How long does recovery take from surgery?

Hi! I am planning on discussing with my gyno in 2 weeks about getting a hysterectomy.
I have been looking on this website and have found lots of great advice and information.
I did want to ask some women who have had a total hysterectomy through an abdominal incision, how long did it take for you to recover?

I am wondering this because I live by myself and only have a caregiver help me a couple hours a day, 5 days a week (no weekend help). Was it hard for you to walk about or do daily tasks for a while? How long before you didn't need pain medicines? Also, did you need hormone replacements right away?

Jessie

I had a TAH/BSO on march 4th. I'm still recovering. I felt pretty good within a few days. Walking really slow and had something to pull up on when I was trying to sit up from a laying down position. I still get tired and sore if I do to much but for the most part I'm feeling great. I have been given the hormone patch but have had no reason to use it as of yet. I have some mild hot flashes and night swears but nothing serious. The abdominal incision itself is fully healed. I got my staples out 8 days after surgery and only a few spots were still open but not deep. I know its different for everyone but it really wasn't as bad as I feared. I had more back pain than anything else after surgery.

I had a TAH on March 7th and I also felt pretty good within a few days. I had no trouble getting out of bed or walking up and down stairs- you just have to do it right and take it slow. You are not supposed to bend over and pick things up for about two weeks, so that may be a concern for you if you're alone. A 'grabber' can be kept at your side to pick things up. Also, you cannot lift more than 10 lbs for the first two weeks. I too had back pain after surgery because your core isn't able to support your back for a while. I found that wearing a back supporter really helped.

One very important note- everyone heals differently, so you may have a totally different experience. Some ladies are still struggling with stairs and getting out of chairs, while I'm out walking in the woods each day. I am only 41 and was pretty fit and active before surgery, so that may have helped me. I'm really glad I had this surgery.

Best wishes to you, sister!

Hi

I had TAH on March 7, 2013
I was able to walk (not well) on day 4.

I came home on day 5, and was needed smoeone to help me off the couch if I was sitting too far back, or laying down.

When someone wasn't here, I had some pretty crafty ways of getting my *** off the couch lol.. some which I KNOW would hit youtube and get millions of hits with laughter

It was about day 7-8 I was able to get up on my own a bit easier..

I never had a problem with stairs, never had a problem showering on my own.
I am on week 4 now, and I feel pretty good.

I am on pain meds still, just not as often or as many.

Hope this helps..
If you need anything let me know

I had my TAH on February 25th. Walking was difficult for me at first but it got easier each day. I have stairs in my house. I made my bedroom my recovery spot and didn't go downstairs until I had been home for 4 days. (My hubby put a mini refrigerator in our bedroom for me) I am able to walk stairs just fine now, I can also bend down and drive again. I occasionally take pain meds at night but I manage with ibruphrofen during the day now and rarely need anything stronger. I kept my ovaries so no hormone replacements for me. Each day gets a little easier. It takes time and patience though.