The recovery process after hysterectomy operation in a woman
Hysterectomy is now a days the most common surgical operation faced by woman especially after the age of 40 years. Thus it is important for a woman to know the complete recovery process inside and outside hospital, steps to be taken care of just after surgery and after discharge from hospital.
Though the patient may be discharged when her external wound is about to heal, but it should be remembered that, this does not mean she had gone full recovery as full recovery usually takes place upto 6 to 8 weeks. During this period there are several steps to be taken and should be known.
Recovery steps taken at hospital
As soon as the operation is over there are few things done by doctor, firstly a catheter is inserted for proper passing of urine and this urine is collected and measured to know the output, this ensures that there is no harm to bladder or ureter during the operation. There may be blood loss, leading to fluid loss and to compensate that intravenous fluid is given.
Once the effect of anesthesia is over the doctor prescribe pain killers to combat pain of incision of skin, anti emetics to prevent nausea as some anesthesia may lead to nauseating sensation. Antibiotics is given to prevent infection.
After few hours the bowel and bladder is checked to ensure they are functional. After 24 hours liquid diet is prescribed and after 36 to 48 hours semi solid diet is given and the patient is encouraged to roam in the room, go to bathroom etc. This increased circulation which can help in quick healing. This also helps in digestion and prevent formation of gas in abdomen which can occur if the patient remain idle.
Initially there may be slight vaginal bleeding which can be ignored but if there is excessive bleeding or unhealthy discharge or fever, doctor should be consulted. The patient is discharged within 5 to 7 days as there is no need for removal of stitiches, because most of the centre uses absorbable sutures.
Recovery steps taken at home
Once the patient is discharge, she should not start all her works, adequate rest is required as the internal wound is still not healed. She should not lift heavy objects or do strenuous work as this may lead to break in internal sutures. Increasing activity and work should be a gradual process as she may feel tired most often.
If the woman is working outside, she should resume her work after 8 weeks ideally and that too with part time or less strenuous work. adequate care should be taken for herself otherwise it may lead to frequent visit to the doctor for problems like tiredness, backache, irritability etc.
Medicines to be taken after hysterectomy
As mentioned above initially antibiotic, anti emetic and pain killers are given, chymoral forte is prescribed by some doctors to prevent inflammation and edema, however its exact role is still in dielemma. These drugs usually last for usually 7 days after operation.
Now after removal of uterus if ovaries are also removed woman may suffer from dryness of vagina, hot flushes, these are due to lack of estrogen due to artificial menopause. Some woman may require hormone replacvement therapy, however these have their own side effects.
Calcium supplement is must as lack of estrogen may lead to loss of bone mass, a condition called osteoporosis. Though every woman doesnt take calcium supplement, but it is adviable for every woman to take at least one tablet of 500 mg of calcium daily if she had hysterectomy along with removal of ovaries. or even after attaining natural menopause.
Thus for a full recovery and a healthier life after hysterectomy a woman should be aware of entire things described above.
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