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. 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. Other reasons include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapse of the uterus, problems during pregnancy or childbirth and some cancers. 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. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. This hysterectomy method is not suitable for all women and her condition and level of general health are taken into consideration.
Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Pain relief is given in hospital and you will possibly have a catheter in place for a day or two to drain urine away.
Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. 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 your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking.
You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. 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. Some women, whose symptoms persist, are prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) by their doctors.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. A common symptom in patients who have also had ovaries removed is dryness of the vagina, but you can get relief with taking estrogen and vaginal lubricants. The body takes time to heal and so allow about 6 weeks for complete recovery before having sex again.
Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. After a hysterectomy, most women feel so much stronger physically, that the symptoms don’t last for very long. Some women experience lasting issues following their hysterectomy, but doctors have treatments they can use. A physicians can always give you good information on hysterectomy surgery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
About 3 weeks after your surgery, start taking short walks to help get your fitness back and prevent putting on weight. Start slowly and increase the distance you walk gradually. Make sure to keep the exercise manageable and it will help you recover faster and more completely. You will need the full recovery time so it is important not to push yourself to recover sooner.
Warning this is not medical advise
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