Told You Need A Hysterectomy? Please Read This First

By Author: Nelly Mallery
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The surgical procedure of a hysterectomy removes the uterus. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. 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.

The most common reason for having a hysterectomy is extreme period symptoms in an older woman. Other reasons include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, prolapse of the uterus, problems during pregnancy or childbirth and some cancers. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a hysterectomy.

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. This hysterectomy method is not suitable for all women and her condition and level of general health are taken into consideration.

You will probably have some pain after your hysterectomy; more so if you had an abdominal procedure. ...
... 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. To reduce the possibility of clots in the legs, is why patients are taken for walks soon after surgery. 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. During this time, you should rest and lifting, stretching and heavy housework.

You can expect some symptoms during your recovery. Vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after a hysterectomy but this should ease after about two weeks. Menopause symptoms are not uncommon after having had a hysterectomy, but they should ease after a few days. Menopause symptoms include things like crying, confusion, sweats, hot flashes and feeling anxious. If these symptoms continue, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy.

Your libido will not be adversely affected by having a hysterectomy. However, if your ovaries have been removed, you may experience vaginal dryness, which can be helped by using a vaginal lubricant or taking estrogen. it is best to avoid having sex for six weeks or so after your hysterectomy so that your body has time to heal completely.

You may have some emotional or psychological symptoms like feeling a sense of loss. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. Your doctor is the person to ask about any concerns you have about symptoms that seem to be staying with you. The internet can provide more information on after hysterectomy, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Start slowly and increase the distance you walk gradually. Recovery periods can be a bit boring so the exercise will give you something to do as well as helping your recovery. Recovery from a hysterectomy cannot be rushed; you will be tired and you need the full recovery period to regain your strength.
About Author:
Kelly is a professional in the areas of hysterectomy recovery, migraine relief and Complete Hysterectomy for additional information visit her website.