Effective Recovery Tips for a Hysterectomy Procedure

After a hysterectomy, you must follow your doctor’s guidelines for a smooth recovery. While rest and taking your pain medications as prescribed are important, you must go a step further to ensure a quicker recovery. A San Antonio hysterectomy can involve the partial or total removal of your womb and surrounding parts of the reproductive system.

It is important to understand that you cannot have children after the procedure. Hence you should consider the operation seriously. You can have the procedure because of cancer of the uterus, chronic pelvic pain, and heavy periods.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing your uterus and other structures like your ovaries.

Your surgeon can approach the procedure in three ways; either through the vagina or abdomen or using laparoscopic techniques. Mostly, doctors recommend a vaginal hysterectomy over an abdominal one due to the reduced risk of infection and shorter recovery time. However, you might undergo an abdominal hysterectomy if your uterus is enlarged with fibroids, or your doctor must remove your ovaries too.

When you undergo laparoscopic surgery, your recovery time will be much shorter than recovery for both vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies. The surgery employs several tiny incisions other than one big incision reducing the risk of infection and scarring tremendously.

Recovery tips

The following are effective recovery tips you can use after a hysterectomy.

Rest

To recover quickly, you must get a lot of rest and sleep to allow your body to heal. Don’t lift heavy objects or strenuous exercises that strain your core area. Although your doctor requires you to rest, it is important to move a little to promote blood flow. Walking slowly for a few minutes can increase blood circulation and prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis.

Maintain high standards of hygiene

Your incisions must always remain clean and dry regardless of the type of hysterectomy you underwent. Your surgeon will give you instructions on what to do and frequent follow-ups to assess your recovery. Daily washing and regular changing of your bandage will increase your chances of a successful recovery.

Refrain from sex

A hysterectomy is a major surgery that requires ample rest. Your doctor will recommend refraining from sex until you are fully healed. Having sex soon before your doctor gives the go-ahead can cause pain and increase your risk of infection.

Eat healthy

Diet is key in promoting fast recovery. While you might crave comfort foods, ensure to eat wholesome, unprocessed foods that provide your body with energy and necessary nutrients. Foods to include in your diet can be lean proteins like fish or chicken, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. 

Check your hormone levels

After a hysterectomy, your body might suffer from hormone imbalance. You can undergo hormone replacement therapy to restore your hormone levels to rectify the situation. The treatment helps to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability.

If you are done having children, or you are facing problems like heavy periods, uterine cancer, or chronic pelvic pain, visit Aurora OB/GYN for a hysterectomy. The available specialist will evaluate your conditions and health goals before proceeding. Call or book your appointment online to improve the quality of your life.