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. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask for a full explanation from the doctor of the reasons why you need a hysterectomy.
The two methods of performing the surgery are vaginal and abdominal. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no stitches. Not all women are candidates for this method; it depends on the reason the surgery is required, the age and general health of the patient.
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.
For the first day or two after your operation, you will remain in bed but then will be helped to get up and walk around. This light walking is to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels of the legs. Patients who have had a vaginal procedure stay in hospital for about 3 or 4 days whereas those who have had abdominal surgery stay for 6 to 7 days.
Your body needs time to heal so make sure you allow at least six weeks, maybe eight, to regain your strength. It is important to rest during this time and don’t do any heavy housework, stretching or lifting.
You can expect 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. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Many women are worried about how a hysterectomy will affect their sex drive but most women report an improvement in this area. vaginal lubricants help to remove any discomfort of vaginal dryness which is common after the ovaries are removed. it is best to avoid having sex for six weeks or so after your hysterectomy so that your body has time to heal completely.
Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. Because the majority of women feel so much stronger these few symptoms quickly fade. Your doctor is the person to ask about any concerns you have about symptoms that seem to be staying with you. A physicians can always give you good information on hysterectomy surgery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. You will need the full recovery time so it is important not to push yourself to recover sooner.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!