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What to expect when having a hysterectomy post surgery

I am a healthy 49 year old and need to have a hysterectomy because of an enlarged uterus and fibroids. I would like to know what to expect after the surgery. I am not having my ovaries removed and maybe leaving the cervix. Woudl like to know thoughts of leaving the cervix and how is it post surgery.
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Regarding your first BM's Cherie is correct. I did a different method, rather than taking a stool softener, I did the famous yogurt that helps your system work better. As in all things, ASK YOUR DR. FIRST before doing this!  Don't forget, what works for one may not work for all, we are all different and our systems are different! Hope things are going well for you!          Lisa Roo5
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599170 tn?1300973893
I have some thoughts for you many women have asked me this question over the years

post hyster you will be hurting. Pain varies from all women some claim near none some claim its the worst you could possibly imagine....I believe for the most its somewhere inbetween.
Until 6 weeks or doctors ok ...no sex, no tub baths, nothing in vagina, ..expect some discaharge what I mean is no tampoons...no driving

Really pay attention to those discharge instructions its important to take literally...when dr says do nothing for 2- weeks it means do nothing..which is hard to do sit watch tv...do crosswords etc...I folded a basket of towels on day 3 post op and it sent me into agony.

I had a uterus 3x normal size and it was removed by DaVinci Lap its amazing what drs can do these days.

A big issue post op that can really cause extreame discomfort and pain is getting constipated...you like most women will not want to push hard for bm cause your already sore in that area. you will most likely be constipated from narcotic pain meds they give post op....Most drs advise colace stool softner....if yours does not ask....this is one of the most problematic issues post op...NO laxatives too harsh a stool softner is different...eat lots of fiber drink lots of fluids

you may have trapped gas from surgery walk walk walk just circles around home on one level avoid stairs...you will just have to let it go.

Ice packs are nice feels good for the pain...ask dr before you even think of using heat...heat is bad imho...increases swelling and bleeding risks.

Just remember each and every day you will get better..accept help from friends and family..

best wishes
Cherie
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1203024 tn?1265536718
Hi Janett, welcome to the forum. The hysterectomy you are going to have is a sub-total hysterectomy if the cervix is left behind. A lot of women prefer to keep their cervix as they believe it helps in achieving sexual satisfaction although this is open to debate with many doctors saying it has no effect. This type of hysterectomy is easier to perform with quicker recovery as less tissue is being removed. If your cervix is left behind you will still need to have pap smears. Leaving your ovaries behind is also beneficial as you will not experience an instant menopause. Recovery is usually 4-6 weeks and during that time you should not lift anything too heavy or drive. You will probably be given a sheet of exercises to perform post op and i am assuming you are having an abdominal hysterectomy beccause of the enlarged uterus so you may have a drainage tube inserted at the site of the incision for a couple of days. You will be pretty sore after surgery but nothing major, just some discomfort. Post surgery you will be able to return to normal activities and leaving the cervix behind will make no difference to you apart from needing to continue with smears.
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