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Is Pain 8 Weeks After Hysterectomy Normal?

From the Hysterectomy Recovery Articles List

I had my hysterectomy 8 weeks ago and I still have pain. Is this normal?


How much pain and how long it will last after a hysterectomy can depend on a number of factors. The type of hysterectomy, incisions, any additional work done, and personal response to pain can all impact the amount of pain and how long it will last.

Regardless of hysterectomy, it is not unexpected to need prescription pain medications initially. If you have an abdominal hysterectomy or repairs along with your hysterectomy, you could need prescription pain medications for a week or two. If you have an uncomplicated minimally invasive surgery, you may not need prescription pain medications after a few days.

For a couple weeks, it is not unusual to need over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). Around week three, you really shouldn’t need any pain medications if there were no complications or extenuating circumstances. Needing pain medications could be a sign that you are doing too much too soon. By week six, you should not be experiencing pain or taking pain medications. If you have pain issues at this point in your recovery, you need to talk to your doctor.

Being able to communicate with your doctor about pain is important, especially if pain extends beyond initial recovery, so it is important to keep a detailed symptom diary. If you have pain concerns, here are some things you need to track and share with your doctor.

Where is the pain?

Being able to share with your doctor where your pain is located is important for determining what could be hurting. Are you experiencing pain on the one side? Is it tummy or back pain? Is the pain isolated to a specific spot or does it radiate to other areas? Are you having calf or thigh pain?

When do you feel the pain?

Knowing when you feel your pain is also important. Does your pain occur at the end of the day? Do you wake up in pain? Does the pain occur following specific activities? Is the pain related to bladder or bowel movements?

How long does your pain last?

Whether or not your pain is acute or chronic is also critical for diagnoses. Is the pain constant or intermittent? Are you able to alleviate the pain or does it continue regardless of resting, taking medications, etc.?

What is the intensity of your pain?

Knowing how intense your pain is can be helpful. Is it mild and bearable? Do you need pain medication? Does it inhibit movement? Does it make you catch your breath?

What does your pain feel like?

How your pain feels can help determine what type of pain it is. Is the pain sensation burning, achy, sharp, stabbing, dull, etc.?

Do you have other symptoms?

Co-existing symptoms can also give clues as to why you are feeling pain. Do you have a fever? Is there redness near incisions? Do you have a vaginal odor? Are you constipated? Do you have cramping? Is there swelling? Are you having shortness of breath?

What have you been doing?

It is possible your pain is related to not getting enough rest or overdoing it. Are you back to work? Are you exercising, bathing, or being intimate too soon? Are you drinking plenty of fluids? Are you sleeping all night? Having you been lifting, vacuuming, or shopping?

Though pain during initial hysterectomy recovery can be normal, new or increasing pain is not. In addition, if you are still in pain eight weeks after your hysterectomy, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. The more details you can share about your pain and symptoms, the quicker your doctor may be able to diagnose and treat you.


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.



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