How long are you on bedrest after hysterectomy?

You may be advised to rest for anywhere between 2-6 weeks, with the first two weeks consisting of bed rest. Although it is essential to get plenty of bed rest, it is also important to get up and move around as soon as you can. Surgery and bed rest put you at an increased risk for a blood clot.

How long do I need bed rest after a hysterectomy?

It can take about 6 to 8 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.

Why is bed rest important after a hysterectomy?

During recovery at home, it's important to balance rest and exercise to promote healing and minimise possible side effects after hysterectomy (e.g. physical deterioration or lower back pain).

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

You may return to work in 2-4 weeks if your job requires a lot of movement. Please contact your doctor if you need any return to work letters or medical leave paperwork to be completed. If you had a laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, you will have small incisions on your abdomen.

Is it better to sit or lay down after hysterectomy?

The OBGYNs at Professionals for Women's Health provide detailed instructions on caring for yourself after a robotic hysterectomy. In general, patients should sleep on their backs in an elevated position. You can achieve this by propping yourself up with firm pillows or by sleeping in a recliner chair.

Bedrest after Hysterectomy

How long should I stay in the house after a hysterectomy?

Most women go home 2-3 days after this surgery, but complete recovery takes from six to eight weeks. During this time, you need to rest at home. You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks.

How many pounds does a uterus weigh?

Even during pregnancy, the mass of a human uterus amounts to only about a kilogram (2.2 pounds).

How soon can you drive after hysterectomy?

You can drive about two weeks after abdominal surgery or when you're no longer taking narcotics for pain. If you had a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you might begin driving within a few days. Resume your exercise routine in four to six weeks, depending on how you feel.

Is it OK to push to poop after hysterectomy?

Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to). You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements.

How soon can I walk after hysterectomy?

Weeks 4-6 After Hysterectomy

By six weeks after a hysterectomy many women can walk continuously for up to thirty minutes. If you're unable to manage one long walk or 30 minutes duration, you may find that walking is more comfortable when broken down into a few shorter duration walks during the day.

What is the most common complication after hysterectomy?

The most common complications of hysterectomy can be categorized as infectious, venous thromboembolic, genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract injury, bleeding, nerve injury, and vaginal cuff dehiscence.

How do you know if you're overdoing it after hysterectomy?

Signs of overexertion include increased pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, or drainage from your incision. If any of these happen, stop doing an activity and revisit it again in several days. If symptoms get worse, call your doctor.

What can I do 1 week after hysterectomy?

Most surgeons advise women to get plenty of rest during the first few weeks after a hysterectomy, though it is important to get up and move around too. Light exercise, such as walking, helps get the bowels moving and may help reduce the risk of a blood clot.

Can you go home same day after hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic hysterectomy normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required. Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.

How should you lay in bed after a hysterectomy?

The best sleeping positions after a hysterectomy are on either your back or on your side, supported by a well-placed pillow. Finding the right sleeping position can help you sleep better by alleviating pain, discomfort and painful gas.

Is it OK to ride in a car after hysterectomy?

You may ride in a car; as always, wear a seat belt any time you are riding in or driving a car. Some surgeons recommend avoiding long trips by car, train, or airplane during the first two weeks after major gynecologic surgery (such as hysterectomy) to avoid complications, such as blood clots in your legs.

How much can I walk 3 weeks after hysterectomy?

Walking – Start walking on the day of your return home and increase your activity levels over the first few weeks. Many women should be able to walk for 30-60 minutes after 2-3 weeks.

Can I go 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.

Will I look thinner after hysterectomy?

There's no connection between hysterectomy and weight loss. Any weight loss noticed after a hysterectomy probably has an unrelated cause. Always talk to your doctor about any unintentional weight loss, as there could be an underlying condition at play.

How much does a total hysterectomy weigh?

The average weight of the specimen was 700 grams (500, 2240).

How many pounds do fibroids weigh?

Most fibroids are on the smaller side and weigh less than a pound. However, a large cluster of fibroids could grow to more than 8 inches in diameter and have a mass equivalent to a grapefruit, or even a watermelon. These fibroid clusters can weigh 5 to 10 pounds.

What not 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.

Can I sit to shower after hysterectomy?

and laparoscopic hysterectomy)

You may take a shower after the first 48 hours (2 days). You may sit in a few inches of warm water. Just don't let the water reach your incision, and don't put soap or shampoo in the water. Do NOT soak in a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool until your doctor says it's okay.

Can I do housework 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.