Recovery time???

I just found out about my cancer this week and was told that I need to have a hysterectomy ASAP. My apointment with the oncologist isn't until Friday, but I have so many questions. Do you have any idea how long my recovery will be? I really don't know what all he will be doing yet, so I understand that this is a very vague question and will get a very general answer, but that is better than nothing at this point.

Since there's cancer involved, you'll probably be having an abdominal hysterectomy with a vertical incision. That's what I had and my recovery went extremely well.

I was reasonably fit before surgery and I did what they told me to do: I got up and stood ASAP after surgery (a couple of hours after I was in my room), walked ASAP and as much as possible, and changed positions frequently while I was in bed.

Then, once home, I also moved and walked as much as possible and didn't sit still for too long and didn't lift a freaking thing over 10 pounds.

I was off pain meds completely in less than a week. By two weeks, I could only tell I'd had surgery when I got up and down or if I got jostled. Still, I didn't lift anything or do anything strenuous and kept walking. I was up to three miles a day by three weeks.

I felt like I could have done more than I was allowed to, sooner, but I didn't. Then, by six weeks, the only thing I really felt was a bit a pulling sensation on the left side. I started back doing Pilates and then began lifting weights.

Everyone is different in terms of healing but that six week recovery period seems to be largely standard. As long as you do what they tell you and don't do what they tell you now to, chances are you'll do well.

Best of luck to you.

In generally recovery time from a hysterectomy is 6-8 weeks.
The amount of time in the hospital will depend on how well you do after surgery, and your dr's policy.


We have a lot of useful information (including questions to ask before surgery) in our Pre and Post op Articles, which you can find on our home page, left hand side, and also in our CHECKPOINTS, which you can sign up for - top of page menu bar.

Most women are out of bed within 24 hours after surgery, and you should be able to take short walks, around the house, very soon after surgery - you'll be able to do small things (see our lists of what is allowed and not).

If your surgery is a bit more extensive because of cancer issues, things could be a bit slower for healing, but the same pattern of taking things slowly and increasing activities gradually will be valid.

best wishes to you

I'm at 6 wks.now. I can finally say I feel almost fantastic. Only get sore inside my belly if I do any vacuuming, bending, and other things I probably shouldn't do. It's great not having my body needing to work overtime due to cancer, and I have spent lots of time sleeping and resting. Ienjoyed the excuse to be sitting in my recliner and watch TV, read, and nap! I'm building up for radiation, now. Take what the docs tell you seriously, when it comes to what to or not to do after surgery. You won't feel so great the first days, but it gets better slowly, day by day.