During a hysterectomy the uterus is removed by the surgeon. This surgery is required when other treatments have not been successful in relieving the woman’s symptoms. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.
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. The doctor you are seeing is the best person to ask why you need to have the hysterectomy.
There are two methods of performing the surgery; the vaginal and the abdominal hysterectomy. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no 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. Analgesics are administered in the hospital to give relief; a catheter is usually inserted during the surgery for urine to pass and this will remain in place for 24 to 48 hours.
Complete bed rest is maintained for the first 24 to 36 hours after the surgery, and then patients are encouraged to get up to walk around a little and maybe to shower. This light walking is to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels of the legs. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.
Recovery is continued at home for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the wound to heal, abdominal muscles to strengthen and the emotional aspects of surgery to settle. Arrange someone to help you during your recovery period so you can avoid any heavy lifting, stretching or bending.
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. Some women experience menopause symptoms, which last a few days. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. 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. A common symptom in patients who have also had ovaries removed is dryness of the vagina, but you can get relief with taking estrogen and vaginal lubricants. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.
You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. After a hysterectomy, most women feel so much stronger physically, that the symptoms don’t last for very long. If you find that some of these issues are continuing, ask your doctor for advice. You should always consult a doctor when needing information on hysterectomy recovery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
About 3 weeks after your surgery, start taking short walks to help get your fitness back and prevent putting on weight. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. Recovery periods can be a bit boring so the exercise will give you something to do as well as helping your recovery. Recovery from a hysterectomy cannot be rushed; you will be tired and you need the full recovery period to regain your strength.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!