How to Prepare for Hysterectomy

Women who undergo hysterectomy experience many hormonal changes that affect them physically and mentally. Hence, it is always recommended that they should be well-prepared. In most cases, the cause has been found to be uterine fibroids.

However, there are abnormalities like endometriosis (i.e., growth of menstrual tissue outside the uterine cavity), adenomyosis (i.e., the growth of the uterine lining through the uterine wall), vaginal prolapse, heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and obstetrical hemorrhage that make this surgery obligatory.

Nowadays, with women playing an important role in managing home and office, they have to make certain backup provisions on both fronts so that such a major procedure does not disrupt any schedule. Here are some aspects that tell you how to prepare for hysterectomy.

After it is decided that you have to undergo hysterectomy, discuss with your gynecologist about every doubt you have regarding the process. Most doctors follow the protocol of explaining the whole method using diagrams so that you are aware of the actual plan of action.

This helps you to be mentally prepared. Perform the necessary tests required so that your gynecologist knows if there are any complications that can occur.

Once the date is fixed, put in a request to meet the medical team performing on you, and get your doubts resolved. Ask your doctor about the post-surgical precautions to be taken, and what to expect afterwards. Also, discuss this situation with the insurance company that covers your medical insurance.

When getting admitted to the hospital, prepare a checklist and take all your sanitary items as well as comfortable and warm clothes without fail, since this procedure requires you to stay in the hospital for more than a few days.

If you are a working woman, inform your office well in advance and give them an idea about the number of days you will be unavailable. It is better to have everything on paper to avoid any misunderstandings. Remember, if there is any exchange of documents in this whole affair, try to maintain two photocopies of every piece of paper, even if you possess the originals.

The most difficult of all is on the domestic front, since everyone is used to you taking care of everything in the house. Make proper arrangements for all household chores, specially food and cleaning. Store frozen food items in the refrigerator in sufficient amounts depending on the members in the family and make sure these are healthy.

You can distribute the house chores among the family members or hire temporary helpers for the same. Any kind of major activity, that can strain the operated part has to be avoided till complete recovery. So, arrange your stuff in such a way that they can be easily available for you when you come home after the operation.

After the procedure, the following points need to be taken into consideration:

Few physical as well as mental changes are normal post-surgery. Mental depression is the most common effect. Yoga meditation like pranayama is beneficial for minimizing depression. However, if the extent of depression is acute and persists for more than a month, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

After 2 - 3 days (as suggested by your doctor) of the operation, try to walk for a few minutes after specific time intervals to loosen up the muscles. After a week or so, you can try out a few light yoga exercises. Consult the doctor for advanced exercises; if possible do it under a responsible person's supervision.

The entire internal system, specially the stomach, has to get used to working in the absence of an important organ, the uterus. So, it takes a few days for the body to adapt to such a major change. This is the reason why diet should be healthy; at the same time it should be light so that it can be easily digested.

• Drink plenty of water and juices to facilitate easy bowel movements and avoid any strain on the stomach.
• Vegetables, fruits, and cereals should be included in the diet.

• Too much protein and fatty foods should be avoided, since there are chances of weight gain after the procedure.
• Lots of calcium and iron will be needed to make up for the energy loss due to the surgery.

Recovery takes about 1 - 2 months depending on the level of complications which arise later. Most women can resume their daily routine after a fortnight. However, do not take your body for granted, be well-prepared (physically and mentally), and follow all the recovery guidelines prescribed by your doctor.

Also, apart from diet and exercise, be sure not to work too strenuously, not wear tight clothes, and be positive and cheerful.