Hysterectomy

Going home

Each patient recovers at a different pace. Before you go home, ask your doctor any new questions about your particular situation. You can ask your nurse to have a care coordinator evaluate you to determine whether or not you can qualify for visiting nurse services.

When it is time to leave, your nurse will give you instructions and prescriptions. You can leave the hospital by wheelchair or walk out on your own. Once you are home, your recovery will continue with rest.

You can expect to:

• Eat and drink as usual.
• Take showers, sitz baths or tub baths as long as you keep your incision dry afterward. Your incision can get wet, but you should not rub it or apply creams or ointments.
• Wash your incision daily with soap and water and cover it with fresh gauze.
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to prevent bladder infection.
• For three weeks avoid strenuous activity that can strain your incision, including heavy lifting and long car rides. Increase your activity level gradually.
• Speed your recovery with exercises your doctor may have recommended such as Kegel exercises.
• Avoid tampons and douches, which may cause infection.
• Get support from your doctor, friends and family if you have mood swings, especially if you were premenopausal and your hysterectomy brings on menopause.
• If appropriate, ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
• Wait at least four weeks before resuming intercourse.
• Take prescribed oral medication for pain.
• Use sanitary napkins, not tampons, for vaginal bleeding that can last up to a week after surgery and for the brownish discharge that can last for another five weeks.
• Call your doctor if you experience any of the following: chills, fever, pain, sudden heavy bleeding, smelly discharge, swelling in the legs. Call if you notice redness, bleeding or discharge at the site of the incision.

If you have questions about your care at home, you can call the WP-9 nursing station at (203) 688-7992.

Last revised: October 5, 2004 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.