Hysterectomy: how long before I can drive?
The surgical procedure of a hysterectomy removes the uterus. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. Your condition will determine which type of hysterectomy your doctor will perform and exactly which organs are to be removed.
The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. You probably know why a hysterectomy has been advised, but ask your doctor any questions you have.
Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. The recovery time after a vaginal hysterectomy is often short and with less pain because there has been no incision or 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.
As with all surgical procedures, some discomfort and pain are to be expected, but this will be more severe with an abdominal hysterectomy. Pain relief is given in hospital and you will possibly have a catheter in place for a day or two to drain urine away.
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. 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.
You will continue your recovery at home for 6 to 8 weeks so that your body can heal and you can regain your strength. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.
There will be certain symptoms you can expect during recovery. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. These symptoms include sweating, hot flashes, anxiety, confusion and teariness. Some women, whose symptoms persist, are prescribed HRT (hormone replacement therapy) by their doctors.
Your hysterectomy should have no negative impact on your libido, in fact, many women report that it is enhanced. A common symptom in patients who have also had ovaries removed is dryness of the vagina, but you can get relief with taking estrogen and vaginal lubricants. 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 experience psychological and emotional symptoms after hysterectomy, including a sense of loss or feeling less of a woman, especially younger women. 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 recovery, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Radical Hysterectomy.
About 3 weeks after your surgery, start taking short walks to help get your fitness back and prevent putting on weight. Make sure you start off slowly and then gradually lengthen your walks in time or distance. 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.
This not not medical advise always consult your physcian for medical advise