Healing from a Hysterectomy: What to Expect

As one of the most common medical procedures for women in the U.S., hysterectomies have earned a reputation as a major life-changing decision that offers relief and presents its own series of challenges. If you’ve recently had a hysterectomy or are planning your procedure, you might have some questions about making your healing process as smooth as possible. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. 

Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Helard  Ballon-Hennings, MD, FACOG, and our dedicated team at Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, offer minimally invasive hysterectomies with reduced bleeding, downtime, and personalized guidance to make your journey a comfortable one. 

In the meantime, if you’re curious about what to expect during your hysterectomy recovery, we’ll give you a comprehensive rundown. 

The rest and recovery period 

After your surgery, you enter an important phase of your healing process — the post-operative period. During this time, rest and recovery are especially crucial as they can make the path to relief much smoother. Here’s what you can expect: 

Hospital stay

Depending on your specific case and recovery progress, you might stay in our surgical center for a few hours or overnight. Our team will take your specific healing process and utmost comfort into consideration.

Pain management 

To make these initial stages of recovery less challenging, we’ll manage your pain with prescribed medications and other management techniques such as proper positioning, ice packs, and deep breathing exercises. 

Home recovery tips

In addition to your hospital stay and our pain management techniques, we’ll make sure you get plenty of rest at home. After a hysterectomy, your body needs time to heal, so no need to rush back into your daily grind — it’s OK to take it easy. Focus instead on taking your medications and incorporating gentle movements to promote blood circulation. 

Physical and emotional recovery 

Along with navigating those first initial days after surgery, we’ll help you process some of the physical and emotional changes that come up along the way. Here’s what you can expect: 

Physical changes 

Attending to your scars is the first step in your physical recovery to make sure everything goes smoothly. We’ll also offer specific instructions on how to care for your surgical incision(s). Along with scar care, we’ll also discuss your activity levels and when it’s safe for you to resume driving, exercising, and lifting heavy objects. 

Emotional well-being 

This is a major change in your life, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Consider speaking to a counselor or therapist to navigate the emotional highs and lows of your recovery. 

Long-term healing considerations 

As you dive deeper into your recovery period, you’ll start to feel more and more like yourself. Even if you feel like you’re back on track, don’t overlook the importance of these steps: 

Attend your follow-up appointments

Don’t skip those follow-up appointments with our team. This is how we’re able to monitor your recovery and address any concerns if they come up. 

Prioritize your nutrition and physical activity 

Once you’re able to return to some of your regular activities, it’s important to gradually reintroduce healthy exercise based on our team’s recommendations. We recommend you stick to a well-balanced diet to support your overall health and make the healing process even easier. 

In conclusion, although undergoing a hysterectomy can seem overwhelming, our team at Desert Hills Care Center takes every measure possible to make your healing process a comfortable and effective one. By understanding what to expect and what proactive steps to take along the way, you can navigate this journey with confidence. 

If you have any questions or could use some more advice, call Desert Hills Care Center at 702-800-7008 or book online with us today.