Hysterectomies are incredibly delicate surgeries that remove the uterus. Whether you’re having a hysterectomy to treat severe endometriosis or infectious pelvic inflammatory disease, you must be careful during your recovery. This is how to care for yourself after a hysterectomy.
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Be Cautious With Activity
While you may not see much of a change externally, a hysterectomy will leave you with small wounds and stitches that need time to heal. Be cautious with your activity levels and follow all your doctor’s recommendations. You can’t recover quickly if you’re trying to run around or lift heavy objects. Avoid quick movements and strenuous activity while your wounds heal in the weeks following your surgery. A good rule of thumb is to rest whenever you feel tired—this is your body’s way of saying you shouldn’t keep pushing your limits.
Seek Mental Health Support
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your hysterectomy, you may not have had a choice to do the surgery. As a vital part of your reproductive system, the removal of your uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant, and you will no longer menstruate. The uterus may contribute to your identity, and having that taken away can prove very challenging.
You can seek mental health support after your hysterectomy to reconcile the changes in your body. If circumstances forced your hysterectomy early in life, you might be mourning the loss of your childbearing abilities. Seek support from your family and friends and schedule an appointment with a mental health counselor to talk through your feelings. If your hysterectomy occurred under suspicious circumstances or you suffered undue harm because of the surgery, you should consider talking with a lawyer. Proving hysterectomy negligence could give you the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
Stay On Top Of Your Nutrition
Your nutrition is always important, but even more so after a hysterectomy. You should maintain a balanced diet that keeps you energized and helps your body heal. Like all surgeries dealing with the pelvic area, a hysterectomy will throw your digestive area out of whack. If you experience constipation, consume high-fiber foods to help regulate bowel movements. Always consult with your doctor, though, before changing things up with your post-op diet or exercise.
Knowing how to care for yourself after a hysterectomy can help you recover quickly and transition into your regular life more easily. With the right mix of rest, nutrition, and support, you can weather this surgery with strength and grace.
