Hysterectomy - Hutchinson, KS

D. I had a hysterectomy a year and a half ago and I had complications, they tried to go through my belly button which did not work then they ended up cutting me from hip to hip. So my healing time was long, I thought I'd be down for two weeks and then able to do stuff, since I had two c-sections I thought I'd be able to do that but that was not the case. If I remember right I was not to get in the bath untill I healed. I still am fighting being so tired that I can't stand it although I feel 100% better from not having any pain. All in all this was the best thing I ever did!!! I feel for my daughter every month knowing exactly what she is feeling. Good luck!!! Kim

D., this is D. from Topeka. I'm a Nurse so hope this doesn't wound too clinical.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions after your surgery. Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you have done. Of course, if you have to have an abdominal surgery, you're going to have much more discomfort. Muscles will be cut through and will need that 6 weeks to heal. Swimming may not be an option and probably no heavy lifting over 10 # for 6 weeks. No vacuuming! Generally they don't let you drive also for at least a week, sometimes longer.

If you have a vaginal hyst. you're not going to have as much discomfort. You have still have some discharge until the incision heals.

Good luck and contrats. I never understood the ladies that said they didn't feel like a woman anymore. Not me, I felt 100% better. No more monthly's, cramps, PMS, etc. God Bless you and yours. ____@____.com

I had a vaginal hysterectomy Jan. 25th. I also had a couple other repairs done so I was on a weight limit for a month for the recovery from the rectal repair and the bladder tacking. Thouugh I was on the weight limit for the time needed to heal. I didn't feel bad for that long of a time. I only really felt bad for the first week or so. I feel so much better. I started feeling alot better after about the first week. Though I still get a bit sore when I do really strenious stuff; I feel great. I am 26 and have three kids, 7 year old boy, 4 year old girl, and 19 month old girl. I got to spend quality time with them and really enjoyed it. Though I couldn't lift on the baby I still got to spend quality time with her also. She adjusted and did more to help me out with what she needed and all. Good luck don't worry too much. The 4- 6 weeks is for the healing time for your body. You shouldn't feel crapy for that long.

Deb,
I am 37, and had a vaginal hysterectomy 5 weeks ago. Honestly, other than the lifting restrictions (as I also had rectocele repair) and being really tired for a few weeks, I felt pretty good after a week or so. I did pretty much what my dr. told me and because of that, my recovery has been good. I don't know why you wouldn't be able to go in the pool, unless they have to do it abdominally. Then the incision poses some other problems. Just take it easy, don't push yourself, and I think you'll feel pretty good. I also noticed very soon after surgery that the problems that I had been having were gone, and just because of that, I felt good.

I still get tired really easily, but I feel great. BTW - as I read other responses, some people are really against this. I just felt I had to say that not all hysterectomies involve removal of the ovaries. Mine were left intact and therefore I haven't had early menopause. Also, medically sometimes it is necessary. My uterus was severely prolapsed, and I had constant pain and was unable to have bowel movements naturally. The surgery gave me my life back and certainly made me feel like the 37 yr. old that I am, rather than the old lady I was turning into. Most OB's don't do hysto's for birth control. It's not a procedure that they LIKE to do on younger patients. Anyway....just my 2 cents.

Good luck!
T.
SAHM of 2 great kids. 3 & 5

I just had total abdominal hystorectomy. I still have one ovary though. I had the surgery 5 days before Christmas. I was in the hospital for the 20th, 21st and went home on the 22nd of December. I found the first month to be pretty nasty, but now at almost 3 months out I am doing ok...I heard that "total" recovery doesn't happen for 6 months...Meaning you are all healed up but you may not have all of your abdominal strength back...Granted if you do it vaginally it will be a whole lot different. My OBGYN had to do mine the abdominal way as I have/had endometriosis and cysts every where and he wanted to make sure to get all of that stuff. I had the hot flashes and stuff for about a month afterwards and every now and again I have them but not nearly as bad. My remaining ovary has kicked into overdrive so it feels like I have way too many hormones, but my levels are ok...I couldn't take a tub bath (but I could take a shower) for atleast the first week and then after I had my staples removed they said I could take a bath, but not to soak too long...They wanted to make sure that the incision was totally healed. I also had my appendix out at the same time, so there was a little more pain associated with that too. Just remember not to do too much too fast or that can hurt your overall recovery time. My friend had one done vaginally and they ended up puncturing her bladder...It is one of those risks that is associated with doing it that way...I guess overall I am happy that I had it done, I was just hoping for one more child... :o)

There was no other choice for my mom to get one last May she took 6 week's off,it was more than 6 week's for her to recover she had a few other thing's done.The main thing was she was tired really tired still is but had to return back to work full time.She is also going all natural not even natural herb's through menopause no Hormone drug's to control them.Ya she get's a tad bit grouchy no more than when she did on her cycles.I would plan on having some help with the kid's it'll be a few weeks maybe till you can be able to watch them alone.GOOD LUCK The swimming part is different for everyone so i'd ask your DR.

http://www.hystersisters.com/ You should check out this website!! I found it while trying to find out about my edometrial ablation a year or so ago. There is a ton of information on the site!!

