A hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus. This surgery may be an option for uterine fibroids or endometriosis conditions. There are three types of hysterectomy.
- Total: In a total hysterectomy, both the cervix and uterus are removed. This is the most popular type of hysterectomy.
- Partial: This is a partial hysterectomy, also known as supracervical hysterectomy. It removes the upper part of the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.
- Radical: A radical hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, cervical and surrounding tissues. If gynecological carcinoma has been diagnosed, this procedure may be performed.
A hysterectomy can also be performed to remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries or both. These procedures are called oophorectomy, salpingectomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy.
A hysterectomy can be performed in many ways, including through the stomach or the vagina. You can choose to have it done through a traditional incision, laparoscopically, or by both. It doesn’t matter how the hysterectomy was performed; it is important to not overexert your body afterwards.
We’ll discuss signs you might have overdone after a hysterectomy. What to avoid and when to seek medical attention.
Signs that you did too many after hysterectomy
It is essential to get enough rest after any major surgery. A hysterectomy is no exception. This is especially important in the first few days following your return from the hospital.
You can rest, but it is essential to get moving. You may notice that you feel tired as you do this. This is normal, even if your previous activity was active before the surgery.
It’s also possible to overdo it.
Remember that your pelvic tissues have been traumatized and must heal. You may have sutures in your abdomen, your vagina or both, depending on the type of procedure.
These areas will become sensitive during your recovery. It is important to listen and not to overdo it.
These are the signs you have been doing too much after your procedure.
Pain
After a hysterectomy, there will be some discomfort or pain. In the first week or two following your surgery, you will likely need to take pain medication.
Pain is a sign that you might exert too much after surgery. You may notice an increase in:
- Pressure or abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Lower back pain
Do not engage in any activity that causes pain. Take a break from the activity for a few days.
Normal activities are likely to cause less pain in the long term. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent or worsening pain that doesn’t respond to pain medication.
Vaginal bleeding or discharge.
After a hysterectomy, vaginal bleeding and discharge are normal and last for several weeks. This will decrease over time and eventually stop altogether.
You may notice an increase in vaginal bleeding after doing a certain activity. You should rest and closely monitor the situation.
During recovery from vaginal bleeding or discharge, you will likely need to use a pad. If you notice increased bleeding, discharge that soaks through the pad quickly, or blood clots, you should contact your doctor.
Incisions begin to ooze and weep.
Incisions made on the abdomen may leak some fluid. This is normal and should disappear quickly.
Incisions can be irritated by movements that pull on or stretch them. This could cause fluid and blood to drain further.
Stop doing the activity and let the area heal. It may be beneficial to wear loose, breathable clothes to avoid irritation.
Seek immediate medical attention if you see blood or heavy fluid soaking through your dressings. Drainage of pus from an incision signifies that you have an infection and should seek medical attention.
What to do after the procedure and how long
When you feel better, your doctor will tell you what activities you should avoid. Let’s look at some of these activities and how you might return to them.
The exact time frame will vary depending on many factors, including the type of hysterectomy and how it was performed, as well as your overall health. If in doubt, follow your doctor’s advice.
Showering and bathing.
Instructions for wound care will be given to you when you leave the hospital. These instructions will include information about how to shower and bathe.
After your procedure, you should be able to shower the next day. You can let the water run through your incisions during this time. It is best to keep the water from hitting it directly.
Use a towel or tissue to dry your incisions after showering.
The type of treatment you received and your doctor’s instructions will determine the exact instructions for bathing. It may take up to 4 weeks before you can fully submerge yourself in the bath.
Exercising.
As you heal from surgery, physical activity is a great option. The hospital staff will provide you with information about the appropriate exercises once discharged. These include exercises for the pelvic floor.
Start with low-impact exercises like walking. After your vaginal bleeding has stopped and your surgical wounds are healed, you can swim.
As you get better, you can increase the intensity of your exercise. Until your doctor approves, you should avoid intense exercise and heavy lifting.
Although your doctor might have different instructions, heavy lifting is any object that weighs more than 20 pounds. If you have to lift something lighter during your recovery, use bent knees and a straight back.
Activities for the home.
In the first week of your recovery, ask a friend or family member to assist you with house chores, such as cleaning and laundry.
You don’t have to rest, but you can still start doing chores around the house when you feel capable.
You can break down household chores into smaller, more manageable pieces. It may be easier to wash just a few dishes and then take a break before washing more.
You can also modify some household tasks like standing to fold clothes.
Avoid doing household chores that require strenuous lifting or heavy lifting. Examples include:
- vacuuming
- Dispose of heavy cookware
- Shopping bags
Driving.
It’s generally okay to drive when:
- You can use all the controls of the car effectively
- You feel more comfortable wearing a seatbelt
- You can reach an emergency stop
- You’re not taking any medications with a sedative effect like pain medication
It could take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks for this to happen after a hysterectomy. You can gauge your comfort by sitting in your car and performing the same motions as you would while driving.
If you decide to take your first drive again, bring a friend or family member with you. If you feel discomfort, you can have them take control.
Returning to work.
The type of job you have will determine when you can return to work. If you work remotely, for example, you might be able to return to your job sooner than if you are doing manual labor or heavy lifting.
You may be able to return to work in 4 to 6 weeks for jobs that do not require physical exertion. However, a procedure that involves abdominal surgery may take 6 to 8 weeks.
Sex
You should wait until your surgical wounds heal and the vaginal discharge has stopped before you can have sex. You can continue to have sex until this point (8 weeks after your hysterectomy) or as long as you feel comfortable.
After a hysterectomy, it is normal to experience a decrease in libido. As you recover, this usually improves.
After a hysterectomy, vaginal dryness can also be common. Use a lubricant if you experience this.
Travel
Before travelling after your hysterectomy, consider factors like:
- The length of your flight or drive
- How comfortable you will be while travelling
- Consider whether the activities you choose to do on your journeys are appropriate for your stage of recovery.
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure. You can talk to them about the risks involved in travelling and take steps for safety.
After A Hysterectomy, When Should You See A Doctor?
Your doctor will usually see you for a follow up two weeks after your hysterectomy. They’ll evaluate how your recovery is progressing during this visit.
There are some signs that you need to seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge with a foul odour
- Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:
- frequent urination
- Urinating can cause a burning or painful sensation
- Cloudy urine
- Bad-smelling urine
- Symptoms of infection around the incision include:
- Fever or chills
- Tenderness, redness or swelling around the incision
- Pus draining from the incision
- Diarrhea or prolonged constipation
Medical emergency
Certain symptoms may be more severe and indicate a medical emergency. If you need to call 911 or go to an emergency room, please do so immediately.
- Pain that persists or gets worse despite taking pain medication
- Pain with fever, nausea or vomiting.
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- Heavy discharge from the incision or bleeding that seeps through your dressings
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) signs include swelling, reddening, tenderness, warmth, or tenderness in your legs.
- A pulmonary embolism can be characterized by chest pain, shortness or complete loss of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat or coughing up blood.
Takeaway
After a hysterectomy, both rest and minor activity can be important. It’s possible to be too active after a hysterectomy.
Overexertion can be characterized by increased pain, bleeding or vaginal discharge, and drainage from the incision. These symptoms can be serious, so stop performing an activity. You should return to it in a few days. If symptoms get worse, call your doctor.
These instructions will help you determine when and how to begin activities in your recovery. Be patient as you heal. Listen to your body.
