Can you do light housework after a 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 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; ...

When can I do light housework after hysterectomy?

Inserting anything into your vagina for four to six weeks — this includes inserting tampons, douching and having vaginal sex. Strenuous activities for six weeks eg housework, lawn mowing, strenuous exercise.

Can I do dishes after 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.

When can I do housework after abdominal hysterectomy?

Some women are fit to work after three to four weeks and will not be harmed by this if there are no complications from surgery. Many women are able to go back to normal work after six to eight weeks if they have been building up their levels of physical activity at home.

After a Hysterectomy: Post-Operative Instructions and Recovery Process

Can I do light cleaning after a hysterectomy?

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. And do not put anything, including tampons, into your vagina.

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.

How much activity can you do after a 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 activities can I do after a hysterectomy?

Walking is always recommended, and you can swim after your wounds have healed. Do not try to do too much as you'll probably feel more tired than usual. Do not lift any heavy objects during your recovery period.

What activities should I avoid after hysterectomy?

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.

What activities can I do 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks. Walking is encouraged, but no heavy lifting. After 6 weeks, you can get back to your regular activities, including having sex. Vaginal or laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

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.

Is it OK to bend over after 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.

How long after surgery can I do housework?

I recommend waiting two weeks before any type of strenuous activity such as house cleaning. Waiting this period of time helps to reduce the chances of post-operative bleeding and swelling. You need to give your body a chance to settle in and heal.

What are examples of light housekeeping?

How much rest do you need after a hysterectomy?

You may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. It's important to avoid lifting while you are recovering so that you can heal. It may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. The recovery time may be shorter for some people.

What happens if you do too much after a hysterectomy?

Both rest and minor activity are important after a hysterectomy. However, it's also possible to overexert yourself. Signs of overexertion include increased pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, or drainage from your incision. If any of these happen, stop doing an activity and revisit it again in several days.

How much can you lift 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

0–2 Weeks: Rest and Recovery

While women are encouraged to walk (starting with short distances) as soon as they are cleared by their doctor, they may feel easily fatigued and will need to rest as much as possible. They are typically given a 10-pound or less lifting restriction.

How long can I sit in a chair after hysterectomy?

Going up and down stairs is fine. You may ride in a car, but it is important not to sit in one place for longer than 1-2 hours. Try to be up at least four hours each day and try to do more activity each day.

Is it OK to push to poop after hysterectomy?

Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.

Can you do ironing after a hysterectomy?

I would suggest you only do a little ironing at the time. You may find it better to sit whilst ironing. Standing for long periods will cause a dragging ache in the vagina/pelvis.

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.

Can I lay on my left side after hysterectomy?

If you regularly sleep on your side, then you should be able to keep doing so while in post-hysterectomy recovery. You may also find this position helps with gas, which can be painful after hysterectomies. However, it's important to speak to your doctor to ensure this position will be right for your body.