During a hysterectomy the uterus is removed by the surgeon. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. The different kinds of hysterectomy include removal of just the uterus, removal of the uterus and the cervix or the ovaries and tubes might be removed as well.
While there are many reasons why a hysterectomy is indicated, the most common is painful heavy periods in a woman who has finished having children. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor will explain why you have been advised to have the procedure.
You may have a vaginal or an abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery time after a vaginal hysterectomy is often short and with less pain because there has been no incision or stitches. The reason for the need for surgery, the general health of the patient and her age are all factors that will be considered to assess a woman’s suitability for this method.
Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Hospital staff will offer you medication to relieve any pain and you may have a catheter to help pass urine for a day or two.
Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. This walking soon after surgery is to limit the occurrence of blood clots. Vaginal hysterectomy patients are usually discharged after 3 or 4 days but abdominal hysterectomy patients have a hospital stay of up to one week.
You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
You can expect some symptoms during your recovery. Vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy but this should ease after about two weeks. After a hysterectomy, some women will have menopause-type symptoms, lasting for a few days to a week. Menopause symptoms include things like crying, confusion, sweats, hot flashes and feeling anxious. Some women, whose symptoms persist, are prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) by their doctors.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. Patients who have had their ovaries removed may experience some dryness of the vagina, but you are able to relieve any discomfort by taking estrogen or using a vaginal lubricant. it is best to avoid having sex for six weeks or so after your hysterectomy so that your body has time to heal completely.
You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. Some women experience lasting issues following their hysterectomy, but doctors have treatments they can use. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy recovery, Complete Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Make sure you start off slowly and then gradually lengthen your walks in time or distance. Make sure to keep the exercise manageable and it will help you recover faster and more completely. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason – this time is needed to make a full recovery.
Warning this is not medical advise
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