What is a Vaginal Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is when a woman’s uterus is surgically removed. Surgery is usually the last option when the other viable treatments have failed in alleviating the symptoms. Some hysterectomies remove the uterus, other include the cervix, while a radical hysterectomy will see the removal of uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. There are a range of other reason from endometriosis and prolapse to cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask for a full explanation from the doctor of the reasons why you need a hysterectomy.
Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Recovery is usually faster and less painful with a vaginal procedure because it doesn’t involve an incision and stitches. This method isn’t suitable for every woman; a lot depends on her medical condition, her age and her general health.
Some pain and discomfort are to be expected after a hysterectomy; this will be more severe after an abdominal procedure. Pain relief is given in hospital and you will possibly have a catheter in place for a day or two to drain urine away.
Bed rest for a day or two after surgery is usual but then staff will help you walk around a little. Walking reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs. Vaginal hysterectomy patients are usually discharged after 3 or 4 days but abdominal hysterectomy patients have a hospital stay of up to one week.
You will need a recovery time of 6 or 8 weeks at home to allow wounds to heal and muscles to mend. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn’t lift or stretch.
Expect to have some symptoms during your recovery period. Expect some vaginal bleeding or discharge for a week or ten days; ask your doctor about it if you are concerned. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. Menopause symptoms include things like crying, confusion, sweats, hot flashes and feeling anxious. In cases where the symptoms don’t go away, doctors may prescribe some hormone replacement therapy to alleviate the discomfort.
A hysterectomy will not affect your sex drive, except in a positive way. Patients who have had their ovaries removed may experience some dryness of the vagina, but you are able to relieve any discomfort by taking estrogen or using a vaginal lubricant. Your body needs time to heal and so abstaining from sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks after your surgery is recommended.
Some women feel a sense of loss after a hysterectomy or feel they are less of a woman. The majority of patients feel so much better physically that these symptoms are short-lived. If you find that some of these issues are continuing, ask your doctor for advice. A physicians can always give you good information on hysterectomy surgery, Complete Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.
After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. Don’t overdo it in the beginning, but gradually increase the length of your daily walk. This light exercise will speed your recovery and help to prevent boredom. You will find that you are very tired and will need the full six weeks to recover fully.
For all medical issues ask your doctor this is for entertainment only
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This post was written by admin on June 24, 2010



