HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy
SHARING IS CARING
Resting after Hysterectomy
From the Hysterectomy Recovery Articles List
How important is resting after surgery?
Your body needs sleep to repair and rejuvenate itself on a daily basis. It needs even more rest to repair itself properly after a major surgery like a hysterectomy. For those of you who are as resistant as a toddler when it comes to R&R, or those who feel like they can't spend another day in a recliner, please consider the following information.
Part of resting means getting adequate sleep. While you sleep, your body does a lot of maintenance work that is especially important for your healing body. Your cells are busy making repairs where they're needed. Your immune system is working overtime to fight any infections. Overall, sleep allows your body to recharge so that it can function properly in the morning. Your body will let you know when it needs sleep. If it's telling you to sleep in the middle of the day, you'd be wise to listen to it.
If
insomnia or any other issues are keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep during your recovery, talk to your
doctor about your options. You may need a slight sedative or a supplement like Melatonin to help you get the sleep you need.
Simple relaxing tasks in your resting spot can count as rest also. If you have a pile of books you've been wanting to read, movies you've been wanting to watch, mending projects you've been meaning to complete, or anything else you can do sitting down, now is the perfect time to get caught up. These tasks can keep you busy and entertained without stressing your body.
In the initial days of recovery, you may only be able to move from bed to bathroom to couch. Taking those short treks every couple hours is a good thing. Some activity is needed to prevent surgical complications and promote healing. As you continue to heal, those short treks will become longer treks, but always take care not to overexert yourself. Your body may let you know with a swollen tummy or possibly light bleeding if you have been doing too much and need to rest more.
So as your body recovers, be sure to get enough sleep, keep busy with light, seated activities, and get up every few hours to
walk a little bit. Everyone's body is different, but if you listen to yours (in combination with doctors orders, of course), you should be well on your way to a healthy recovery.
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.
11-21-2013 - 01:04 PM
SHARING IS CARING
Do you have a question?
If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!
HysterSisters Articles
Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon
Ted Lee, M.D. Magee Womens Hospital 300 Halket Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 412 641 6412 |
Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868 |
Arnold Advincula, M.D. Columbia Ob/Gyn Midtown 51 West 51st St, 3rd FL New York NY 10019 (855) 75-OBGYN |
Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001 |
Antonio Gargiulo, M.D. Brigham and Women's Hospital 75 Francis Street Boston MA 02115 617-732-4222 |
Joseph S. Valenti, M.D. 2805 S. Mayhill Road Denton TX 76208 940 591-6700 |
Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573 |
Caren C Reaves, M.D. Caring for Women 2805 S. Mayhill Rd Denton TX 76208 940-591-6700 |
Lori Warren, M.D. 3900 Kresge Way Suite 30 Louisville KY 40207 502-891-8700 |