Recovery after a hysterectomy operation

It is very important for a woman to know the details about recovery process after a hysterectomy. A woman is discharged from the hospital within a day or two if she had undergone laproscopic hysterectomy or latest by a week, but complete physical recovery from hysterectomy usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. During this period one should know each and every steps to be taken for a well, healthy and doctor free life.

Recovery process at hospital

After surgery, for the first day, there may be a catheter inserted into the urethra for urine to be passed and total output to be measured. An intravenous drip may be on to replenish fluid lost during surgery. The doctor will prescribe some medication for pain the patient may feel, after the effect of anesthesia wear off. Some patient may feel nausea on the first day due to the effect of anesthesia.

In a day or two, the patient can get on to her feet, to go to toilet or roam in her room. This is encouraged as moving and roaming may improve blood circulation. It also relieves from the gas which collects in the abdomen. There will be slight vaginal bleeding for a few days which may soon disappear.

Holding a pillow against the stitches while getting out of bed helps in reducing the pain. Sutures given in surgery are absorbable, but some shreds may be passed off and on for 2 to 3 weeks. The doctor may probably discharge a patient on 5th to 7th day, if all is well and call her for a check up after 6 weeks. If there is any fever, vaginal discharge, which appears unhealthy, or an increase in bleeding, the patient must see the doctor immediately.

Recovery after discharge from hospital

Once out of the hospital, a woman needs to learn to take the reins of the household back in hand slowly. She must take plenty of rest and start with simpler work first. She should not lift furniture or heavy weights or do any strenuous spring cleaning. A little effort will make her tired. The time required to recover varies from patient to patient. Activity should be increased slowly. Only those works should be done which she is comfortable with.

Bathing etc is allowed, though it may leave the patient exhausted when the first time she has a bath after hysterectomy.

If a woman is going out to work, starting with part time work and only after 8 weeks, should she, slowly take over more responsibility. It must be remembered that she can only recover now. Taking care of herself will ensure healthier years later. Neglect after surgery will mean a frequent visit to the doctor, for complications and problems like backache, tiredness, fatigue and irritability.

Medication after hysterectomy

After hysterectomy for the initial stage medication may consist of antibiotics to prevent from secondary infection, pain killers as mentioned above, some doctors prescribe trypsin-chymotrypsin like chymoral forte to reduce inflammation and edema. These drugs may be off within a week if everything is well.

Some patient may feel dryness in vagina, hot flushes and irritation due to artificial menopause she had attained after hysterectomy, for this doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy for a few years. If there is any complication by this therapy, she should immediately report to the doctor.

Some patient may require calcium supplement throughout life to prevent from complications like osteoporosis which may be due to lack of estrogen if ovary is also removed. It is though recommended to take calcium supplement to every woman who attained natural menopause or got their ovary removed.

For vaginal dryness, estrogen cream may be prescribed by the doctor.

Thus a full recovery from hysterectomy require an active role of doctor, patient herself and her family members, a proper awareness may lead to a normal, healthier and happy life further.