Hysterectomy recovery depends on the type of hysterectomy surgery that has been performed. Recovery takes longer for an abdominal surgery than for a vaginal hysterectomy or a laparoscopic surgery.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal – partial or total – of the uterus. This procedure is done for various reasons, including those like cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, persistent vaginal bleeding, and prolapsed uterus.

Some Basics On Hysterectomy Recovery

The recovery period may vary depending on whether you have undergone an abdominal hysterectomy or a type of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy. In any case, recovery should take at least a few weeks and may even take a few months.

After the hysterectomy procedure, you might experience vaginal bleeding and discharge for a few days. You may also experience some back pain and abdominal discomfort. These are normal, and should go away soon if you take care of yourself during the recovery period.

Women who undergo hysterectomy at a young age for reasons like cancer may have special issues to deal with. As this procedure takes away their ability to conceive and have a child, it understandably increases the chances of affected individuals facing depression and anxiety. Warm emotional support from family and friends is very important during these times, as this can help patients recover quickly.

One should take good care and follow the doctor’s instructions on what to do and what to avoid after hysterectomy.

Helpful Tips For Recovery After Hysterectomy

For quick hysterectomy recovery without any complications, remember these points:

• Avoid lifting any heavy objects. This directly affects the abdominal region and may have an adverse effect.
• Other activities to avoid include frequently climbing stairs, bending, driving, washing clothes, cooking and other demanding household activities.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, as this can be a major deterrent to quick recovery.
• Avoid consuming dairy products, as these can cause constipation.
• To overcome the stress of the surgery, a healthy and nutritious diet is very important. Include the following in your diet as much as possible – cold-water fish, chicken, turkey, salads, soups and all kinds of fruits. These foods must be taken in adequate proportions.
• Taking vitamin supplements can help during the recovery process. Iron and vitamin C supplements are also very important after hysterectomy.
• Drink a lot of water. This is vital even when you are in good health. Hydration is even more necessary when you are recovering from a surgery, so drink around eight to ten glasses of water daily. Water helps in flushing out toxic waste from our body, so if you skip this step, your recovery period might get extended.
• Get enough sleep. If you have trouble with this, try listening to soothing music or reading books. You can also watch television, if the activity helps you relax and sleep well. Adequate sleep is very important as it helps your body recover from the effects of surgery.
• Weight gain after hysterectomy is a concern for many women. Although this does not feature in all cases, a lot of women experience a definite increase in weight, of up to twenty five pounds in the first year after a hysterectomy. Regular exercise and a fiber-rich low-fat diet can greatly help in dealing with this problem.

Taking good care of yourself after a surgical procedure is vital, in order to avoid complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

For quick hysterectomy recovery, you need to follow the measures listed here and also strictly follow all of your doctor’s instructions. If you do all this, you can certainly expect a full and speedy recovery that will allow you to get back to your normal life quickly.