Constipation is fairly common after a hysterectomy. Gynecological and digestive system complaints post-surgery are interrelated. Postoperative constipation can affect up to a third of women. Many women experience cramping, impairment of defecation, and irregular bowel movements after their procedure.
Bowel function
Your first bowel movement should occur 4-5 days after surgery. You may experience "gas" pain. Drinking hot liquids and walking will help relieve discomfort.
That's because the contractions of the bowel will slow down during and after surgery, which makes it tough to evacuate anything in the bowel. This can lead to an obstruction or partial obstruction in the bowel, which then causes pain.
There was a tendency of increased fecal incontinence. Subgroup analysis indicated that concomitant bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy resulted in an increased risk of fecal incontinence. No significant changes were detected in symptoms associated with constipation.
The average recovery time for a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is 3 to 4 weeks. For an abdominal hysterectomy, recovery may take 5 to 6 weeks. It's important to look after yourself after your hysterectomy: Rest as much as possible for at least 2 weeks.
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.
In general, patients should sleep on their backs in an elevated position. You can achieve this by propping yourself up with firm pillows or by sleeping in a recliner chair. Sleeping on your stomach or side is generally not recommended, as this places unnecessary pressure on your incisions.
Having a hysterectomy can affect bladder function. For some, this contributes to new or worsened overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including frequent urination and strong, sudden urges to urinate. Some also experience urinary incontinence.
When your uterus is removed, the decrease in bladder support can lead to incontinence. Hysterectomies may damage your urinary sphincter, which helps hold your urine in and stops it from leaking. This can lead to incontinence and leakage.
Pain intensity, wish for more analgesics and most interference outcomes were significantly worse after CS compared with hysterectomies.
The most common complications of hysterectomy can be categorized as infectious, venous thromboembolic, genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract injury, bleeding, nerve injury, and vaginal cuff dehiscence.
Common side effects of a hysterectomy in the first few weeks after your procedure include: Bloating and/or constipation — this is because your bowel will be working more slowly as you recover. Mild pain and discomfort in your lower belly. Light vaginal bleeding that comes and goes, and lessens over time.
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. Try getting down to your children rather than lifting them up to you.
Walking – Start walking on the day of your return home and increase your activity levels over the first few weeks. Many women should be able to walk for 30-60 minutes after 2-3 weeks. Swimming – Within 2-3 weeks provided any vaginal bleeding/discharge has stopped.
During recovery at home, it's important to balance rest and exercise to promote healing and minimise possible side effects after hysterectomy (e.g. physical deterioration or lower back pain).
Avoid sleeping on your stomach after hysterectomy. It can cause problems with your spine and put too much pressure on your hips. The best sleeping position after hysterectomy is on your side or on your back. And the better you sleep, the more quickly you will recover!
It's normal to have bloody vaginal discharge for several days to weeks after a hysterectomy, so you'll need to wear sanitary pads.
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.
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.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry.
Do not drive until you're comfortable wearing a seatbelt and can safely perform an emergency stop. This can be anything from 2 to 6 weeks after your operation. You may want to check with your GP that you're fit to drive before you start.