What Can I Expect From a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. 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.

The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers 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. The vaginal hysterectomy doesn’t require an abdominal incision and so the recovery time is shorter and less pain is experienced. This method isn’t right for all patients because it may not be feasible considering the individual’s reason for surgery and the general health and age.

You should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had an abdominal hysterectomy. 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.

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. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in 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.

You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. It is important to rest during this time and don’t do any heavy housework, stretching or lifting.

During your recovery, expect some symptoms. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. Menopause symptoms include things like crying, confusion, sweats, hot flashes and feeling anxious. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

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. The body takes time to heal and so allow about 6 weeks for complete recovery before having sex again.

Some women experience psychological and emotional symptoms after hysterectomy, including a sense of loss or feeling less of a woman, especially younger women. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. 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 surgery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.

You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. Recovery periods can be a bit boring so the exercise will give you something to do as well as helping your recovery. You will find that you are very tired and will need the full six weeks to recover fully.

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!