recovery.

• I didn't plan travel for 9 weeks since I didn't feel tip top and couldn't lift luggage.

• I started pelvic floor therapy (four sessions) to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles. This helps prevent a prolapse, which can be common after a hysterectomy.

Parting Words

If you or someone you love is having this surgery, I wish for you/them a speedy and easy recovery. Remember this surgery is major and no joke so try to do all you can to make it as comfortable and smooth as possible. The surgeon I found was the expert in my state so that gave me peace of mind. As you probably guessed, I am in the middle of making him a 'thank you quilt'. Take your time in finding a good one as well. I can't wait to see your pillows and lava sand heating pads so feel free to tag me on social media so I can share and cheer you on!

Make Lovely Things,

Belle 🔔