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 3 yrs ago. Because my benign tumors were so large (3 grapefruit size) the doc had to do a much larger incision than he intended. Laproscopy was not an option, neither was the bikini cut. Long story short, the recovery from the actual surgery was for me surprisingly short. But I was in excellent physical condition. I did exactly what the doc ordered, no heavy lifting etc. and tried the estrogen patch for a while. Less than a month. Because I do not have insurance I couldn't afford the HTR and for other reasons, I have opted to go cold turkey so to speak. For me it worked out really well. I got a little (HA) grouchy for a short period and had all the menopause effects.. but my experience is that while it was much more intense the time frame is dramatically shortened. So instead of 10 yrs or more of menopause sypmtomes, I could say that my sypmtoms after 3 yrs are negligable. The occasional sleepless night but rarely night sweats any more, once in a blue moon hot flash, but much less intense not quite unnoticeble but completely bearable and laughable. Irritability that has also changed a lot. I also think the credit goes largely to listening to Jesus and laying it all at his feet. I fully believe He did a work that no amount of HTR could have accomplished.

By the way, I did go through a brief period of sadness because I wouldn't ever have a child (I was 43 when I had it done and had never had a child.) But the other day I was thinking how glad I am to be free of the monthlies and the process of purchasing and using all the stuff which comes with periods. I am glad to not have to deal with any of it any longer.

Hi D.,
I had a hysterctomy in 1992, and within 2 or 3 days I felt better than I had for a long time. I had a complete hysterectomy, with an abdominal inciscion, and I was able to shower within 3 or 4 days, and was back to "normal" within 2 weeks. I felt so much better not having the constant blood loss I had suffered before the surgery. I was back to work in about 3 weeks, and felt fine. It was such a relief, and my body and spirit healed well. Good luck.

A lot depends on how well you bounce back after the surgery. If you have been active before your hysterectomy, then you should be fine. It is important to remember not to overdo it - and you know how we women are, we tend to do this all the time. I remember things like not climbing the stairs, no vacuuming, and staying off my feet as much as possible. Just remember, the more rest you can get, your body will hear faster. With all of your upcoming plans, it is going to be hard to do this. With your two boys and husband, they should be able to help so that you can get the rest you need. Good luck!

D.,
Count on everyone of those weeks for recovery. I had mine at 38, everyone said that it would be sooooo easy and little recovery time. I don't know about them but I was in bed at least 6 weeks. I lost 14 lb in the first 18 days. I was told that it would be like recovering from child birth, that was like NO child birth I ever experienced.
I do not mean to scare you, but it isn't as easy as they say it is.
Do what the doctors tell you, and don't push yourself to get back to normal too soon. Take your time, good luck.
Also, when it's over and your healed, IT IS FANTASTIC!!!!
C.

Hi D., I had mine at about 96. I had been putting off for years. You will do great. When you wake up except to feel like you have been cuy on, i was not thinking offf that going in. They give you a pain drip and the miunte you hit that it takes that pain away. I got up after about 4 hours to pee, and kept peeing and it helped getting up soon. i checked my self out the next morning, they let me go with pain pills. I got a hospital bed for home, and let hubby wait on me. You will be very bloated, i bloat more than most people. That will last about a week. I went to my nephews party for his thing they do at catholic church , oh shoot i can't think of name. Any way thaat is a side effect, memory,lol. I went in about 3 days and came straight home. Dont over do the first week and you will have plenty of time with the kids and pool. No bleeding, Yeah. I pray all goes well if you want to know anything else please ask, J. jeaan P. S. get up as soon as you can and you will get home asap, then let them wait on you for a couple of days.I milked it,lol.

I had one when I was 26 now I'm 37 and not having any problems at all. I swim in the pool and the lake after having the Hysterectomy and didn't have a problem. After having the surgery I had to go back in and have my appendix taken out 2 weeks afterwards not so fun but you can deal with it I promise. Just think you will also be saving some money in the long run, and enjoy you life with your family.

