Article DetailsHow Soon Can I Work After Hysterectomy? |
| Date Added: March 10, 2010 05:00:00 PM |
| Author: Nelly Mallery |
| Category: Health: Women's Health |
| A hysterectomy is when a woman's uterus is surgically removed. This surgery is required when other treatments have not been successful in relieving the woman's 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.
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. The doctor you are seeing is the best person to ask why you need to have the hysterectomy. There are two ways to perform this surgery; they are vaginal and abdominal. The vaginal hysterectomy doesn't require an abdominal incision and so the recovery time is shorter and less pain is experienced. 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. 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. 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. You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. During your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking. You will probably experience some symptoms during your recovery. 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. You may require some HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, if the symptoms continue for any time. Having had a hysterectomy should have no negative effect on your libido; many women report a positive change 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. it is best to avoid having sex for six weeks or so after your hysterectomy so that your body has time to heal completely. Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. These symptoms don't last very long because most women feel so much better in themselves. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. You should always consult a doctor when needing information on hysterectomy recovery, Complete 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. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. It is important not to push yourself; you will need the full 6 weeks for a full recovery and many women require 8 weeks. |
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