After the procedure, you will be taken from the operating theatre to a recovery room, where you will come round from the anaesthesia under close supervision.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
A physiotherapist may visit you while you’re with us and show you some exercises to do that will help speed up your recovery.
Pain relief
You will feel sore after the operation and you may have some bruising and swelling, so we will give you pain relief medication while you’re with us.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
A hysterectomy is a major operation. The length of your stay in hospital will depend on which type of procedure you had as well as your overall health and fitness.
If you have had a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, you probably won’t need to stay in for more than four nights. With an abdominal hysterectomy you're likely to be with us for 3-5 days.
It takes six to eight weeks to fully recover after an abdominal hysterectomy but it’s usually less after a vaginal or laparoscopy hysterectomy.
Whichever operation you have, you should take at least four weeks off work and rest as much as possible. You will be able to walk around after a day or two but don’t lift anything heavy or do any sporting activities until you’re fully recovered.
It’s important to do your physiotherapy exercises regularly, as this will help build your abdominal muscles back up. Your physio will probably also recommend you get back to walking and swimming once your wounds have healed.
Don't drive until you're comfortable wearing a seat belt – this could be up to eight weeks after surgery. Some car insurance companies require a certificate from your doctor stating that you are fit to drive.
Avoid sexual activity for at least six weeks and you might experience a temporary loss of interest in sex. This usually returns when you’re fully recovered and many women report that sexual activity and enjoyment actually improves after a hysterectomy.
Your surgeon will advise you when you can resume your normal activities. A full recovery can take up to 12 weeks.
If your ovaries were removed you may get menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to help with this.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home because you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them to help with shopping and cleaning for a few weeks.
Looking after you
We’re with you every step of the way through your recovery, even after you’ve left hospital.
After your operation we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what you should and shouldn't do, and any other follow-up support you need. Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing and a follow up appointment will be made for you.
On rare occasions, complications following surgery can occur. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you’re having and other factors such as your general health. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re ready to help.
