Hysterectomies have far-reaching effects both in the immediate aftermath of the surgery and far into the future for the patient. There are three different types of hysterectomies: abdominal, vaginal and laparascopic. Abdominal hysterectomies, when the uterus is removed through the abdomen, is the most invasive and has the toughest recovery. Vaginal and laparascopic hysterectomies are less invasive, but still, according to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek, it can take women about six months to get back to normal. However, with a little bit of planning and attention to healthy habits, the effects of a hysterectomy are completely manageable.
Pain
Post-surgical pain is a common problem after a hysterectomy. The pain may be at the incision site, in the pelvic region or the lower back. Immediately following your surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe prescription-strength painkillers to help you cope. As you heal, you will make the switch to over-the-counter pain medication. How quickly you make that switch, as well as how quickly you can stop using pain medication all together, depends on your recovery. There is no set timetable. However, you can reduce the pain you feel by avoiding strenuous activities, especially in the first two weeks after surgery.
It can take up to six months to recover from a hysterectomy completely, so it is not uncommon to experience some level of pain for that length of time.
Infection
Infection is a major concern after your operation. Your incision may become infected, or you may develop a yeast infection, urinary tract infection or vaginal bacterial infection. A yeast infection can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, but other infections will require a round of antibiotics. Keep an eye out for seeping at your incision site and vaginal odor or discharge, which all may be signs of infection. Visit your doctor if you experience these symptoms. You can lessen the risk of incision infection by keeping the wound dry for 48 hours after surgery.
Weight Gain
Since you will be unable to be active after your surgery, it is not uncommon to experience some weight gain. According to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek, if your ovaries were removed as well, you may also experience a small weight gain--approximately 3 lbs.-- due to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When you are able to return to your normal activity level, your weight should stabilize.
Menopause
When the ovaries are removed as part of a hysterectomy, menopause begins. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and vaginal dryness may be more severe for women who enter menopause because of ovary removal than for natural occurring menopause, since the hormone change is steep and sudden. HRT can help you manage the symptoms, but post-hysterectomy menopause is not reversible.
Note that HRT is not for everyone, as some research suggests it increases the risk of developing certain cancers. Because of the severity of post-hysterectomy menopause vs. natural menopaus, HRT is often prescribed as a matter of course, with the idea that the benefits outweight the risks. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, in recent years, doctors have become more cautious. Your doctor will work with you to weigh up your personal benefits and risks.
Emotional Effects
A hysterectomy is often tough to deal with emotionally, especially if the surgery happens during childbearing years. For some women, the feeling of loss can last months and even years after their operation. If you are having trouble dealing with your hysterectomy, your doctor can offer support, ranging from support groups to antidepressants.
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