Can I wash dishes after a hysterectomy?

You may shower, but don't rub the incision. Avoid strenuous activity at home; you may wash dishes and do light cooking only. You may take 1-2 tablets of Tylenol every 4 hours for pain, or 600 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen) every 6 hours, or pain medication as prescribed by your physician.

How long after a hysterectomy can I do dishes?

Most people can return to their usual activity level about six weeks after an abdominal hysterectomy. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, your recovery time is typically shorter. You should be able to return to your usual activities within three or four weeks.

Can I do light housework after hysterectomy?

For at least six weeks, avoid any heavy lifting (meaning items over 20 pounds). Do not do any housework, such as vacuuming, until you've discussed it with your doctor. You must also abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks.

What kind of housework can I do after a hysterectomy?

Avoid heavy housework or other strenuous activities for at least six weeks. This includes; vacuuming, washing floors, hanging out laundry etc. After three weeks gently ease back into such activities • If you need to bend, squat at the knees rather than bending over.

Can I do laundry after a hysterectomy?

No heavy lifting/pushing/pulling for 6 weeks. Do not lift anything more than 10 lbs (such as laundry, groceries, children, pets), vacuum, push heavy doors or grocery carts, etc, for 6 weeks. You may climb stairs as tolerated.

After a Hysterectomy: Post-Operative Instructions and Recovery Process

What is considered light housework after surgery?

Light housekeeping includes tasks such as dusting open surfaces; sweeping and mopping floors (damp mops – small areas and hard surface floors); vacuuming around furniture; wiping down counters; washing and putting dishes away; cleaning bathrooms and kitchens; taking out the trash; changing sheets and making the bed; ...

How do you clean yourself after a hysterectomy?

What you can and Cannot do after a hysterectomy?

Get plenty of rest. Don't lift anything heavy for a full six weeks after the operation. Stay active after your surgery, but avoid strenuous physical activity for the first six weeks. Wait six weeks to resume sexual activity.

Can I sit to shower after hysterectomy?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

What to avoid doing after hysterectomy?

Don't lift anything heavy.

Your incisions, both internal and external, need time to heal without added strain. This includes heavy housework, weight-lifting, strenuous exercise and even carrying your children.

How far should you walk each day after hysterectomy?

You can continue the in-hospital walking routine in the first 1 to 2 weeks at home. If comfortable, you can walk 10 minutes continuously at the end of the second week. This can be increased by five minutes per week. By the end of 6 weeks, you should be able to walk continuously for 30 minutes.

What is considered heavy housework?

Heavy chores include washing floors and walls, defrosting freezers, cleaning ovens, cleaning attics and basements to remove fire and health hazards, woodcutting, changing storm windows, heavy yardwork and snow shoveling.

How long should I stay in the house after a hysterectomy?

Most women go home 2-3 days after this surgery, but complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks. During this time, you need to rest at home. You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks.

Can I work at a desk after hysterectomy?

Most people are able to stop taking pain medicine and increase their activity level after two weeks. Most people are able to perform more normal activities at this point, after two weeks such as desk work, office work, and light walking. In most cases, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for energy levels to return to normal.

How many days after hysterectomy can I shower?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Is it better to sit or lay down after hysterectomy?

Avoid prolonged high sitting (unless medically advised). Vary your resting position throughout the day from lying flat and sitting out of bed. Sleep lying down flat on the mattress with one pillow supporting your knees and one pillow supporting your head and neck.

What happens first week after hysterectomy?

Common side effects of a hysterectomy in the first few weeks after your procedure include: Bloating and/or constipation — this is because your bowel will be working more slowly as you recover. Mild pain and discomfort in your lower belly. Light vaginal bleeding that comes and goes, and lessens over time.

How long should you lay in bed after a hysterectomy?

Depending on various procedures, the individual may be advised to rest from two to six weeks, with the first two weeks consisting of bed rest. Patients will need good bed rest after a hysterectomy.

Can you sleep on your side after a hysterectomy?

You may need to take a nap or two for the first few days at the hospital. Avoid sleeping on your stomach after hysterectomy. It can cause problems with your spine and put too much pressure on your hips. The best sleeping position after hysterectomy is on your side or on your back.

What is the most common complication after hysterectomy?

The most common complications of hysterectomy can be categorized as infectious, venous thromboembolic, genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract injury, bleeding, nerve injury, and vaginal cuff dehiscence.

Do you need sanitary towels after a hysterectomy?

Some women have little or no bleeding initially, and then have a sudden gush of old blood or fluid about 10 days later. This usually stops quickly. You should use sanitary towels rather than tampons as using tampons could increase the risk of infection.

Why do I smell after hysterectomy?

You should expect a vaginal discharge for several weeks after surgery. It will likely be pink or light brown in color and may have a slight odor. The amount will vary depending on your activity but is often more noticeable two weeks after surgery when you begin passing some of the absorbable stitches.

Can you cross your legs after hysterectomy?

Avoid crossing your legs, especially during the first six weeks of recovery from abdominal hysterectomy or vaginal hysterectomy. Crossing your legs decreases the blood flow in the veins of your legs, increasing the likelihood of a DVT (blot clot in the deep veins of the calf).

Should you shower everyday after surgery?

You should be able to wash normally after your stitches, dressings and clips have been removed. It's usually better to have a shower until the wound has healed to avoid soaking it completely. Afterwards, pat your wound and the area around it dry.