What Happens during a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. 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.
By far the most common reason for needing a hysterectomy is menstrual problems in an older woman. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. You probably know why a hysterectomy has been advised, but ask your doctor any questions you have.
You may have a vaginal or an abdominal hysterectomy. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. Not all women are candidates for this method; it depends on the reason the surgery is required, the age and general health of the patient.
You can expect to have some post-operative pain and discomfort, especially after an abdominal hysterectomy. Analgesics are administered in the hospital to give relief; a catheter is usually inserted during the surgery for urine to pass and this will remain in place for 24 to 48 hours.
You will be kept in bed for the first day and then encouraged to walk around a little each day. To reduce the possibility of clots in the legs, is why patients are taken for walks soon after surgery. The length of the hospital stay differs according to the type of procedure; from three or four days for vaginal hysterectomy patients to six or seven days for abdominal hysterectomy patients.
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. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
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. Some women experience menopause symptoms, which last a few days. The symptoms you may experience are hot flashes and sweating, confusion and anxiety and feeling like crying unexpectedly. If these symptoms continue, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom in patients who have had their ovaries removed, but this can be relieved with vaginal lubricants or HRT. 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. These symptoms don’t last very long because most women feel so much better in themselves. Your doctor is the person to ask about any concerns you have about symptoms that seem to be staying with you. Always consult your doctor when trying to find out info on hysterectomy surgery, 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. Recovery periods can be a bit boring so the exercise will give you something to do as well as helping your recovery. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason – this time is needed to make a full recovery.
Your doctor should be consulted for all medical advise
