Hysterectomy Recovery Time
June 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy Recovery Time
Every woman is concerned over all of the particulars of a hysterectomy especially when it comes to the recovery time of a hysterectomy. However, much to every woman’s dismay, there is a healing time and you will have to go through it so let’s talk about the recovery time for the hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy will require some TLC for the woman who just had surgery. However, ladies, you can play the recovery time to the hilt if you’d like but it really isn’t as bad as what you are told by physicians or the women who had their hysterectomies 10 years ago. Things have improved and women who have hysterectomies are finding little problems with recovery from a hysterectomy.
The recovery time does vary from woman to woman and from procedure to procedure. An abdominal hysterectomy is much like a c-section. After childbirth via c-section, women find they are in a lot of pain and can not move about like they would like to move about. A woman is likely to need pain medication for the first 48 hours after surgery and often for up to two weeks following the procedure. An abdominal hysterectomy is the same only, this time, you don’t leave the hospital with a little bundle of joy. You simply have the surgery; stay a couple of nights in the hospital and return home to recover.
Other hysterectomies, such as the laparoscopic hysterectomy will not be as painful and recovery will not be as difficult. Women who have the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy discover an easy recovery time (compared to other procedures) and some women (dont hold your breath that this will be you) have returned to work within 5 days.The easiest recovery time for a woman who has a hysterectomy is for the woman who has the LSH or the laparoscopic hysterectomy and the most difficult time is for the woman who has the most invasive surgery which is the abdominal hysterectomy.
Still, it is important to remember, it is only as difficult as you choose. Recovery can go relatively fast but you must help yourself. You should drink plenty of fluids, move around as much as possible and plan for a speedy recovery. If you try to get back on your feet as quickly as possible, then your recovery process will not only allow you to heal but will also help you feel better once you resume normal activities without the complications of the medical problems you experienced prior to your hysterectomy procedure. Then, you’ll be glad you had your hysterectomy.
Check Out Our Brand New e-Book –> Women’s Hysterectomy Stories – The Essential Guide by: Ruth Steeves. Click Here Now for Instant Access!
I had a partial abdominal hysterectomy 3wks ago,im doing great i was out the hospital in 72hrs up and walking.My recovery time off work is 6wks and i will be taking the full 6wks for my recovery,externally has healed wonderfully now just waiting on the internal part to heal which is the most important.All the questions that us woman are concern about i was too,but now that i experience it myself i have no regrets and i feel 100½ better.My advice is,if theres no other option out there for you to better your health then jus do what a woman must do.Im BLESSED..Good Luck
I had a total laproscopic hysterectomy four days ago and I feel great. I haven’t been on any pain medication at all. Noone can believe that I just had major surgery. I was able to walk up and down the stairs the first day-was even able to shave my legs. I am ready to go back to work!
I have been recoverying since March 10, 2010. I am 50 years old and loss alot of blood during surgery, I am not faced with recourporating the Iron, and having vitamin B-12 and B- complex shots weekly to have more enrgy and build my body back up. It is hard to move after almost a month and walking around does help me in not stiffining up. I enjoy being home but I do miss my dailiy activities but am thankful, I al slowly getting back to normal, although it may take more time than usual. I am proably one of those whinny women but, I want to make sure i take care of myself and do not wind up under the knife again. I can do without all that drama.
A hysterectomy is MUCH more invasive than a c-section. A c-section takes about 10 minutes and requires an incision though your uterus. A hysterectomy requires removal of the uterus. That means 90 minutes of surgery, and the cutting and rerouting of ligaments, nerves and vessels. I’ve had both: and the hysterectomy was much harder to bounce back from.
I’m having a supracervical (leaves ovaries and cervix) and curious how soon it’s feasible to have sex again?
I am 3 weeks post-op and the main problems I have are back pain, moderate soreness in my pelvic area, and fatigue. I am returning to work tomorrow and I am a little worried about my stamina.Pray for me!
I had all but one ovary removed 8 days ago. I had planned on taking 2 weeks off of work, but I’m going back tomorrow. I guess some people recover quicker than others. My doctor told me it could be as soon as 5 days, but it could take as long as 6 weeks. Just do what your own body tells you to do!
I’ve just had an abdominal total hysterectomy(uterus, cervix and ovaries removed)10 days ago. I was in hospital for 5 days in total, and although I can say I have no pain. I get tired very easily. i’ve been told not lift anything heavier than the equivelant of a 1 litre bottle of water for 6 weeks. and to stay off work for 10-12 weeks. My body tells me when I’ve done too much(and believe me thats not a lot) and I have to give in. I’m a fit 47 year old. I live in the UK and this is the normal practice for this type of surgery.
