Facts About Hysterectomy Recovery
During a hysterectomy the uterus is removed by the surgeon. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. 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.
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. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. You probably know why a hysterectomy has been advised, but ask your doctor any questions you have.
There are two ways to perform this surgery; they 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. 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.
As with all surgical procedures, some discomfort and pain are to be expected, but this will be more severe with an abdominal hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, often the doctor inserts a catheter to help pass urine for the first twenty four to forty eight hours, and you will be offered analgesics for any pain.
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.
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. Some vaginal discharge and bleeding is normal for a week or so after a hysterectomy; if this continues, speak to your doctor. After a hysterectomy, some women will have menopause-type symptoms, lasting for a few days to a week. The symptoms you may experience are hot flashes and sweating, confusion and anxiety and feeling like crying unexpectedly. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Having had a hysterectomy should have no negative effect on your libido; many women report a positive change in this area. vaginal lubricants help to remove any discomfort of vaginal dryness which is common after the ovaries are removed. You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after your hysterectomy, to allow your body to heal.
Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. After a hysterectomy, most women feel so much stronger physically, that the symptoms don’t last for very long. Some women experience lasting issues following their hysterectomy, but doctors have treatments they can use. A doctor should be the point of contact when trying to find info on after hysterectomy, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
Three weeks after you come home, start having a daily short walk to improve your fitness and enhance your recovery. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason – this time is needed to make a full recovery.
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