What Happens After my Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. There are several types of treatment that can be tried before the surgery is recommended, as a final approach. There are different types of hysterectomy performed for different conditions so you might just have your uterus removed, but ovaries, tubes and cervix may also be taken.

There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a hysterectomy.

Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no stitches. This method isn’t suitable for every woman; a lot depends on her medical condition, her age and her general health.

Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Usually a catheter is inserted during a hysterectomy and stays in place for the first day or two to help drain urine and pain medication will be given to relief discomfort.

You will be kept in bed for the first day and then encouraged to walk around a little each day. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in the legs. The length of the hospital stay differs according to the type of procedure; from three or four days for vaginal hysterectomy patients to six or seven days for abdominal hysterectomy patients.

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 your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking.

You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. You can expect some discharge and bleeding from the vagina after your hysterectomy, but you should see your doctor if it continues. Menopause symptoms are not uncommon after having had a hysterectomy, but they should ease after a few days. The symptoms you may experience are hot flashes and sweating, confusion and anxiety and feeling like crying unexpectedly. If these symptoms continue, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy.

A hysterectomy will not affect your sex drive, except in a positive way. vaginal lubricants help to remove any discomfort of vaginal dryness which is common after the ovaries are removed. Your body needs time to heal and so abstaining from sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks after your surgery is recommended.

Many younger women feel a sense of loss after their hysterectomy and may have other emotional issues. These symptoms don’t last very long because most women feel so much better in themselves. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. A physicians can always give you good information on after hysterectomy, Complete Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.

Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. Your recovery will be enhanced with a little exercise like this and give you something positive to do. Recovery from a hysterectomy cannot be rushed; you will be tired and you need the full recovery period to regain your strength.

Your doctor should be consulted for all medical advise