I am going in for a hysterectomy tomorrow and I hope all goes well. Reading all of these I have no clue where I will be with pain, recovery time, and stamina. Having four kids under 10 years of age, I will do the trick of thinking young and active for a speedier recovery. I will see how things go. Thank you to all that gave your side of how things went.
I am a fairly fit, 49 yrold who is 8 days out of a laproscopic hysterectomy(removal of all but ovaries. Hospital stay was about 26 hours. Came home in no pain at all but I can say that I tire easily. The first 4 days I felt like I had “fog” in my brain, the results of significant loss of blood during the surgery so I am working on building up my hemoglobin. I have been able to: 1. walk around the block on the 5th day. 2. quick grocery store run on the 3rd day along with doing some laundry 3. Go out to dinner on the 7th day. 4. Walk downtown disney for beignets on the 8th day.
I do not feel like I can return to work just yet cause like I said I tire easily. No heavy lifting and great friends helping with dinners etc have really helped. Only complaint would be the strange muscle pangs I feel on my sides.
hi. i’m 38 an athlete and very fit. on tuesday i had a laparoscopic total hysterectomy (ovaries left in place). i had no other options – fibroids were causing severe blood loss. I’ve been up and walking around since wednesday morning and feel pretty good (today is saturday). however, my belly feels odd and is still a bit swollen. also, i know when i have to urinate because it hurts when my bladder gets full. is this normal?
I had a total LAVH on May 20, 2010. My surgery took 4 hours due to my uterus being so enlarged and filled with fibroids. Doctor said they really had a hard time removing the uterus due to it’s size. I was only in the hospital 1 day. It’s been 4 weeks and I’m doing well now, but the first 3 weeks was painful. I still feel occasional pelvic pain and tire easily, if I do more than I should. My doctor has cautioned me to really take it easy. I return to work in a couple of weeks.
I am 30 years old and I am havin the laproscopic surgery but leaving my cervix. I am very nervous and need some advice can some one please help me
I had my hysterectomy(lap/vag)(uterus only) on June 23rd,had to be there for 6:15am. Not sure what time I actually got it done,but it took about an hour or so. I did have some nausea after,but was given anti-neasea meds. Not alot of pain,I had soreness and cramps.I was discharged about 10am on the 24th. Had pretty bad cramps due to gas and constipation. I would suggest you start taking stool softeners the day before and continue each day after until your first BM. Overall,its not that bad,I went to the store(not the driver though) 3 days later,walked slow but,no problem.Each day,I had less gas. I had an appt for something else 5 days after surgery which was an hour away from my home,and handled it just fine.Its been 6 days today since surgery, and I really feel like its been weeks because I feel fine. But,I’m not going to pick up on anything or push myself to hard either, I want to heal properly.
July 1, 2010
I am 8 day post surgical, laproscopic assisted hysterectomy with the ovaries left in tact. I stayed one night in the hospital. At the 4th day I went to my dad’s for his b-day party. Feeling good, not 100%. People could not believe that I had just had major surgery 4 days ago. I feel good, I know my insides need a lot more healing time than the little exterior incisions. I am going to take the whole 6 weeks that the Dr. recommends to take off from work. I have not taken more than Ibuprofen 1 or 2 times a day since I left the hospital. I take one Aleve a day. I am feeling better and better every day. I feel like this is the beginning of freedom for me. Free at last, free at last!!!!!! I am not less of a woman without a uterus. I am still ALL WOMAN.
Recovering form a hysterectomy is a lot harder than from a c-section, since I have had both.
The hysterectomy is a lot more complicated, since there is so much more to heal inside of me, and healing takes time. I am really exhausted still and hopefully, my kids will be helping me around the house until I feel better. I have not even attempted to climb down the three flights of stairs from our apt. yet, because I am in so much pain already…I know, the more I walk the quicker I will heal, so I am trying my best…I am listening to my body first, not the doctors.
Hi i am having Surgery on August 16th 2010 , the doctor will be removing my utherus due to two big fibroids i have at the same time my doctor will be putting a sling for my incontinence … I am sooo scared i have always been very brave but i lost my husband a year ago due to complications with heart surgery… Now i feel i have been tramatized… I know by having the surgery my quality of life will definitely improve i am a very active 51 year female and would like to keep myself active this problem has caused me to slow down a bit… Has anyone had both surgery the hysterectomy and the sling done on the same day?? If so how was it???
Thanks any advise would help me…..
