What Happens during a Hysterectomy?
The surgical procedure of a hysterectomy removes the uterus. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.
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. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. You probably know why a hysterectomy has been advised, but ask your doctor any questions you have.
There are two methods of performing the surgery; the vaginal and the abdominal hysterectomy. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. 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 should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had an abdominal hysterectomy. 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.
Complete bed rest is maintained for the first 24 to 36 hours after the surgery, and then patients are encouraged to get up to walk around a little and maybe to shower. 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 can expect some symptoms during your recovery. Vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy but this should ease after about two weeks. Menopause symptoms are not uncommon after having had a hysterectomy, but they should ease after a few days. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. If these symptoms continue, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy.
Your libido will not be adversely affected by having a hysterectomy. However, if your ovaries have been removed, you may experience vaginal dryness, which can be helped by using a vaginal lubricant or taking estrogen. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.
Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. After a hysterectomy, most women feel so much stronger physically, that the symptoms don’t last for very long. If you find that some of these issues are continuing, ask your doctor for advice. You should always consult a doctor when needing 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. Start slowly and increase the distance you walk gradually. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason - this time is needed to make a full recovery.
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Tags: hysterectomy, hysterectomy reasons, hysterectomy recovery, hysterectomy surgery, recovery period