What to pay attention to after total hysterectomy
A total hysterectomy (hysterectomy) is a common surgery often performed to treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or certain cancers. The post-operative recovery period requires special attention to care to avoid complications and promote physical recovery. The following are things you need to pay attention to after a total hysterectomy, including suggestions on diet, activities, wound care, etc.
1. Postoperative recovery timetable
| time stage | Things to note |
|---|---|
| 1-3 days after surgery | Rest in bed and avoid strenuous activities; pay attention to cleaning the wound; take painkillers as directed by your doctor. |
| 1-2 weeks after surgery | Gradually increase light activity, such as walking short distances; avoid lifting heavy objects; keep a light diet. |
| 3-6 weeks after surgery | Normal life can be resumed, but strenuous exercise still needs to be avoided; regular check-ups are required. |
| 6 weeks after surgery | Resume sexual life according to doctor's advice; gradually resume exercise. |
2. Dietary Precautions
Postoperative diet should be light and easy to digest, and spicy and greasy foods should be avoided to prevent constipation or indigestion. Here are some suggestions:
| food type | Recommended food | avoid food |
|---|---|---|
| protein | Eggs, fish, lean meat | Fried food |
| vegetables | Spinach, carrots, pumpkin | Spicy vegetables (such as peppers) |
| fruit | Banana, apple, pear | High-sugar fruits (such as durian) |
| drinks | Warm water, weak tea | coffee, alcohol |
3. Wound care
Postoperative wound care is crucial, here are some key points:
| Nursing matters | Specific operations |
|---|---|
| clean | Gently wipe the area around the wound with warm water every day and avoid rinsing directly. |
| Change dressing | Change the dressing regularly as directed by your doctor and keep the wound dry. |
| observe | Pay attention to whether the wound is red, swollen, oozing or hot, and seek medical advice promptly if there are any abnormalities. |
4. Activities and Sports
Postoperative activities need to be gradual to avoid premature and strenuous exercise that may cause wound dehiscence or bleeding. Here are some suggestions:
| Activity type | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| walk | You can walk short distances 1-2 days after surgery, and gradually increase the time. |
| Housework | Avoid physical labor such as mopping the floor and lifting heavy objects for 2 weeks after surgery. |
| sports | Low-intensity exercises such as yoga and swimming can be gradually resumed 6 weeks after surgery. |
5. Psychological adjustment
After a total hysterectomy, some women may feel depressed or anxious, especially about the impact on their femininity or sex life. Suggestions:
6. Regular review
Regular postoperative review is an important part of ensuring recovery. Usually the doctor will arrange the following examinations:
| Review time | Check content |
|---|---|
| 1 week after surgery | Wound healing, blood pressure monitoring |
| 1 month after surgery | Pelvic examination, ultrasound |
| 3 months after surgery | Comprehensive physical examination to assess recovery status |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will sexual life be affected after total hysterectomy?
Sexual intercourse needs to be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery, and can be gradually resumed after the wound has completely healed. Most women's sexual life will not be significantly affected after surgery, but they may feel uncomfortable in the early stage, and it is recommended to fully communicate with their partners.
2. Will I enter menopause early after surgery?
If the ovaries are preserved during surgery, menopause usually does not occur early; if the ovaries are also removed, menopausal symptoms may occur, and hormone replacement therapy needs to be performed under the guidance of a doctor.
3. How soon can I go back to work after surgery?
Depending on the nature of the work, general office work can be resumed 2-4 weeks after surgery, while manual labor can take at least 6 weeks.
Recovery after a total hysterectomy is a gradual process, and patients need to be patiently cared for and follow the doctor's instructions. If you have any abnormal symptoms, you should seek medical treatment promptly.
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