After having a hysterectomy, you may wake up feeling tired and in some pain. This is normal after this type of surgery. You’ll be given painkillers to help reduce any pain and discomfort. If you feel sick after the anaesthetic, your nurse can give you medicine to help relieve this.
You may have:
You may also be slightly uncomfortable and feel like you need to empty your bowels. The day after your operation, you’ll be encouraged to take a short walk. This helps your blood to flow normally, reducing the risk of complications developing, such as blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis). A physiotherapist may show you how to do some exercises to help your mobility. They may also show you some pelvic floor muscle exercises to help with your recovery.
After the catheter has been removed, you should be able to pass urine normally. Any stitches that need to be removed will be taken out five to seven days after your operation.
Your recovery time
The length of time it will take before you’re well enough to leave hospital depends on your age and your general level of health. If you’ve had a laparoscopic or a vaginal hysterectomy, you may be able to leave between one and four days later. If you’ve had an abdominal hysterectomy, it will usually be up to five days before you’re discharged. You should ring the hospital if you have any problems during your recovery period. The hospital will then contact Mr Chattopadhyay for further advice. If you have an urgent problem, out of hours, you may have to attend the nearest NHS hospital A&E.
Mr Chattopadhyay would like to see you in four to six weeks, to give you the results of tissue testing from the hysterectomy, to ensure you are well and to ensure you do not have any further questions.
It takes about six to eight 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. Your abdominal muscles and the surrounding tissues need time to heal. If you live by yourself, you may be able to get help from your local NHS authority or your GP, while you’re recovering from your operation. Hospital staff should be able to advise you further about this.
Side effects
After having a hysterectomy, you may experience some temporary side effects, as outlined below.
Bowel and bladder disturbances
After your operation, there may be some changes in your bowel and bladder functions when going to the toilet. Some women develop urinary tract infections or constipation. Both can easily be treated. It’s recommended that you drink plenty of fluids and increase the fruit and fibre in your diet to help with your bowel and bladder movements. For the first few bowel movements after a hysterectomy, you may need laxatives to help you avoid straining. Some people find it more comfortable to hold their abdomen to provide support while passing a stool.
Vaginal discharge
After a hysterectomy, you’ll experience some vaginal bleeding and discharge. This will be less discharge than during a period, but it may last up to six weeks.
Contact Mr Chattopadhyay through the hospital or through Ms Claire Rossa, his secretary, or visit your GP if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, start passing blood clots, or have a strong-smelling discharge.
Menopausal symptoms
If your ovaries are removed, you’ll usually experience severe menopausal symptoms after your operation. These may include:
- hot flushes
- anxiety
- weepiness
- sweating
You may have hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after your operation. This can be given in the form of an implant, injections or tablets. It usually takes around a week before having an effect.
Emotional effects
You may feel a sense of loss and sadness after having a hysterectomy. These feelings are particularly common in women with advanced cancer, who have no other treatment option.
Some women who haven’t yet experienced the menopause may feel a sense of loss because they’re no longer able to have children. Others may feel less “womanly” than before.
In some cases, having a hysterectomy can be a trigger for depression. See your GP if you have feelings of depression that won’t go away, as they can advise you about the available treatment options.
Talking to other women who have had a hysterectomy may help by providing emotional support and reassurance. Your GP or the hospital staff may be able to recommend a local support group.
The Hysterectomy Association (https://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk) also provides hysterectomy support services, including a one-to-one telephone support line, counselling, and “preparing for hysterectomy” workshops.
Getting back to normal
Returning to work
How long it will take for you to return to work depends on how you feel and what sort of work you do. If your job doesn’t involve manual work or heavy lifting, it may be possible to return after four to eight weeks. Mr Chattopadhyay will be able to provide you with a sick note at discharge from the hospital.
Driving
Don’t drive until you’re comfortable wearing a seatbelt and can safely perform an emergency stop. This can be anything from three to eight weeks after your operation. You may want to check with your GP that you are fit to drive before you start. Some car insurance companies require a certificate from a GP stating that you’re fit to drive. Check this with your car insurance company.
Exercise and lifting
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. Don’t try to do too much, because you’ll probably feel more tired than usual.
Don’t lift any heavy objects during your recovery period. If you have to lift light objects, make sure your knees are bent and your back is straight.
Sex
After a hysterectomy, it’s generally recommended that you don’t have sex until your scars have healed and any vaginal discharge has stopped, which usually takes at least four to six weeks. As long as you’re comfortable and relaxed, it’s safe to have sex.
You may experience some vaginal dryness, particularly if you’ve had your ovaries removed and you’re not taking HRT.
Many women also experience an initial loss of sexual desire (libido) after the operation, but this usually returns once they’ve fully recovered.
At this point, studies show that pain during sex is reduced and that strength of orgasm, libido and sexual activity all improve after a hysterectomy.
Contraception
You no longer need to use contraception to prevent pregnancy after having a hysterectomy. However, you’ll still need to use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).