Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. The type of hysterectomy you will have will be determined by your condition, and you may just have the uterus removed, but some hysterectomies include removal of the cervix, ovaries and tubes.
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. Additional reasons are pregnancy or birthing problems, some cancers, prolapse of the uterus, 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 ways to perform this surgery; they are vaginal and abdominal. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. 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.
As with all surgical procedures, some discomfort and pain are to be expected, but this will be more severe with an abdominal hysterectomy. 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.
After a day or so of bed rest, you will be allowed up and you need to walk for a while each day. To reduce the possibility of clots in the legs, is why patients are taken for walks soon after surgery. 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. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
You will probably experience 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. It is quite common to have some menopause symptoms after your surgery, but these usually go away after several days. Some of the symptoms you may have are confusion, anxiety, sweating, hot flushes and emotional distress. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. 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.
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. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. A doctor should be the point of contact when trying to find info on hysterectomy recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.
Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. Start slowly and increase the distance you walk gradually. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. 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!
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