Hysterectomy for Dummies A Guide For Women
A hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of 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.
There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. Other diagnoses may be cancer, pregnancy or childbirth difficulties, prolapse, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask the doctor for the reasons he has recommended a hysterectomy.
You may have a vaginal or an abdominal hysterectomy. Patients who have a vaginal procedure usually recover faster and experience less pain because there has been no incision and therefore no stitches. The reason for the need for surgery, the general health of the patient and her age are all factors that will be considered to assess a woman’s suitability for this method.
You can expect to have some post-operative pain and discomfort, especially after an abdominal hysterectomy. During a hysterectomy, often the doctor inserts a catheter to help pass urine for the first twenty four to forty eight hours, and you will be offered analgesics for any pain.
After a day or so of bed rest, you will be allowed up and you need to walk for a while each day. This light walking is to reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels of the legs. The time you are in hospital varies from around three days to seven days. depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure you have had.
You will need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. During your recovery time, you need lots of rest and get someone to help with the housework and cooking.
Expect to have some symptoms during your recovery period. Speak to the doctor if the normal vaginal discharge or bleeding continues for more than two weeks. After a hysterectomy, some women will have menopause-type symptoms, lasting for a few days to a week. Some of the symptoms you may have are confusion, anxiety, sweating, hot flushes and emotional distress. You may require some HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, if the symptoms continue for any time.
A hysterectomy will not affect your sex drive, except in a positive way. 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. You will be advised to avoid sex for around six weeks after your surgery, because the body needs this time to heal properly.
Some women experience psychological and emotional symptoms after hysterectomy, including a sense of loss or feeling less of a woman, especially younger women. Because the majority of women feel so much stronger these few symptoms quickly fade. You doctor will be able to help you deal with any lasting issues. You should always consult a doctor when needing information on after hysterectomy, Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and Pain After Hysterectomy.
Starting a simple exercise program of short daily walks after about 3 weeks will help you regain your fitness. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. The recovery period is six to eight weeks for a reason – this time is needed to make a full recovery.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVISE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!
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