Recovery after Hysterectomy
For instance, a patient recovers faster after undergoing a hysterectomy where only a portion of the uterus is removed in a laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy compared to a patient who undergoes an abdominal hysterectomy where her uterus and ovaries are removed due to cancer. The latter is bound to have more emotional and psychological effects and also causes more stress.
Women who undergo a hysterectomy surgery are required a hospital stay of forty-eight hours. The recovery after hysterectomy for those who undergo a laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy would be around two weeks, while that for women who undergo an abdominal hysterectomy would be from six to eight weeks because of the size of the incision.
If you are on recovery after hysterectomy, the following are some dos you should keep in mind:
* Take pain relievers according to your doctor's prescription.
* Limit your movement.
* Move with care.
* Consult your doctor if there is excessive pus or bleeding in either your vaginal or abdominal incision.
* Do use heating pads, but make sure they are not in close contact with your skin especially when you sleep.
* Do keep from bending.
* Do keep from taking aspirin or anything that contains aspirin.
* Avoid dairy products.
* Do maintain regular and healthy meals.
* Take multiple vitamins.
* Do take in plenty of water.
On the other hand, the following are some don'ts you should keep in mind when you're on your recovery after hysterectomy.
* Do not resume sexual activities when your doctor doesn't think you have recovered enough.
* Do not carry things that weigh at least ten pounds for about six weeks after the hysterectomy.
* Do not swim or take tub baths for at least six weeks.
* Do not be so quick to resume your house chores and other regular activities.
* Do not drive unless your doctor says it's okay for you to do so.
* Do not use the stairs.
* Do not take in too much alcohol.
