How long are you in the hospital for a hysterectomy?

Most women who have a hysterectomy, however, will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, maybe even longer if you have a hysterectomy due to cancer. Recovery may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of hysterectomy you have. A hysterectomy will cause menopause if you also have your ovaries removed.

How long is a typical hospital stay after a hysterectomy?

An abdominal hysterectomy usually requires a hospital stay of one to two days, but it could be longer. You'll need to use sanitary pads for vaginal bleeding and discharge. It's normal to have bloody vaginal drainage for several days to weeks after a hysterectomy.

How long do you have to be on bed rest after a hysterectomy?

It can take about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover after having an abdominal hysterectomy. Recovery times are often shorter after a vaginal or laparoscopy hysterectomy. During this time, you should rest as much as possible and not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping.

How soon can I walk after hysterectomy?

Start walking in the hospital 24 hours after the surgery. 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.

Do you stay overnight in the hospital for a hysterectomy?

After surgery, you'll be in a recovery room for one to two hours and in the hospital overnight. Some women are able to go home the day of the surgery. You'll take medication for pain. Your health care team will encourage you to get up and move as soon as you're able.

How Long Is the Recovery Time for a Hysterectomy? - Kristine Borrison, MD - Gynecology

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

You may return to work in 2-4 weeks if your job requires a lot of movement. Please contact your doctor if you need any return to work letters or medical leave paperwork to be completed. If you had a laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, you will have small incisions on your abdomen.

Can you go home same day after hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required. Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.

How long after a hysterectomy are you allowed to drive?

You can drive about two weeks after abdominal surgery or when you're no longer taking narcotics for pain. If you had a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you might begin driving within a few days. Resume your exercise routine in four to six weeks, depending on how you feel.

Can you drive home after hysterectomy?

You may be able to drive after 2 or 3 days if you are not taking narcotic pain drugs. You may lift 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms (about the weight of a gallon or 4 liters of milk) or less. Do not do any heavy lifting or straining for the first 3 weeks. You may be able to go back to a desk job within a couple of weeks.

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.

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.

Do you gain weight after a hysterectomy?

It's a fairly prevalent post-op side effect, even in the absence of adjustments to diet or physical activity level. A Journal of Women's Health study concluded that there is indeed a greater chance of weight gain after a hysterectomy, especially in the first year.

How do I prepare for a hysterectomy?

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.

What should I wear after a hysterectomy?

Wear loose fitting clothing that will not rub or irritate the incision area. You may put a clean piece of gauze over the incision to prevent irritation from your garments.

What do you need at home after a hysterectomy?

Can you sit up straight after hysterectomy?

Like any healing incision, it is important to avoid activity that may place the top of the vagina under excessive stress. Exercise that increases internal core pressure like pilates, yoga, weight lifting, and sit-ups should be avoided for up to a month after your surgery. Any other exercise should be completely safe.

How many pounds does a uterus weigh?

Even during pregnancy, the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram (2.2 pounds).

How do you shower after a hysterectomy?

Don't shower for the first 24 hours after your surgery. After that, take a shower every day to clean your incisions. Taking a warm shower is also relaxing and can help muscle aches. During your shower, use soap to gently wash your incisions.

Do they shave you for a hysterectomy?

Preparation for both vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy is similar. If you are having an abdominal hysterectomy, you will have a strip at the top of your pubic hair shaved the night before your operation.

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.

Will I need tampons after hysterectomy?

Abdominal hysterectomy: Do not use tampons for six weeks after your surgery. Laparoscopic total hysterectomy: Do not use tampons for eight weeks after your surgery. Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy: Do not use tampons for one to two weeks after surgery. If you have any vaginal drainage, you will need to wear a pad.

Are you skinnier after a hysterectomy?

Weight loss isn't a side effect of a hysterectomy. Some people experience a few days of nausea following a major surgery. This can be a result of pain or a side effect of the anesthesia. For some, this can make it hard to keep food down, resulting in temporary weight loss.

Does your stomach get flatter after a hysterectomy?

No matter which type of hysterectomy you have, you'll have more room in your abdomen after, because the space your uterus was taking up is now empty. Your intestines will take up most of the space, but it's important to understand what happens to the other nearby organs after a hysterectomy.

Will I lose my shape after hysterectomy?

You may encounter information saying that a hysterectomy makes you gain weight or lose your sex drive. These issues may develop, but only if both ovaries are removed. A hysterectomy alone doesn't affect your weight or desire for sex. Many women feel healthier because the symptoms they had before surgery are gone.