Facts About Your Hysterectomy Surgery

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. 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.

The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. 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. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no stitches. This method isn’t suitable for every woman; a lot depends on her medical condition, her age and her general health.

You will probably have some pain after your hysterectomy; more so if you had 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.

Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. This walking soon after surgery is to limit the occurrence of blood clots. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.

You will need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.

You can expect 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. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. 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. 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. Your body needs time to heal and so abstaining from sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks after your surgery is recommended.

Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. Some women experience lasting issues following their hysterectomy, but doctors have treatments they can use. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy recovery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. You will find that you are very tired and will need the full six weeks to recover fully.

Warning this is not medical advise