If thats something you want to do thats your choice but there are other alternatives to not getting pregnant without the hormones going crazy. Check out this link. I know its new but you can always look in your area and call certain doctors to see how effective it is and if problems occured after it was put in. Heres the link below

http://essure.com/

Hi Deb, I had Hysti in 87. Mine wasn't a normal in and out type though. Two other procedures involved after they got there. lol I didn't have cancer or anything. Tumor in my colon and appendix removed. I was in St. Jo for a week then went home. At the end of I think 3 weeks I sort of felt normal again. Two other women the wifes of hubbies employee's had vaginal's same time I did and were out in two days, wearing the same cloths they walked in with.

Everyone is different and have different recovery times. Best and funnies part. It was 4 months before I realized I didn't need to buy tampons anymore. YEAH!! Completely forgot about it.

I started out with estrogen pills made me ill, then I used patches. Then I gave myself injections once a month for 15 yrs. Now I do not use any type of HT. I am 56.

Best of everything to you and Speedy recovery.. It's Great.

D.,

I had my hysterectomy in 2004.

The worst of the pain should be over by 4wks.
I don't think you will be able to be in the pool yet - but in time, probably before the end of the summer.
I don't see any problem with working on that tan though - don't forget the sunscreen.
The doctors usually don't want you to pick up heavy things or be on your feet for a long time for 6 weeks - to make sure it all heals well.

Another thing that can determine how fast/slow you will recover is the health of your immune sysytem.

You have a couple months before surgery to work on strengthening your immune sysytem.

I was totally disabled in 1994 with Fibromyalgia (auto-immune disorder). Instead of protecting me - my immune system was attacking the soft tissues in my body. At the age of 40, the doctors were saying I had the body of a 65 year old. All the doctors told me it would only get worse. The ONLY thing that made sense to me was to strengthen the immune system. I am here today and I have my life! At the age of 54 - I feel better than I did when I was 30.

There is a specific program I followed and I would be glad to share it with you.

The most important thing is NOT to worry!! Worry and stress affects 100% of all disease. When we are in the stress mode, all our other systems (nervous, digestion, reproductive, etc.)shut down. If we can't digest our food properly - we will NOT be able to utelize the nutrients in it, hence we will be mal-nourished, etc. etc.

Because of my recovery from my disability I became a Health & Wellness Advisor, wanting to help other people make healthy lifestyle changes. If you would be interested in looking at a guaranteed nutritional program to strengthen your immune system or maybe would just like to talk about or ask questions - feel free to contact me - S. ###-###-####
1-877-233-1809 TF

D.,
I can't understand why you're thrilled at having a hysterectomy. When my mother had one, she never really recovered from it. First of all, it's instant menopause. What takes women several years to go through, will happen to you in a few hours with all of its shocking consequences. Before her hysterectomy, my mother was a strong, vibrant woman that I was very proud of. Afterwards, she slowly lost her spark and her energy until I really couldn't recognize her. She existed for many years after the operation but I wouldn't call it living. Based on her results, I would never recomend that anyone get a hysterectomy.

I had a hysterectomy a few years ago and I am very pleased I did. I also had other corrective surgery...fallen bladder and some colon repair. My bladder had fallen and did damage to my uterus and colon. I had my bladder put in a sling and had my colon repaired. The hysterectomy was done vaginally and I had very little bleeding or pain, but the nurses told me I had one of the best doctors around who actually took the time to tie off and burn everything so there is very little bleeding. I was in some pain for about a week, but I took it easy and slow and did not climb any stairs or do any lifting for a few weeks. Some women try to do too much too quickly and that is what hurts them. Just do what the doctor says and you should be fine. I can't remember how long I was not able to take baths or swim. The initial stitches come out after a week, but you still have internal stitches so I am thinking baths and swimming are at least another 2 or 3 weeks. I know sex is out for 6-8 weeks, pretty much the same as having a baby vaginally. Vaginal hysterectomy recovery is faster than abodominal hysterectomy recovery. Your doctor should be able to answer most of your questions. I love the fact that I don't have periods anymore. I still have my ovaries so I don't know what it is like to have a full hysterectomy, but I do know that I felt better than I had for a long time so it was a good thing for me.

Debbie-

I was so upset when they told me I had to get a hysterectomy- however, I feel better than I have in a long time, and it only took a few days to feel better. I was up and cleaning and etc in less than a week. Also, I have read some of the responses from others and although you do into menopause immediately, I take a VERY low does of hormone pills and I do fine. I was 35 when I had the procedure and now I am 38. I am probably a little more emotional that I use to be, and can cry easier than I would like, but I just feel so much better that is was worth it in the long run. I have to assume that you are having a medical problem because doctor's typically don't just do it because you want it? Well doctors might, but insurance companies don't. I wish you luck, please email me if you have any other questions or concerns. I have had three other close friends that have had hysterectomies and they would probably agree with what I am telling you. Just one question- why wouldn't you be able to swim in your pool? What have you heard about that? Are they doing a full hysterectomy or partial (leaving ovaries?) Good luck.

