Recovering from Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure wherein a crucial female reproductive organ, called uterus, is removed from the body. There are three types hysterectomies namely, complete/total, partial/subtotal/supracervical and radical. In complete hysterectomy, the uterus as well as the cervix is removed. In partial hysterectomy, the uterus is removed but the cervix is not and in radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues are removed. This is done only in serious cases like cancer. So, it is clear that depending on the surgery, the recovery methods may intensify and the hysterectomy recovery period may vary accordingly. However, partial hysterectomy recovery will be quicker and easier than the other two hysterectomies. Read more on recovering from hysterectomy.

There are two surgical methods in which hysterectomy can be done, laproscopic surgery and open surgery. The open hysterectomy surgery requires larger incisions whereas a laproscopic surgery needs smaller incisions. So, laproscopic hysterectomy recovery is faster than vaginal hysterectomy recovery. It is always better to prepare well in advance for the hysterectomy surgery. Read more on how to prepare for hysterectomy.

Guidelines for Recovery after Hysterectomy

• The patient is usually released from the hospital within 48 hours of the surgery. This is generally the case, unless there are any complications. While leaving the hospital ask any doubts that you may have about your routine and the medications to your doctor.
• Once at home, plan your schedule well. Refrain from doing any strenuous work or from lifting any heavy objects as, lifting heavy objects can displace the internal organs. Allow the stitches from the surgery to dry up.
• After consulting with the doctor, you can start doing some light stretching exercises after a few days. However, it is advisable to start doing less strenuous movements like walking after 2-3 days of the hysterectomy. Do not walk too much at a single time or on an uneven plane. Get up from the bed and walk for five minutes at an interval of two hours on a flat surface.
• Maintain a balanced diet, mostly fluids, after the surgery. Since the body metabolism has to get adjusted to the new arrangement, it is more easy to digest fluids and light food. Also, eat food that will give you stamina (salads and green leafy vegetables) and will help the surgical wound to heal faster. Constipation can have an adverse effect on the internal organs as well as the surgery wounds therefore, avoid constipation by consuming fiber food.
• Mental instability is inevitable after hysterectomy. Depression and mood swings will be frequent due to the hormonal imbalance caused by the loss of such an important organ such as the uterus. Stay around family and friends and talk to them about it. Meditation and yoga (light yoga exercises) can help to cope up with the stress. If the depression gets acute, going to the doctor is the best option.
• Abstain from sexual activities for at least four to six weeks after the surgery as it may cause infection or displacement of organs.
• Keep track of what changes happen in the body. If you find excessive bleeding or pus in the wounds visit the doctor.
• Avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly near the surgery wounds.

Do not worry about this surgery as it is a routine operation. There will be no major changes in your life after the hysterectomy surgery. Read more on life after hysterectomy. To get more details and knowledge about recovering from hysterectomy, contact someone who has undergone hysterectomy and has healed successfully. Take their help and advice to plan your hysterectomy. If the above mentioned necessary steps are followed carefully, you can switch back to your normal daily routine easily.