Life After Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy is only recommended in the cases of uterine fibroids or abnormal uterine bleeding or pelvic relaxation. Only 10% of the hysterectomies are performed as a cure for uterine or ovarian cancer. Hysterectomy is a major surgery that takes a few months for the patient to recuperate completely and begin a normal life. More than the physical challenges, it is the psychological challenges that can make the life after hysterectomy a bit uncomfortable.

What Happens After Hysterectomy Operation?
After the operation you will be in the care of the doctor and nurses, who will do their best to help you recover fast. The hysterectomy recovery time varies for each patient. Within 10-15 days you will be allowed to go home. It takes up to six weeks for the effects of general anesthesia to wear off. The bleeding after hysterectomy surgery subsides within a few weeks. During the first few days of the surgery, do not physically exert yourself. Make sure you have someone to help you with the house work. Take as much rest as possible. You can resume a normal diet within a few weeks of surgery. Get yourself checked in the hospital after 6 weeks to ensure that your body has healed. Report any post hysterectomy pain to the consulting gynecologist.

Daily Routine After Hysterectomy
There is absolutely no reason why hysterectomy should deter you from performing your daily routine. You can think about resuming your work after 8 to 10 weeks of surgery. You should take into account the type of your work, the amount of physical exertion required and your fitness level, before deciding to resume work. You should also inquire about the availability of flexible hours option or a less strenuous profile. You can even start exercising within a few months of surgery, after the stitches have been removed. However, do not subject yourself to strenuous exercises. Walking is the best form of keeping yourself fit. You can start with a 10 minutes walk daily and then increase the time gradually.

Physical Challenges
The removal of the uterus obviously bring drastic changes in the female body. The level of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone decreases substantially. In case of total hysterectomy, i.e. removal of uterus along with ovaries, the body is immediately pushed into menopause. Even for women who retain their ovaries, menopausal symptoms become evident prematurely. This leads to several concerns about the physical appearance of a woman. Post hysterectomy hair loss and weight gain after hysterectomy are the two major issues of concern for women. Unfortunately, it is true that the hormonal imbalance after surgery induces certain side effects of hysterectomy. In addition to that, hot flashes and night sweating may also occur. To minimize these side effects many patients go for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended to replace the female hormones in the body, with the help of tablets, skin patches or implants. You need to be closely monitored to check which form of HRT suits you the best and in what dosages. HRT is useful in eliminating the dryness in the vagina, which often makes the intercourse painful. Topical HRT forms have less potential of inducing harmful side effects than the oral ones. HRT is a tricky option and its pros and cons should be considered before opting for one.

Psychological Challenges
More than the physical pain, it is the psychological trauma that haunts the woman after hysterectomy. The feeling that she is no longer capable of bearing a child, makes her go into a depression. Many women are also haunted by the feeling that they have become unappealing and sexually undesirable. However, this is not true. Research has shown that hysterectomy has no effect on the sexual desire of a woman. They can continue to enjoy their sexual life as before, with a little help from gels and creams for lubrication.

Many women are unable to cope with the life after hysterectomy and regret the decision of undergoing the operation. However, they should understand that hysterectomy is only recommended as a drastic measure to save your life. It prevents worse from happening. Moreover, one can also consider looking at the brighter side of the surgery. Hysterectomy relieves you of the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation, also, you no longer have to worry about accidental conception. Life after hysterectomy greatly depends upon your perspective to look at it and your will power to overcome the challenges.