Lauren Ellis
You may think your a warrior and can can get right back at it after a major surgery but take the time to recover properly so you can make sure that your body heals from the inside, out.
What Is A Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the name for the operation in which surgically removes your womb. This is only recommended when other forms of treatment have been unsuccessful, look at this is the last option. You may have to ask yourself a few questions before choosing to have this done;
- Is my body prepared to possibly go through early menopause?
- Have I tried all avenues of treatments?
- Have I done all I can do?
- Is the possibility of children still on the cards?
- Are my symptoms affecting my quality of life?
How Will I Feel After A Hysterectomy?
This is all dependant on the particular type of hysterectomy you have, this can be one of the following;
- Total hysterectomy,
- Subtotal hysterectomy,
- Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy,
- Radical hysterectomy.
It will also be dependent on how the surgery was carried out, this can be from the following and is different depending on the personal situations.
- Laparoscopic,
- Vaginal,
- Abdominal.
Everyone will recover differently, depending on the surgery, health prior to the surgery and any complications that you may face. You're likely to be in a lot of pain and have tenderness around the incision. You're also likely to be exhausted and have that drained feeling.
How Long Will My Recovery Take After A Hysterectomy?
Recovery time will vary for each surgery and obviously will be prolonged if you face any complications.
Abdominal Surgery:
You will usually be leaving the hospital around 3-5 days after your surgery, after a brief recovery time in the hospital. You should avoid heavy lifting as this can cause serious complications. Your recovery time will be around 6-8 weeks.
Laparoscopic Supracervial Surgery:
Recovery time for this form of surgery is the fastest and can be as little as two weeks. This is due to this particular type of surgery being the least invasive. You're still advised to avoid heavy lifting.
Vaginal or Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Surgery:
You will usually be discharged from the hospital anywhere from 1-4 days after surgery. Your recovery time will (or should be) a lot shorter when having this type of surgery. Your recovery time will be round 4-6 weeks.
When Can I Return To Normal Activities?
Returning to your normal schedule can all depend on the recovery and the life you lived before. We do advise for you to relax for as long as you can to allow your body to heal correctly, from the inside out.
⚙️Work:
Depending on the type of work you do and how you feel during your recovery period. You shouldn't rush back to work but if you feel ready and there is no heavy lifting involved in your work, you may return back to work after anywhere between 4-8 weeks.
💋Intimacy:
You can begin engaging in sexual activity from around 6 weeks post operation, depending on how you feel. You're advised to steer clear of any sexual intercourse until your scars are fully healed. It is completely normal to have a loss of interest but usually this does return after your full recovery time.
🏃🏽♀️Exercise:
Exercise is limited during your recovery period so walking is recommended to avoid stiffness and blood clots. You can usually return to light exercise after around 6-8 weeks.
🚘Driving:
You should not return to driving until you can safely perform an emergency stop. You must be able to wear your seatbelt comfortably. You may wish to get the go ahead from your doctor before getting back in the drivers seat. Many car insurance companies will demand a certificate from your GP before you return to driving, ensuring you're safe to be back on the road.
How Can I Speed Up My Recovery?
Speeding up your recovery is never a good idea, you should take time for your body to heal correctly. But we understand the urge to return to normal. This is why we have provided you with 10 easy tips (for someone who doesn't have things to do, a life or other kids to look after maybe) to speed up the recovery after a C-section.
👐🏻Helping Hands:
It's often hard to accept help for others but most of the time, so may people are happy to help. Sometimes life gets busy and they may forget to check on you. But don't forget, they're a set of helping hands if you needed, just ask.
💤Rest is Best:
It is easier said than done, especially with life carrying on around you, to rest. But seriously, call off that coffee date, rearrange and allow your body to heal without the added stress of everyone wanting to meet up with you.
😢It's Okay Not To Be Okay:
Allow your emotions to be real. You'll find yourself going from laughing to crying, from your all time low to wondering what you were ever worried about. It's all part and parcel of recovery.
🦠Check Yourself:
Make sure you're looking out for the signs of any infection, be sure to check for the following and contact your health care professional if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
- High temperature,
- Swelling,
- Intense pain,
- Chills,
- Red streaks coming from/around the incision.
🚶♀️Keep Active:
Try to remain active by taking short and slow walks daily, helping you stay fit whilst exercise and lifting weights is out of the window for a while. This can also help with reducing your chance of blood clots as your blood will be able to flow regularly round your body.
