How Long is Recovery After Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.
By far the most common reason for needing a hysterectomy is menstrual problems in an older woman. 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.
There are two methods of performing the surgery; the vaginal and the abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery time after a vaginal hysterectomy is often short and with less pain because there has been no incision or 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. Walking reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. The stay in hospital for women who have had a vaginal hysterectomy is 3 or 4 days; for those who have had an adbominal hysterectomy, it is closer to one week.
You will need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
During your recovery, expect some symptoms. Some vaginal discharge and bleeding is normal for a week or so after a hysterectomy; if this continues, speak to your doctor. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. 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.
Many women are worried about how a hysterectomy will affect their sex drive but most women report an improvement in this area. Patients who have had their ovaries removed may experience some dryness of the vagina, but you are able to relieve any discomfort by taking estrogen or using a vaginal lubricant. You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after your hysterectomy, to allow your body to heal.
You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. Always consult your doctor when trying to find out info on hysterectomy recovery, Complete Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. 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. 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!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.