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. 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.
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. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a 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. The reason for the need for surgery, the general health of the patient and her age are all factors that will be considered to assess a woman’s suitability for this method.
Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Usually a catheter is inserted during a hysterectomy and stays in place for the first day or two to help drain urine and pain medication will be given to relief discomfort.
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. Walking reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. 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. Arrange someone to help you during your recovery period so you can avoid any heavy lifting, stretching or bending.
You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. You can expect some discharge and bleeding from the vagina after your hysterectomy, but you should see your doctor if it continues. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. 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. 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. 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. These symptoms don’t last very long because most women feel so much better in themselves. Some women experience lasting issues following their hysterectomy, but doctors have treatments they can use. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
About 3 weeks after your surgery, start taking short walks to help get your fitness back and prevent putting on weight. Make sure you start off slowly and then gradually lengthen your walks in time or distance. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. You will need the full recovery time so it is important not to push yourself to recover sooner.
Warning this is not medical advise