I am 38 years old and in good physical condition and I had a laproscopic assisted hysterectomy (just uterus removal not ovaries) one week ago. I feel great. Went home from the hospital the next day and only took one pain pill once I was home. Motrin has done the trick since. I get tired if I do to much so then I just go rest. If you listen to your body you will do fine. I plan on returning to work in 3 weeks just to be sure I don’t push myself too soon. For a major surgery I am very pleased how smoothly the recovery has been.
Had the procedure done july 19 two days later out of the hospital.July 31 started to bleed a little it startled me a little. Just went for the 2 week check-up. The doctor told me a little less movement.and more relaxation was needed on my part so that is what I have been doing. I am not on any pain meds. Even though I was on motrin 800 and morphine right after surgery. Stopped all meds on the 31st. Feel just great but I have to take it easy.
I had a abdominal total hysterectomy 13 days ago. This is NO WHERE simular to a C-Section, except for an abdominal cut. I have been feeling really good, but seem to tire VERY easy. I still feel a lot of pressure down in my private area and at the site of surgery. I still feel some pain when urinating and evacuating my bowels. Shouldn’t I be feeling a lot better by now?
Hi I had Lap/Hysterectomy 8 days ago ( Im 40 ) they left me one ovary.I feel great the first few days just tender but I made sure I took all offers of pain relief while in hosp 2 nights.By day 5 felt nearly %100 just making sure I rest up a bit do feel tired alot.Nearly no discharge cant wait for the 6 wk check up for the all clear to the ole sex life
it was a walk in the park compared to the agonies of living with a saggy baggy ole uterus ! go for it ladies a positive life changing experience
i have prolapsed uterus will have some sort of hysterectomy i am a nurse assistant caring for heavy patients how long should i take off work
I had my surgery less than a week ago, and it was laproscopic. And it was actually a double hysterectomy. Yes, I had 2 uteri and 2 cervix’ to be removed! The entire surgery took about 5 hours. I am still recovering and a bit sore, even took a pain pill last night, but I am trying to take them at night only. I am surprised that I feel as well as I do. I came home after only one night in and I am going up and down the steps and I am sure that alot of the slowness in my recovery is my fault actually. I am going from bed to sofa and back and I need to move more, so that is the goal of this week. In fact I have a job interview on Wednesday. But I have been showering and shaving my legs as well. If I was working, I would be back to work by next Monday!
Well ladies my surgery is in one week. The procedure Laparscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy leaving ovaries and cervix. I am looking forward to a 5 day recovery period. I’ll let you know how it goes.
It’s been two week since my laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. Its amazing how much better I fill. After the third day I was back to my normal routine. This was the best surgery I have ever had!! I can enjoy life now if I had only new I would have had this done years ago!!
I had a total abdominal hysterectory (uterus & cervix) 5 wks ago. I went back to work after 3 wks. From day 1 I have experienced hot flushes (hope they’re temporary) I also get very tired. I guess that’s because I’ve not had a whole nights sleep yet i.e waking up feeling hot and going to the toliet up to 3-4 times!!! I am due to have a blood test for hormone imbalance as my doctor thinks it could be a case of my ovaries being stunned!!! Otherwise I’m still numb across the abdomen and top of the left leg. I don’t regret for a moment having the op as I don’t miss the heavy bleeding and excruciating pain of adenonyosis. It’s early days as it takes some months to fully heal and I’m looking forward to enjoying life in the months to come once I’ve receovered fully.
I just had a laproscopic hysterectomy and my recovery was great. I was only out of the office for a week and three days. i guess some people recover faster than others.
Hey Carol, I just had a total hysterectomy 9-20-10 and I’m a fit 49 year old. I thought that I would be further along on my recovery than I am now at 4 weeks. I’m trying to take it really easy this week to let my body heal. Any suggestions? I thought that I would go back to work at 6 weeks, but now I think it will be more like 8. When did you feel like your old self again?
Hello, I had a total vaginal hysterectomy no outside insicisons. My surgery was at 8:30am and I was released at 9:30pm that night to sleep in my own bed. Thank GOD because my roomate snored like a shoreman and complainde constantly. I have a job where I can work from home on a as needed basies THANK GOD because I am going crazy.
I actually felt I was ready to go back 2 days after my surgery. BUT I waited for 10 days then asked my dr for a limited work release and also got my employers ok as well so I will start working agian on Monday 2 weeks post-op.
I am a quick healer, took it easy but I need to get back to work. I cant stand lying around, there is nothing on TV.
Husband, friends and family are surprised how well I am doing.
Good Luck to everybody considering a hysterecomy and if you can do it Vaginal go for it.
