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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Discharge Instructions for Abdominal Hysterectomy

    You had a procedure called abdominal hysterectomy, a surgery to remove your uterus. This can relieve problems such as severe pain and bleeding. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover from abdominal hysterectomy. Remember, though, that recovery time varies by person.

    Home care

    These are suggestions for what to do once you are home:

    • Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it's OK. Don’t drive while you are still taking opioid pain medicine.

    • Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

    • Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks.

    • Don’t vacuum, do other housework, or any strenuous activities until the healthcare provider says it’s OK.

    • Walk as often as you feel able.

    • When you must climb stairs, go slowly and pause after every few steps.

    • Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises that you learned in the hospital.

    • Avoid constipation:

      • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

      • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.

      • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

    • Shower as usual. Wash your incision with mild soap and water. Don't scrub the incision to clean it. Pat it dry.

    • Don’t use oils, powders, or lotions on your incision.

    • Don’t put anything in your vagina until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so. Don’t use tampons or douches. Don’t have sex. Don't do any of these things for 6 weeks.

    • If you had both ovaries removed, report hot flashes, mood swings, and irritability to your healthcare provider. There may be medicines that can help you.

    Follow-up

    • Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work.

    When to call your healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

    • Fever above  100.4°F ( 38°C) 

    • Chills

    • Bright red vaginal bleeding or vaginal bleeding that soaks more than 1 pad per hour

    • A smelly discharge from the vagina

    • Trouble urinating or burning when you urinate

    • Severe pain or bloating in your abdomen

    • Redness, swelling, or drainage at your incision site

    • Shortness of breath or chest pain

    • Pain or swelling in your legs

    • Nausea and vomiting

    Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
    Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
    Online Medical Reviewer: Howard Goodman MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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