How Soon Can I Work After Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. Some hysterectomies remove the uterus, other include the cervix, while a radical hysterectomy will see the removal of uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. Other reasons include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapse of the uterus, problems during pregnancy or childbirth and some cancers. Your doctor will explain why you have been advised to have the procedure.

The two methods of performing the surgery are vaginal and abdominal. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. This hysterectomy method is not suitable for all women and her condition and level of general health are taken into consideration.

You should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had an abdominal hysterectomy. 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. The reason for encouraging walking is to lessen the chance of blood clots in the legs. 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.

Your body needs time to heal so make sure you allow at least six weeks, maybe eight, to regain your strength. During your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking.

There will be certain symptoms you can expect during recovery. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. Menopause symptoms are not uncommon after having had a hysterectomy, but they should ease after a few days. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. You may require some HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, if the symptoms continue for any time.

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. it is best to avoid having sex for six weeks or so after your hysterectomy so that your body has time to heal completely.

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. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy recovery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.

You need to get more active a few weeks after surgery by taking short walks each day. Make sure you start off slowly and then gradually lengthen your walks in time or distance. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. 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