You may be given fluids to drink on the first day after the operation (1st post-operative day). The line into your arm vein and the catheter will usually be taken out on that day. Oral pain relief medication will be prescribed for your comfort.
You will be able to pass urine on your own once the catheter is taken out.
You are strongly urged to sit out of bed on the 1st post-operative day to prevent the blood in your leg veins from clotting; and if well, to start walking to aid in a speedier recovery.
In the days to follow, you will gradually resume your normal diet. Your usual bowel habits will return once you start eating normally.
The average hospital stay is 3 to 5 days. Before you are discharged, the abdominal wound will be checked and stitches may need to be removed. You will also be given adequate pain relief medication to bring home. The oral antibiotics prescribed must be completed to prevent infection from occurring. You may notice a reddish-brown discharge from the vagina for 1 to 2 weeks. This is part of the normal healing process.
You must avoid driving, sex and vaginal douching for 4 weeks after surgery.
Your doctor will see you again in the clinic 1 week and 1 month after the operation. During this month, you will be given hospitalisation leave to recuperate at home.
You have to return to the O&G 24-hour Clinic on Basement 1 if you notice any of the following:
Many women believe that a hysterectomy will cause menopausal (change of life) symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and premature ageing. However, it is the removal of the ovaries, not the uterus, which produces these symptoms.
If your ovaries are removed and you do experience these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms.
Your sexual life should not be affected after the hysterectomy. In fact, you can resume sexual intercourse 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
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