I had a TLH july 20, 2010 and I went back to work early after 3 weeks becaues I ran out of sick time all of the scars have healed but every time I go to the bathroom it feels like something wants to fall out to much pressure, sweating joint pain I refuse to take HRT to many side affects any ideas please let me know .
I have severe endometreosis and am now faced with the choice of having a hysterectomy. I’m reading everyone comments and some of you say your good to go in about a week while others say several weeks. It has been two years of pain and I need to do something. I’m guessing they will take both my uterus and both ovaries. Any advice from someone who recently went thru this would be great.
I am a 43 year old female with very large fibroids in my uterus. I am considering a complete hysterectomy but have heard so many terrifying stories why not to do it. Reading some of your positive stories have been some of my fears at ease!!
I’ve recently had an abdominal total hysterectomy done on Oct. 4,2010. I’ve been trying to find information on recovery time, as I am still in alot of pain. I’m a strong 44 yr. old woman, and I’m ready to get back into the routine of working. I had my surgery on a early Monday morning and released from the hospital on Wednesday morning. It was really hard to get out of the bed, but I was determined not to be frowned upon by nurses or family. Once home most may had family to help with daily routines but I was back to washing clothes and cooking on the third day. I’m wondering if this is slowing my recovery time down? I want to be strong so I do what I can and rest but my family seems to think that a hysterectomy is much like a C section. I think not! I have two weeks left before I am to return to work and I’m worried, had I had more help at home, would this have shortened my recovery time? My advice is to take it slow and have good support.
well i’m about to have a hysterectomy next week and i’m nervous about the whole thing. my boss is harassing me about it.. saying stuff like sooo what you’re saying is you’ll be out for the holidays? and we’ll be busy .. i’ve been here 3yrs now and nov and dec are our slowest months…i told him look idk becuz everybody is different and i may return sooner then the 6 wks… today he comes in the office saying he told his lady friend about what i’m having done and she had the same thing done and she was only out 2wks… i said like i told you yesterday idk everybody is different! then he says r u sure u just aren’t taking an extended vavcation so u can be off for the holidays … hes so rude and insensative! i feel like hes harassing me!
I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 6weeks ago. I feel fine but trod to have sex and it is extremely painful. When will things get back to normal?
had laproscopic hysterecomy with ovaries removed 4 days ago. No use of pain meds for last 72 hours. Using over the counter Tylernol. Most difficult thing so far is not being able to lift things. Spent today with my grandchildren at the park. I could return to work (I’m 62) but am taking 10 days off and then returning part time so I can enjoy some personal time. I had a great surgeon (female) who has warned me to take it slow so I am reading each afternoon or watching a movie. I precooked meals for a week and my children and grandchildren have been a huge support. Spiritual care before and after have also helped. Don’t be afraid to turn down pain meds, work with your doctor to figure out pain protocols and make it clear about dietary choices. The food I was served was disgusting but I was able to ask for healthy food with fiber and get it. oat bran!
I am having a hysterectomy leaving both ovaries. I was told horror stories of both procedures. I’m old school and wish to stick with the c-section. Bt my husband thinks it to invasive. I want to do what I’m comfortable with and recovery time for me doesn’t really. Matter. Just don’t want thos abnormal paps and most of all no more periods. I’m 43 yrs old I think I’ve had enough.
I had LSH 2 weeks ago. I would have NEVER willingly had an abdominal hysterectomy!
While the LSH was no picnic, it wasn’t totally HORRIFIC either.
My belly was very sore for 4 days, feeling like I did 10,000 crunches.
The Co2 gas used in laparoscopic surgery is the WORST as it tries to leave your body via your shoulders and neck.
Every woman heals differently. LIsten to your body!
My pain is gone for the most part, but I’m still being careful about bending and lifting.
I’m a total wimp when it comes to pain and I made it through.
I’m having a vaginal on dec.17,2010 please pray for me forI’m not sure what to expect…only for a speedy recovery.
I am 60 years old and had a total laprascopic hysterectomy a month ago. I was surprised as to how quickly I recovered. I was able to get up the following day and return home. After a week I could do some ironing and cook.
I have a slight back pain but nothing drastic.
