Hysterectomy Recovery Guidelines

A hysterectomy is when a woman's uterus is removed. The surgery can be performed in a couple of ways. Abdominal hysterectomies are similar to a cesarean section and are the most-invasive method. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies are less-invasive procedures that are easier to recover from. Recovery varies from woman to woman, but you should remember that in many cases it is a major operation and you shouldn't expect to be back on your feet feeling 100 percent for quite some time.

Manage Pain

• Your doctor will likely prescribe a pain medication to be taken after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you can expect to experience pain, soreness and tenderness for up to 2 weeks after surgery.

Restrict Activity

• Individual recovery times vary, but for a few weeks you should limit heavy lifting and bending. Your doctor may also tell you not to drive and limit climbing up stairs.

Vaginal Bleeding

• Vaginal bleeding can be a normal part of recovering from a hysterectomy. It can last several weeks. Contact your doctor if the bleeding lasts more than 6 weeks or is heavier than your period.

Healthy Diet

• Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help speed up recovery from a hysterectomy because a healthy body can heal faster.

When to be Concerned

• If you experience any of the following during your recovery from a hysterectomy, you should alert you doctor immediately: fever or flu-like symptoms, extreme pain, oozing or redness along the incision, chest pain or difficulty breathing. These can be signs of a serious complication that needs immediate medical attention.