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.

How long do you have to stay home 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.

Can you stay alone after hysterectomy?

If you live alone, ask a friend or family member to check on you at home and call or text you every few hours. Your doctor may advise you against driving for up to two weeks, so if you must go somewhere, arrange for someone else to drive you.

How often should I walk around 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.

Can I go out 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

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.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Hysterectomy?

How long can you sit in a car after a hysterectomy?

However, some women may be ready to return to work after two to three weeks, with their doctor's approval. You won't be ready to drive until two to three weeks after your hysterectomy or until you can: Comfortably use all of the controls in your car. Safely perform an emergency stop.

How soon can you ride in a car after a hysterectomy?

Some surgeons recommend avoiding long trips by car, train, or airplane during the first two weeks after major gynecologic surgery (such as hysterectomy) to avoid complications, such as blood clots in your legs.

When can I bend over after hysterectomy?

After three weeks gently ease back into such activities • If you need to bend, squat at the knees rather than bending over. Avoid driving a car for up to two weeks or until you feel comfortable.

How should you lay in bed after a hysterectomy?

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. And the better you sleep, the more quickly you will recover!

What do I need at home after a hysterectomy?

Eat a well-balanced diet, including protein, fruits and vegetables, which will help with healing after surgery. Drink about 8-10 glasses of fluids a day (especially water) to keep your body well hydrated. If you have a cardiac problem, ask your doctor about your fluid intake.

What not to do after hysterectomy?

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. Follow your doctor's recommendations about returning to your other normal activities.

What to avoid doing after 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.

Can you walk around after a hysterectomy?

Most women can comfortably increase their continuous walking by approximately five minutes per week after their hysterectomy surgery. By the end of week four you may be able to walk continuously for twenty minutes. Monitor your symptoms and progress the time you spend walking when you feel comfortable.

What is the fastest way to recover from a hysterectomy?

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.

Why am I peeing so much after hysterectomy?

This may result from a weakening of the pelvic floor or loss of normal function of the sphincter (the muscle that keeps the urethra closed). Although this would be more common after radical hysterectomy for uterine cancer, it may theoretically occur after vaginal hysterectomy as well.

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.

Should I lay down or sit up 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 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; ...

What 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).

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.

What chores can I do after 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 sit at a desk after a 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.

How long does odor last 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.