Information On Hysterectomy and What You Need To Know
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 | 1:53 pmA hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. The different kinds of hysterectomy include removal of just the uterus, removal of the uterus and the cervix or the ovaries and tubes might be removed as well.
While there are many reasons why a hysterectomy is indicated, the most common is painful heavy periods in a woman who has finished having children. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a hysterectomy.
There are two methods of performing the surgery; the vaginal and the abdominal hysterectomy. The recovery time after a vaginal hysterectomy is often short and with less pain because there has been no incision or 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. 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.
After a day or so of bed rest, you will be allowed up and you need to walk for a while each day. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in the legs. The stay in hospital for women who have had a vaginal hysterectomy is 3 or 4 days; for those who have had an adbominal hysterectomy, it is closer to one week.
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 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. Some women experience menopause symptoms, which last a few days. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. 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.
Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. 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. Always consult your doctor when trying to find out info on hysterectomy recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
Three weeks after you come home, start having a daily short walk to improve your fitness and enhance your recovery. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. Your recovery will be enhanced with a little exercise like this and give you something positive to do. 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
—author
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