Facts About Your Hysterectomy Surgery

Last Updated on Monday, 5 April 2010 01:32 Written by tateskate Monday, 5 April 2010 01:32

A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. The operation is usually recommended when other options have failed to relieve the symptoms the individual woman is experiencing. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.

While there are many reasons why a hysterectomy is indicated, the most common is painful heavy periods in a woman who has finished having children. Other reasons include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapse of the uterus, problems during pregnancy or childbirth and some cancers. The doctor you are seeing is the best person to ask why you need to have the hysterectomy.

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. 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 should be prepared for some pain after the surgery, particularly if you had 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. This light walking is to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels of the legs. The stay in hospital for women who have had a vaginal hysterectomy is 3 or 4 days; for those who have had an adbominal hysterectomy, it is closer to one week.

Make allowance for a recovery period of six to eight weeks at home, to allow for your full recovery. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.

Expect to have some symptoms during your recovery period. Vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy but this should ease after about two weeks. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. You may feel like crying, be anxious or confused, have sweats or hot flashes. Some women, whose symptoms persist, are prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) by their doctors.

Many women are worried about how a hysterectomy will affect their sex drive but most women report an improvement in this area. Vaginal dryness is a common symptom in patients who have had their ovaries removed, but this can be relieved with vaginal lubricants or HRT. The body takes time to heal and so allow about 6 weeks for complete recovery before having sex again.

Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. Always consult your doctor when trying to find out info on hysterectomy surgery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.

About 3 weeks after your surgery, start taking short walks to help get your fitness back and prevent putting on weight. Be careful for the first few days and don’t go too far; you can always extend the distance after the first few days. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. It is important not to push yourself; you will need the full 6 weeks for a full recovery and many women require 8 weeks.

This not not medical advise always consult your physcian for medical advise