Before You Have A Hysterectomy Learn All You Can

A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. 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. 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. The vaginal hysterectomy doesn’t require an abdominal incision and so the recovery time is shorter and less pain is experienced. This method isn’t right for all patients because it may not be feasible considering the individual’s reason for surgery and the general health and age.

You will probably have some pain after your hysterectomy; more so if you had an abdominal procedure. Hospital staff will offer you medication to relieve any pain and you may have a catheter to help pass urine for a day or two.

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. 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.

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. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.

Expect to have some symptoms during your recovery period. Some vaginal discharge and bleeding is normal for a week or so after a hysterectomy; if this continues, speak to your doctor. 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.

A hysterectomy will not affect your sex drive, except in a positive way. 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. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.

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. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. You should always consult a doctor when needing information on hysterectomy recovery, Complete Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. 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.

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!