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 long are you on bed rest after hysterectomy?

You may be advised to rest for anywhere between 2-6 weeks, with the first two weeks consisting of bed rest. Although it is essential to get plenty of bed rest, it is also important to get up and move around as soon as you can. Surgery and bed rest put you at an increased risk for a blood clot.

How soon can I walk after hysterectomy?

Weeks 4-6 After Hysterectomy

By six weeks after a hysterectomy many women can walk continuously for up to thirty minutes. If you're unable to manage one long walk or 30 minutes duration, you may find that walking is more comfortable when broken down into a few shorter duration walks during the day.

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.

Why is bed rest important after a hysterectomy?

During recovery at home, it's important to balance rest and exercise to promote healing and minimise possible side effects after hysterectomy (e.g. physical deterioration or lower back pain).

Bedrest after Hysterectomy

What is the fastest way to recover from a hysterectomy?

What not to do after a hysterectomy?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it.

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.

When can I be a passenger in a car after hysterectomy?

You may drive a car after being home for 2 weeks if the incision is healing without problems. You may be a passenger in a car for short trips only after being home 1 week. You may begin to exercise in moderation after your 6 week checkup and your physician gives you the OK.

What hurts most after hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy improved pain in most women (tables 2 and 3). However, 362 women (31.9%) had pain in the pelvic area 1 yr after surgery. The most common pain location was in the middle of the pelvic region, but 70 women reported pain located in the abdominal scar.

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.

Is it OK to lay 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.

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 you drive 2 weeks after a hysterectomy?

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.

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).

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.

When can you resume housework after hysterectomy?

Avoid heavy housework or other strenuous activities for at least six weeks.

Do you lose weight after a hysterectomy?

Can a hysterectomy cause weight loss? 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.

Are stairs OK after hysterectomy?

You may go up and down stairs. You will probably need to climb stairs slowly at first, one leg at a time. As your body heals, this will get easier and easier. No heavy lifting - objects greater than 20 pounds - for six weeks after surgery.

What happens at 2 week checkup after hysterectomy?

One to two weeks after surgery: Your healthcare provider will check your incision site(s). If staples were placed to hold the incision site together, they will be removed. Six weeks after surgery: Your healthcare provider will perform a vaginal exam.

Can you walk too much after 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 do I sleep in bed after hysterectomy?

The best sleeping positions after a hysterectomy are on either your back or on your side, supported by a well-placed pillow. Finding the right sleeping position can help you sleep better by alleviating pain, discomfort and painful gas.

What organs can drop after a hysterectomy?

Vaginal Vault Prolapse (After Hysterectomy)

The top of the vagina drops down, creating a bulge. In severe cases, the top of the vagina may protrude outside of the vagina. It also may occur with small intestine prolapse (shown here), anterior vaginal wall prolapse, or posterior vaginal vault prolapse.

What happens to your body physically after a hysterectomy?

You might have some light bleeding and discharge after your surgery, and you'll no longer get regular menstrual periods. Pain, burning, and itching around the incision site are also normal. If your ovaries were removed, you'll likely have menopause-like side effects like hot flashes and night sweats.