After a hysterectomy

I was only 40 when I had the operation laparoscopically. I was very fit otherwise so that made a difference to the recovery time. The plan had been that I would stay in hospital for five days but I felt well enough to go home after two nights and was back at work after four weeks. I recall that bladder function returning to normal was one of the criteria for being allowed to go home.

Surgery took about four hours but I had endometriosis so some of that time was spent dealing with that. That was done by laser ablation.

The things I remember most are feeling very tired and painfully windy for about a week. My tum was swollen so I had to buy larger knicks. Lots of rest and not lifting anything were the two most important things.

I was given co-codamol for post-op pain but only needed them for a couple of days.

Recovery will probably take longer as you are older and also depend on how the surgery is done.

For entertainment, to while away the rest time, that was when I first started to listen to audio books. Thirty years ago now and I never stopped.

Good luck.

I was 45 when I had mine. The tiredness is what I remember the most and be kind to yourself you will need plenty of rest.

I was fifty and I felt much better fairly soon after.
It's important not to lift anything heavy ( including casserole dishes!)
Make sure that you have a supply of dried fruit or similar to avoid constipation- the first few poos can be painful...

I was in my 60s and had little pain but was tired for several weeks. It was over two months before I could do my normal household tasks and over four months before I stopped feeling tired and a little achy if I was out shopping or walking.

Do you have anyone to help you at home? If not, you will need to organise yourself with pre prepped or ready meals. I did feel weak for the first couple of weeks and the most you should lift is a mug of tea/coffee.

I had a radical laparoscopic hysterectomy last year because of endometrial cancer. I am in my late sixties. I did everything that I was told to do. I had very little pain and didn't require any medication or further treatment. After six weeks I was able to return to gentle yoga & pilates. The key is to plan ahead and then follow all the rules. Showering is very difficult as the wounds must remain dry. There are very large body wipes that can be used at the beginning. Whether you live with someone or alone ensure that you have sufficient food. You might also require sanitary pads for a day or two.
One thing I did do was to shave myself before I went to the hospital. One nurse was extremely grateful.
I wish you all the best.

Thank you so much to everyone who commented I really appreciate your advice.
I will be having a cut from my navel downwards and did wonder how when showering you can keep the wound dry.

SkyBird I'll take your advice on shaving.

I am very tired at the moment I guess it is with the continued blood loss.
I live with my husband and he is doing things he normally wouldn't do and my son and wife have also been very helpful.
I am so stressed though.