Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. 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.
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. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis 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. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. 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.
You should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had 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.
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. This light walking is to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels of 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. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.
There will be certain symptoms you can expect during recovery. Vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy but this should ease after about two weeks. After a hysterectomy, some women will have menopause-type symptoms, lasting for a few days to a week. 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 should abstain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after your hysterectomy, to allow your body to heal.
Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. 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 recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Start slowly and increase the distance you walk gradually. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. Recovery from a hysterectomy cannot be rushed; you will be tired and you need the full recovery period to regain your strength.
Warning this is not medical advise