TVH No Pain; cleared for sex 6 days post hysterectomy?

I am 3 weeks post-op as of tomorrow, and have had absolutely NO PAIN AT ALL!
My surgery was at 8am, and I was on my way home by 1pm.
The most discomfort I had was on that first night, and that was just because my stomach was SO bloated. It felt like I went from nothing to 9mo pregnant in a matter of hours, and my belly just didn't want to stretch anymore!
I have been doing pretty much my normal activity since day 2 (cleaning house, doing yard work, etc.). I was careful about lifting anything, and would take frequent breaks so I didn't over do it. However, I wasn't careful with activities due to pain, but just because I knew I should be. At my follow up visit with ob-gyn, I even asked him if he really even did anything, because I had expected to have at least some pain??

There is one thing that I have been questioning. And that is that my ob-gyn actually did clear me to do activities as tolerated (including sex), at only SIX DAYS post op! Well, I am sorry, but that just seems way to soon! Not only would I be concerned about infection (sutures/incisions have barely had a chance to heal) but, I definitely wasn't interested in taking a chance of hurting myself. This just shocked me! Has anyone else received that kind of advice?? Because it really made me question his judgement.

I'm also 3 weeks post-op and like you, I didn't really experience all that much pain. I had my hysterectomy on a Tuesday and by Thursday, I was off all narcotics.
That being said, when I went for my 2 week post-op appointment last week, my OBGYN told me no sex until 6 weeks post op. She said that I was healing up very nicely, but sex too soon, could cause some serious problems with the vaginal cuff and stiches.

While my surgery wasn't vaginal, I'm a little surprised at your doc's release at 6 days for sex. You're wise to be cautious. A good confirmation article is The Wait with a few heads-up cases.

I am 4 weeks post-op. I had a total hysterectomy and didn't experience much pain either. I had my surgery very early Thursday morning and was home Friday evening off narcotics and only on Tylenol.

At my 2 week post op visit, my surgeon reviewed all restrictions with me again and said most of my lifting restrictions are removed 6 weeks post op and sex has to wait until 8 weeks post op. He indicated that I'm doing great but need to give myself time to heal completely.

All the best and take care!

I had a very similar experience. My dr was fairly easy, not restricting too much, but I had to wait for swimming/bathing and lifting over 30 lbs to 6 weeks and sex for 9. I was also out and about and living my normal life minus these things. Good luck for a continued smooth recovery!

I agree! 6 days? Really? That doesn't even make sense to me! Women usually have to wait at least 6 weeks after having a baby! I don't know why he said it was okay....I even tried to clarify it with him. I guess that is why it bothered me so much that he even said it!

I am pretty sure that the 6-12 week timeline most of us have been given is based on research. There are probably plenty of studies to support it. I'd be mighty tempted to try and find some articles in the academic literature to send him! It's good that you are skeptical and seeking independent information, but other women in his care could end up with serious complications if they follow his advice! That could be malpractice!

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Originally Posted by RN_has_idiot_MD I agree! 6 days? Really? That doesn't even make sense to me! Women usually have to wait at least 6 weeks after having a baby! I don't know why he said it was okay....I even tried to clarify it with him. I guess that is why it bothered me so much that he even said it!

I also had a TVH with no complications and I wasn't cleared for sex until 8 weeks post op. I didn't feel ready so we waited until 9 weeks. I was sore afterward and stayed sore for a few days.

I know you said you clarified... but I wonder if he meant 6 weeks but said 6 days by mistake? I have not heard of anyone who had uterus and cervix removed being cleared that early post op. For me, this raises serious concerns of the vaginal cuff being torn open or infection being introduced. It just sounds worrisome to me, to say the least.

Please trust your judgment and make it clear to your partner that you aren't ready yet. I also suggest staying away from baths and be careful of lifting, raking or vacuuming. These activities are typically restricted for 6 weeks post op as well.