subject: What Can You Expect After A Hysterectomy? [print this page] The prospect of having a hysterectomy, whether partial or complete, can be tremendously daunting, not least because it involves the extraction of a large part of what makes you a woman. But if your doctor is strongly urging that you go through the procedure for your own health and safety, then the best thing you can do for yourself is get armed with information.
What can you expect for the aftermath of a hysterectomy? Well, it will certainly depend upon your overall health and the type of procedure being performed. Your recovery period can range from one week to several months, which may require you to file for short-term disability. So consult with your doctor to determine what you should expect for your particular case.
Be sure to communicate with all of the professionals that will be administering medical care to you during this period so they are aware of any special concerns you might have.
For example, my mother-in-law is allergic to certain pain medications, but she was still given the culprit medication after she was conscious. This left her in a state of discomfort for the entire day and led to complications in obtaining an alternate prescription for the pain.
Don't push yourself into a speedier recovery than that which your doctor has recommended, as you will likely cause more damage or at the very least, exhaustion and excess pain. It may be boring and nerve-wracking to be bed-bound as long as necessary, but allow this to be a time when you catch up on your reading list or get in touch with friends or family members via e-mail, phone, or online social networking.
What about long-term recovery? Unfortunately, women who undergo hysterectomies must abstain from sex for up to two months, but if you have an understanding partner, you can get creative and still connect on an intimate level.
Hysterectomies generally result in initial hormonal imbalance, which can lead to depression and sometimes dramatic mood swings. What's more, many women begin to sprout darker, unwanted hairs on the chin and/or upper lip. The solution to this problem? Laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal uses specially honed laser technology to kill hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back, regardless of hormones. This means you won't have to deal with painful waxing or trying to catch re-growth every day of the week with tweezers.
Keep in contact with your doctor, especially when there are unexpected changes like those that can take place in blood flow. Especially if you will be hitting medically-induced menopause due to the removal of your ovaries or if you are losing your uterus when you are still in your fertile years, you should spend some time talking to a therapist to sort through your various emotions. There is no shame in feeling upset, but remember how much more important your health is.
