Before You Have A Hysterectomy Learn All You Can
Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. 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.
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. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no 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.
As with all surgical procedures, some discomfort and pain are to be expected, but this will be more severe with 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.
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. Walking reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. 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.
You will need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.
During your recovery, expect some symptoms. 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. Some of the symptoms you may have are confusion, anxiety, sweating, hot flushes and emotional distress. You may require some HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, if the symptoms continue for any time.
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. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.
You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. Most patients find that they feel much better after their surgery that the symptoms disappear quickly. If you find that some of these issues are continuing, ask your doctor for advice. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy surgery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. 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.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!