Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Abdominal Hysterectomy, Aftercare (Easy to read)
Abdominal Hysterectomy, Care After
The following information offers guidance on how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your doctor may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your doctor.
What can I expect after the procedure?
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Pain.
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Tiredness.
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No desire to eat.
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Less interest in sex.
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Bleeding and fluid (discharge) from your vagina. You may need to use a pad after this procedure.
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Trouble having a poo (constipation).
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Feelings of sadness or other emotions.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your doctor.
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If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by your doctor. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
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If told, take steps to prevent problems with having a poo (constipation). You may need to:
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Drink enough fluid to keep your wee (urine) pale yellow.
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Take medicines. You will be told what medicines to take.
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Eat foods that are high in fibre. These include beans, wholegrains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar. These include fried or sweet foods.
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Ask your doctor if you should avoid driving or using machines while you are taking your medicine.
Surgical cut care
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Follow instructions from your doctor about how to take care of your cut from surgery (incision). Make sure you:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage. If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitiser.
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Change your bandage.
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Leave stitches or skin glue in place for at least two weeks.
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Leave tape strips alone unless you are told to take them off. You may trim the edges of the tape strips if they curl up.
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Keep the bandage dry until your doctor says it can be taken off.
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Check your incision every day for signs of infection. Check for:
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More redness, swelling, or pain.
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Fluid or blood.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
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Activity
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Rest as instructed by your doctor.
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Get up to take short walks every 1 to 2 hours. Ask for help if you feel weak or unsteady.
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Do not lift anything that is heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb), or the limit that you are told.
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Follow your doctor’s advice about exercise, driving, and general activities.
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Return to your normal activities when your doctor says that it is safe.
Lifestyle
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Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for at least 6 weeks or as told by your doctor.
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Do not drink alcohol until your doctor says it is okay.
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Do not smoke or use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These can delay healing after surgery. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
General instructions
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub. Ask your doctor about taking showers or sponge baths.
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Try to have a responsible adult at home with you for the first 1–2 weeks to help with your daily tasks.
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Wear tight-fitting (compression) stockings as told by your doctor.
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Keep all follow-up appointments.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
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You have chills or a fever.
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You have any of these signs of infection around your cut:
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More redness, swelling or pain.
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Fluid or blood.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
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Your cut breaks open.
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You feel dizzy or light-headed.
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You have pain or bleeding when you wee.
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You keep having watery poo (diarrhoea).
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You keep feeling like you may vomit or you keep vomiting.
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You have fluid coming from your vagina that is not normal.
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You have any type of reaction to your medicine that is not normal, like a rash, or you develop an allergy to your medicine.
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Your painkiller does not help.
Get help right away if:
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You have a fever and your symptoms get worse suddenly.
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You have very bad pain in your tummy (abdomen).
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You are short of breath.
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You faint.
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You have pain, swelling, or redness of your leg.
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You bleed a lot from your vagina and you see blood clots.
Summary
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It is normal to have some pain, tiredness, and fluid that comes from your vagina.
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub. Ask your doctor about taking showers or sponge baths.
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Do not lift anything that is heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lb), or the limit that you are told.
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Follow your doctor’s advice about exercise, driving, and general activities.
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Try to have a responsible adult at home with you for the first 1–2 weeks to help with your daily tasks.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
