What to Expect When Having a 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. There are different types of hysterectomy performed for different conditions so you might just have your uterus removed, but ovaries, tubes and cervix may also be taken.
The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. There are other reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended - uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, childbirth complications and cancer. The doctor you are seeing is the best person to ask why you need to have the hysterectomy.
Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Without needing an incision in the abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy patient will usually recover faster and will be less bothered by pain. Not all women are candidates for this method; it depends on the reason the surgery is required, the age and general health of the patient.
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.
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 length of the hospital stay differs according to the type of procedure; from three or four days for vaginal hysterectomy patients to six or seven days for abdominal hysterectomy patients.
Your body needs time to heal so make sure you allow at least six weeks, maybe eight, to regain your strength. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
During your recovery, expect some symptoms. Speak to the doctor if the normal vaginal discharge or bleeding continues for more than two weeks. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. In cases where the symptoms don’t go away, doctors may prescribe some hormone replacement therapy to alleviate the discomfort.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. However, if your ovaries have been removed, you may experience vaginal dryness, which can be helped by using a vaginal lubricant or taking estrogen. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.
Many younger women feel a sense of loss after their hysterectomy and may have other emotional issues. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. Always consult your doctor when trying to find out info on hysterectomy recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
Three weeks after you come home, start having a daily short walk to improve your fitness and enhance your recovery. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. It is important not to push yourself; you will need the full 6 weeks for a full recovery and many women require 8 weeks.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!
