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.


When can I start doing chores 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.

Can you do household chores after hysterectomy?

You should not lift heavy objects such as full shopping bags or children, or do any strenuous housework such as vacuuming until three to four weeks after your operation as this may affect how you heal internally.


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.

What are you not allowed to do after a 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.


Hysterectomy Recovery Tips - Top Five Things To Know AFTER Your Hysterectomy!



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 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.

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.


Is it OK to sit in a chair after hysterectomy?

During the first day or two home, rest like you did in the hospital. Be up for meals and bathroom. 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.

Can you do laundry after 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 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 can you do 2 weeks after a hysterectomy?

You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. 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.

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 if you lift something heavy after hysterectomy?

Takeaway. 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.


Can you walk up and down stairs after a 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.

How do you clean yourself after a hysterectomy?

Incision care
  1. If you had surgery with a laparoscope, you may have stitches over the cuts (incisions) the doctor made in your belly. If you have strips of tape over the incisions, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off. ...
  2. Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. ...
  3. Keep the area clean and dry.


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 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.

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 after hysterectomy can you sweep?

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.


Can I lay on my side after hysterectomy surgery?

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.

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).

Can you walk too much after hysterectomy?

After a hysterectomy, the hospital where you were treated should give you information and advice about suitable forms of exercise while you recover. 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.


What is the fastest way to recover from a hysterectomy?

6 Tips to Ease Hysterectomy Recovery
  1. Rest, but don't lie on the couch all day. ...
  2. Don't lift anything heavy. ...
  3. Take care of your incision. ...
  4. No sexual intercourse until the doctor gives you the OK (usually about six weeks after surgery). ...
  5. Keep your hormones in check. ...
  6. Eat healthy and drink lots of water.


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.