Too Much Too Soon After Hysterectomy? |
From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List |
Related Titles
After Surgery - Where Did My Appetitie Go? Childcare After Surgery Alcohol - How Soon After Surgery Can I Have A Drink? Resources for Family Members? Still Fatigued at 3+ Months
HysterSisters Articles
Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
I'm recovering from my hysterectomy and I feel great! I've heard warnings from others not to do too much too soon but can you tell me what could happen if I did that? What are the risks?
Whether or not you have an abdominal incision with visible staples or stitches, with any type of hysterectomy you will have many (possibly hundreds of) internal stitches. It is this internal healing that can take anywhere from six months to a year to be complete.
If you strain yourself too soon, one of the most catastrophic things that can happen is that you can tear some of your stitches. This can result in bleeding, possibly even hemorrhaging.
There are women who had to go back to the hospital requiring emergency surgery and blood transfusions.
The trouble is, some of the damage you can do in the longer term is harder to detect when you are doing it. When your tissues are healing they are very sensitive to being pulled and squeezed. Scar tissue wants to form wherever there are internal incisions, and if there is even a tiny amount of bleeding inside it can 'stick' areas together that shouldn't be stuck together, with the result that bridges of scar tissue can form between organs or tissues that should not normally be connected.
These areas of scar tissue are called adhesions. In some cases, they can grow over time until they occupy large areas of the pelvis and connect some or all of the organs there, and occasionally they can even grow nerves and their own blood supply. The result can be that every movement pulls on something it shouldn't and causes intense pain.
Sometimes a further surgery can be done to remove these adhesions. Sometimes vital organs are involved to an extent that surgery to remove them would be too dangerous, and then the only solution is a lifetime on pain medication.
Strong, sudden movements (as in some forms of exercise) can cause little tiny tears in the tissue that will promote adhesion formation, whereas slow, fluid movements keep things 'loose' and free. Walking is great, as is slow swimming when weather permits and after the DR has cleared you to be submerged in water (for many of us this is at the six week mark).
You only get one chance to have an uncomplicated recovery, so it's up to you to make the most of it! Look at it this way... you and your surgeon are partners in this. Your surgeon's part was to make sure to do the very best job he/she could do in the OR. Now your part is to make sure you don't undo all that good work. In order for you to have the best possible outcome, you BOTH have to do your parts!
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Related Titles
After Surgery - Where Did My Appetitie Go? Childcare After Surgery Alcohol - How Soon After Surgery Can I Have A Drink? Resources for Family Members? Still Fatigued at 3+ Months
Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery
The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:
- The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
- Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
- Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
- Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
- HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
- Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy.
"Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888 |
Kym Boyman, M.D. 1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110 South Burlington VT 05403 802-735-1252 |
Mark Richey, M.D. 1200 Airport Heights Ste 205 Anchorage AK 99508 9072724443 |
Jon Nielsen, M.D. 9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205 Maple Grove MN 55369 763-587-7050 |
Nonnie-Marie Estella, M.D. 10 Research Place Suite 520 North Chelmsford MA 01863 978-459-8300 |
Clifford Rogers, M.D. The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology 1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120 Everett WA 98201 425 339 5424 |
Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979 |
Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071 |
Aram Bonni, M.D. 25108 Marguerite Parkway Suite A-259 Mission Viejo CA 92692 949-916-2100 |
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