When can you shower after hysterectomy?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay. Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.


How long do you have to be on 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.

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.


How do you clean yourself after a hysterectomy?

Incision care
  1. If you had surgery with a laparoscope, you may have stitches over the cuts (incisions) the doctor made in your belly. If you have strips of tape over the incisions, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off. ...
  2. Wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. ...
  3. Keep the area clean and dry.


What can you do 2 weeks after a hysterectomy?

You shouldn't do any tasks until you talk with your doctor about restrictions. Don't do any lifting for the first two weeks. Walking is encouraged, but no heavy lifting. After 6 weeks, you can get back to your regular activities, including having sex.


After a Hysterectomy: Post-Operative Instructions and Recovery Process



How often should I walk around after hysterectomy?

You can continue the in-hospital walking routine in the first 1 to 2 weeks at home. If comfortable, you can walk 10 minutes continuously at the end of the second week. This can be increased by five minutes per week. By the end of 6 weeks, you should be able to walk continuously for 30 minutes.

Can I do laundry after a hysterectomy?

No heavy lifting/pushing/pulling for 6 weeks. Do not lift anything more than 10 lbs (such as laundry, groceries, children, pets), vacuum, push heavy doors or grocery carts, etc, for 6 weeks. You may climb stairs as tolerated.

Can I wash dishes after a hysterectomy?

You may shower, but don't rub the incision. Avoid strenuous activity at home; you may wash dishes and do light cooking only. You may take 1-2 tablets of Tylenol every 4 hours for pain, or 600 mg of Motrin (ibuprofen) every 6 hours, or pain medication as prescribed by your physician.


What are the donts 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.

Why do I smell after hysterectomy?

You should expect a vaginal discharge for several weeks after surgery. It will likely be pink or light brown in color and may have a slight odor. The amount will vary depending on your activity but is often more noticeable two weeks after surgery when you begin passing some of the absorbable stitches.

Can I go out 2 weeks after hysterectomy?

Most people can return to their usual activity level about six weeks after an abdominal hysterectomy. If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, your recovery time is typically shorter. You should be able to return to your usual activities within three or four weeks.


How long does it take to heal inside from hysterectomy?

Recovery after vaginal hysterectomy is shorter and less painful than it is after an abdominal hysterectomy. A full recovery might take three to four weeks. Even if you feel recovered, don't lift anything heavy — more than 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) — or have vaginal intercourse until six weeks after surgery.

Can you drink 2 weeks after a hysterectomy?

General guidance is that you should avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. In some cases, you will have either fully healed or been through the majority of the recovery process. For others, this may not be enough time.

How long after hysterectomy can I do housework?

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.


Is it better to sit or lay down after hysterectomy?

Avoid prolonged high sitting (unless medically advised). Vary your resting position throughout the day from lying flat and sitting out of bed. Sleep lying down flat on the mattress with one pillow supporting your knees and one pillow supporting your head and neck.

Can you leave same day after hysterectomy?

After Surgery

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.

What kind of housework can you do after a hysterectomy?

Avoid heavy housework or other strenuous activities for at least six weeks. This includes; vacuuming, washing floors, hanging out laundry etc. After three weeks gently ease back into such activities • If you need to bend, squat at the knees rather than bending over.


Can I mop after a hysterectomy?

Do not do any housework, such as vacuuming, until you've discussed it with your doctor. You must also abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks. And do not put anything, including tampons, into your vagina.

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.

How long will I be sore after hysterectomy?

The swelling will take several weeks to go down. You may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. It's important to avoid lifting while you are recovering so that you can heal. It may take about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.


How long does it take to drive after hysterectomy?

You may be able to drive after 2 or 3 days if you are not taking narcotic pain drugs. You may lift 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms (about the weight of a gallon or 4 liters of milk) or less. Do not do any heavy lifting or straining for the first 3 weeks. You may be able to go back to a desk job within a couple of weeks.

Why am I peeing so much after hysterectomy?

This may result from a weakening of the pelvic floor or loss of normal function of the sphincter (the muscle that keeps the urethra closed). Although this would be more common after radical hysterectomy for uterine cancer, it may theoretically occur after vaginal hysterectomy as well.

Can I drive 5 days after hysterectomy?

You may be able to drive after 2 or 3 days if you are not taking narcotic pain drugs. You may lift 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms (about the weight of a gallon or 4 liters of milk) or less. Do not do any heavy lifting or straining for the first 3 weeks. You may be able to go back to a desk job within a couple of weeks.


Can I drive 10 days after a hysterectomy?

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

Can I drink coffee after hysterectomy?

Conclusion: Coffee consumption after total abdominal hysterectomy and systematic paraaortic lymphadenectomy expedites the time to bowel motility and the ability to tolerate food. This simple, cheap, and well-tolerated treatment should be added as an adjunct to the postoperative care of gynecologic oncology patients.