A partial hysterectomy leaves the cervix intact, removing only the top part of the uterus, while a radical hysterectomy takes the cervix and surrounding tissues, uterus, and the upper part of the vagina. Most hysterectomy surgeries are “total,” and involve removing the cervix and uterus. Depending on your health and the reason for your surgery, your physician may remove your reproductive organs through an abdominal incision or vaginally. Recovery time depends on your pre-surgery physical condition, the method of surgery you undergo and performance of specific post-surgery exercises.
Knee-to-Chest
Abdominal hysterectomy surgery interferes with standard bowel function and can cause painful gas buildup. Until your bowels return to normal, you can perform exercises to alleviate the pain and help release the gas. Lie on your bed with your legs extended. You can place a pillow under your knees if it’s more comfortable. Keeping your upper body relaxed, carefully lift one leg, drawing your knee toward your abdomen or chest. Wrap your hands around your knee and draw it in further. Hold it there for several seconds, breathing fully. Release your knee and slide your leg back down with control. Take three deep breaths, then switch legs. Allow yourself to expel any gas.
Kegel Exercises
Whether you experience your surgery abdominally or vaginally, it’s important to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles afterward with Kegel exercises. A strong pelvic floor keeps the internal organs of your pelvic cavity in place and prevents urinary leakage during bouts of coughing, sneezing or laughter. After emptying your bladder, lie on your back. Contract the muscles you use to stop gas or urine. Keep your body relaxed — don’t contract your glutes, abdominal or leg muscles. Breathe through the contraction. Practice Kegels until you can hold them for at least 10 seconds. Relax between each Kegel for the same amount of time you hold them. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions each day.
Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic tilts lend stability to the pelvic lumbar region, improve posture, help alleviate lower back pain and gently strengthen your lower abdominal muscles before you can perform more intense abdominal work. You can perform pelvic tilts on your hands and knees, lying on your back or while seated on an exercise ball. On the floor, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Draw your heels in toward your bottom. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides. Gently contract your gluteal and abdominal muscles. Tilt your pelvis up toward your abdomen to flatten your lower back against the floor. Hold it for several seconds. Relax and repeat.
Walking
Most physicians encourage walking around the house as soon as possible to facilitate recovery. You may be able to start walking for exercise about two weeks after an abdominal hysterectomy, with your health-care provider’s consent. Depending on how you feel and the advice of your doctor, you could begin a walking program slightly sooner after a vaginal hysterectomy. The first time you go out, you might feel fatigued after just a few blocks. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself. If you experience cramping or feel any lower abdominal pressure, stop exercising. As your body heals, you’ll be able to walk farther and for longer periods of time.
References
- “The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy”; Lauren F. Streicher; 1998
- Ohio State University Medical Center; Exercises After Your Hysterectomy; Jan. 2004
- The Society of Gynecological Oncology of Canada; Understanding your Abdominal Hysterectomy; Lynne Jolicoeur, et al.