I had a laproscopic hysterectomy removing uteris, ovaries and cervix on November 15/10. I had researched through the internetvreading anything and everything I could find about length of recover time needed but have now realized it is up to the individual person to judge their own healing time. I have had quite the experiences. Being self employeed i don’t get paid when not working so i tried to go back for half days beginning week 4. By day two the pain hit. I was back to square with watery bleeding and the pain was bad for a few days afterwards. Until that point, I hadn’t had much soreness but found out that you wont’ hurt if you sit around and do nothing, it is only when you start doing a bunch of little things like grocery shopping or driving, or sitting at computer. Now I’ve sat around for the rest of the 4th week and am into my 5th week. Yesterday tried vacuming and unloading/loading dishwasher. Now I have sharp pains again but no bleeding. My advice to you is too wait the full six weeks and not do too much too soon cause it only delays the healing. I don’t like to continually ask my children (23, 13,11) to pick this up, put that away, vacumm this, wash that,etc.The first week they were happy to help, now they just run and hide in their rooms and I really don’t blame them!
I have to have a hysterectomy and I am very nervous. I hear all sorts of things. I just don’t understand why I have to have one for Vericose Veins that are on my Uterus. I am going to another GYN for another opinion. Very confused!
I had a Laprascopic Supracervial Hysterectomy on June 22, 2010. I stayed in the hospital overnight and didn’t use much of the Morphine Pump and never got my pain medication filled. I felt great right after the surgery and I still do. I never bled after the surgery, but 1 month after my surgery I am still having a small menstrual cycle. It is NOTNING compared to what I was having before surgery, just wishing it would go away completely. My recovery time was six weeks, luckily, I am off for the summer, so I didn’t miss anytime from work. My six weeks ended just as school was starting.
I’m 46yrs. old ,mother of 4 , begain having problem with filbroids at the age of 45yrs. my regular doctor referral me to an obgyn…We spoken on many visit on all the opional to help me . I was looking for the best optional for my healing and returning to work.After 1yrs. of appointments and tests I decided to get The Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.The procedure was done on 12/21/2010 ,I feel great, my ovaries are still in, my stay in the hospital was 2days,I was up sitting in a chair in the hospital after 24hrs. , walking around the hospital making my own routain and the rn would come in the room and ask where is the patience.When I came home I stay on the same routain I did in the hospital get up and walk , take my medication right , lay down sleep and wake up walk ,drink plenty of liquids and eat right .It’s been 5 days still a little sore and have to hold that pillow in front of my stomach , but everyday is a work inprogress .With a lots of prayer ,my husband of 27yrs. took over christmas for the kids and house work I’M in Education we are out for 2wks. for Christmas break and I’m looking to go back to work on 01/10/2011….
Hi ladies, I am early 50′s and had a laproscopic hysterectomy 2 weeks ago. I know everyone is different, but I did not picture this. After 2 weeks I am still taking 2 percocet a day. I feel the docs did not prepare me with proper info and never mentioned the perineal swelling and discomfort along with the abd pain. The pain becomes really worse around 3 pm and motrin does not do the job. I’m hoping week 3 will bring major changes. I do a lot of heavy pulling at my job and hope by 6 wks I will be ready to return.
I am 46 had a full hysterectomy 4 weeks ago and I feel pretty good! My only complaint is fatigue, but hopefully with moving around more and more it will lessen. My doctor said I can start exercising as much as I want to, but to listen to my body.
I am taking the vivelle patch and I feel great! Let’s hope this is the beginning to a new me!
I had an abdominal hysterectomy 3days after Christmas. A turmor was discovered on my left ovary during my routine check-up. It was suspected possible Ovarian Cancer. My mother was diagnosed and is a survivor of the disease, so my doctor was not taking any chances with me. I took $weeks off, and I must admit, i do tire easily, and I cna’t sit still. I have a 6year old that has been very helpful but also is keeping moving to ward off the stiffness. Sleeping at night has been difficult. I’m blessed to know that my tumor was non-cancerous. Relax and Rest!
I had all but one ovary removed also a week ago…feeling fine at times then I get very sore. Also, lots of pressure in the bowel area and my bladder always feels full. Anyone else experience this?
Thanks!
I had the laparoscopic supracervical hyst. 2 1/2 weeks ago and I feel fine. I still have soreness around the incisions and a little itching, but I was back to work in 2 weeks, could have went back earlier but instead just took the time to rest. I was wondering when I can take a sit bath and return to sexual activity?
I’ve had an LAVH (Laproscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy) 16 days ago. Went to my post-op appointment yesterday. I’m blown away that my Dr. said I could resume all activities including sex and rigorous exercise. I still have some pain where he removed my right ovary and I have good and bad days meaning some days I feel like I can clean and organize my home, take care of my three kids, and more. Some days I ache so much, feel tired, constipated and gassy, or nautious. What’s with that? I get frustrated on my bad days. I want to exercise, but am a little nervous. Sex? Forget about it. No interest and terrified to try. I thought the wait time for sex was six weeks no matter which way you had your hysterectomy. Any thoughts?