/assets/images/provider/photos/2730913.jpeg)
You’re joining millions of women who have undergone a hysterectomy, and you want to do whatever you can to make the process go as smoothly as possible. These best practices will go a long way toward that goal.
If you’re slated for a hysterectomy, it’s important to note that about 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States, which means that millions of women have gone before you. Thanks to the large number of predecessors, there’s a lot of collective wisdom to draw on when it comes to easing the recovery process, and we want to share some of it here.
At Bay Area Physicians, our team of board-certified OB/GYNs have performed our fair share of hysterectomies, and we want you to know you’re in excellent hands on our end.
But, you’re here to find out what you should be doing once you leave our care and head home. Let’s take a look at a few best practices for hysterectomy recovery. (Please note that we perform most hysterectomies using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, and the tips below are targeted toward this approach.)
1. Follow our post-hysterectomy instructions
Please know that we don’t send you home after your hysterectomy empty-handed. We make sure that you have full instructions that cover most every aspect of your recovery, from incision cleaning to sexual intercourse. And we ask that you follow these instructions, which come from years of experience.
Of course, if there’s something that isn’t covered in our postoperative instructions, we’re just a phone call away.
2. Get moving
It used to be that surgeons counseled patients to take it easy after a surgery. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques and a better understanding of the human body’s healing processes, we want you to move around as much as you can after your hysterectomy.
Just a simple walk around the block can get your blood flowing, which helps to speed up healing. Movement can also help with any postoperative constipation, which is common.
And we’re only suggesting moving within reason — we certainly don’t want you going for a run a few days after your hysterectomy.
3. Use pads for bleeding
It isn’t unusual to have some bleeding after your hysterectomy during the first few weeks, so we suggest that you plan in advance and purchase some pads (not tampons) to capture the blood.
4. Getting back to your routine
As you heal, listen to your body and only add activities when you feel completely ready. There are some general rules of thumb when it comes to timelines, such as not engaging in strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or sexual intercourse for four to six weeks after your hysterectomy. You also shouldn’t drive for a couple of weeks, especially if you’re taking pain medications.
When it comes to returning to work, that depends upon what you do. If you work at home on a computer, you can probably get back to it within a week or two. If, however, you have a job that entails running around (or kids that require the same), you may need some help for a few weeks.
Rest assured, we’re with you every step of the way, and we’ll guide you as you get back to your normal routine. But you should also let your body guide you — if it doesn’t feel right, please wait.
If you follow our instructions and your own common sense, you should be back to your normal self and usual routine within four to six weeks after your hysterectomy.
If you have more questions about recovering from a hysterectomy, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Mobile, Alabama.