V.

Have they not mentioned to you the laproscopic hysterectomy? I had one the old fashioned way, but, my friend had one where they went in through her belly button, ground everything up, and sucked it out! :) She was at church that night!

While I myself have not had a hysterectomy, I still felt I had to respond based on some of the previous answers. I completely understand your excitement at having the procedure. I am certain that you are not having one as a means of birth control and must be having problems that have led you to this procedure. My Mom had to have a complete hysto when I was in 5th grade and it was the best thing that ever happened to her. Beside the fact that it cured the cancer, it also gave her a sense of peace. Generations of women in our family had suffered years of problems and she knew that those problems were over. With a light dose of HRT, she felt better than she had in years!
I am having a voluntary hysto after I am done having children myself. Until they find a cure for ovarian, uterin and cervical cancer it is my only hope to avoid the cancers that have taken so many livesa of the women in my family. Please post again after you have had yours to let us know how it goes.
Good luck and best wishes!

I had a different situation. If it is medically right for you, yes you should have it. Mine was an emergency with lots of complications. I almost died from haemorrhages. but I did have them leave my ovaries, saved the instant MENOPAUSE problems. I too was about your age. and you will be feeling better quickly. Just take it slowly. Importantly don't lift more than they tell you to. Do your post operative exercises. you will loose some of the muscle control to your stomach quickly if you don't follow the directions they give you. As to quality time that you can have most any time. depends on what you call quality time. Lifting children for a while is a strict no. but having someone put them beside you or on your lap should be fine. You aren't going to want to run a race any time soon. But I see no reason that getting into a pool would be bad for you. just not really strenuous workouts.You probably wont want to either. Your body will tell you. Hope this helps you. Best of luck with your surgery.
K. W

I had a hysterectomy a few years ago, mine was vaginal and I took 6 weeks off....I felt really bad the first week or so and then it started getting better. But I was tired a lot for nearly a year. My dr. told me that was normal, that my body was doing a lot of healing and it could take up to a year for me to feel 100%. I had to have my mom pick the kids up and get them to daycare and school for 2 weeks and then couldn't pick my youngest up in my arms for about another 2 weeks. You are going to be really really tired during those first 6 weeks. My advise is to sleep as often as possible. Swimming, I'm not sure about that, I would ask your doc, they would know best. I felt so much better after getting my hysto, I was in so much pain before, just take it easy and don't push yourself. I did that at the beginning and soooo regretted it. Take care and good luck!

There are to many times for this one so I will address one you may not have thought about. It is all in your mind! Yes you need time for recovery and do everything to make it right-in other words don't overdo anything. Take lots of naps, let them wait on you, don't pick up anything heavier than a magazine or book and most of all keep that pillow close to your "tummy" till you feel stronger. We are women and we are strong! Sometimes our bodies need re-adjusting and this means it is our time to take it easy and that is different for all of us but as we know there will come the time to get back into "it"- do it slowly yet know you are strong and can handle anything that comes your way!! Power to you girl and if you need extra meds or some personal help for a while then go for it- this helps to make us strong in the right way. Later the K-Y will make it comfortable for both of you. Don't forget the sunscreen too. Welcome to the club and remember to have fun this is a short set back in the time of our lives.

D.,

Abdominal hysterectomy last January with ovary removal. It was wonderful. I was afraid that the surgery would cause me to have an MS attack and thankfully I had no MS related problems. The day after surgery, they removed my catheter and morphine pump and I was up and on my feet so much that the nurses gave up trying to record the amount that I was walking.

Went to Wal-Mart to shop (rode a scooter) by the end of the week. I was very bloated for several weeks and that actually caused the majority of my pain.

The "instant" menopause can be addressed through hormone replacement therapy, if your ovaries are removed. I started using an estrogen patch the day after surgery and have only had a couple of hot flashes (only when my patch fell off and when I forgot to put one on). My night sweats have actually all but disappeared since surgery!

Went back to work (teaching fifth grade) after six weeks. No, I don't think you'll be able to swim for the six weeks if you have abdominal surgery or the three for the vaginal. Ask your doctor, he or she will give the guidelines that you should follow.

Good luck!

I had a total open, abdominal hyst in May, 1998. I felt so bad before the surgery I felt better 2 days later than I had felt in YEARS!

Yes, you will have "quality time"! Just take it easy...