Abdominal Hysterectomy Recovery Time

When you're facing total abdominal hysterectomy, one of the biggest concerns is the recovery time: how much time will I be out of work? How long will I need help? When can I drive? When can I have sex? When will I be back to normal?

My answer will be frustrating, I'm sure, but it really does depend. Depend on what, you ask? Well, on so many things, such as:

• Your age


• Your general health prior to surgery


• The specifics of your surgery


• Your body's natural healing rhythms

For me, I felt better physically than emotionally. I was sore, tired, and bloated, but the pain wasn't as severe as I expected. Emotionally, though, I was beat. I didn't want to do much at all for a while, so I might have waited longer than necessary. I really believe it all worked out for the best, though, because I feel great and have healed well.

Needing Help After Hysterectomy

If you have people offering help, take it! You're going to be exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and you'll need plenty of rest. Even though walking is good for you after surgery, there are still many things you can't do. Examples include sweeping, vacuuming, laundry, lifting things, and cooking. Take all the help you can get!

My husband took off a week and a half after my hysterectomy, and it was such a blessing. It's the little things you don't even think of that really hurt after surgery. I remember reaching into a high cabinet to get a glass and thinking I had pulled something beyond repair! An extra pair of adult hands can make all the difference.

Driving After Hysterectomy

Although it sounds like a minor thing, beginning to drive after hysterectomy can be a little scary. It's a real milestone. Even though driving isn't that hard, it is tiring on a post-op body! Plus, the whole prospect of getting in an accident is frightening. My first few times in a car after surgery, even if I was only a passenger, I was convinced we would crash and I would tear my stitches. I actually punched my husband in the arm once and accused him of wanting to rear-end another car so he could tear my stitches! I did mention I was an emotional wreck, didn't I?

Doctors vary in their recommendations about driving, so listen to yours. He knows more about your specific situation, so his advice is much more valuable than something you read online! For me, I started driving at four weeks, but I took it slow. I only made very short trips for a solid two weeks. Being in the car just wore me out!

Returning to Work After Hysterectomy

I work from home, so this wasn't an issue for me. If you work outside of the home, make sure your doctor understands the specifics of your job, so he can make an educated recommendation. For most types of jobs, six weeks is a reasonable amount of time away. Even at six weeks, more than part-time might be too much. If possible, I would stay away closer to eight weeks just to give your body, mind, and heart time to heal, mourn, and move on.

Back to Normal After Hysterectomy

My doctor told me I would be fully recovered by four to six weeks. I didn't find that to be true at all. I felt much better at those points, but not fully recovered. I was still extremely tired and sore back then. I'm just starting, at eight weeks, to feel back to normal. I no longer have to pass everything through my hysterectomy filter! I don't even think about it everyday, and that's saying a lot. For several weeks, it's been, "I can't do that because of my surgery..." or "Maybe I can do that after I heal..." I'm not thinking that way now, so maybe I'm finally back to normal!

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!