A hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and Fallopian tubes, may be performed through the abdomen or through the vagina. The time that your recovery takes depends on the reason for the surgery, the way the surgery was done and your overall health. You may be able to do some simple exercises very soon after your hysterectomy, but you should not start a rigorous workout routine until your doctor recommends it.
Right After Your Surgery
After your surgery, you may need to spend several days in the hospital. It is important to begin moving around as soon as possible to help release gas bubbles and to avoid the formation of blood clots. Walking can also speed up your healing and may prevent pneumonia. Your doctor or nurse will help you to sit, then stand and walk within a day or two of your surgery. While it may be painful and difficult at first, follow your doctor's advice and walk as soon as reasonable.
The First Six Weeks
For the first six weeks after your hysterectomy, you need to avoid lifting heavy objects and performing strenuous exercises. Try to walk each day unless your doctor advises against it. During this time you may feel weak and will likely have vaginal bleeding. Do not lift weights or try high-impact exercises during your recovery period. If walking or any other activity causes you pain or causes your bleeding to intensify, stop what you are doing and call your doctor for advice.
After Recovery
Some women feel up to resuming an exercise program within a few weeks of surgery, and others may feel weak and fatigued for up to a year after. Talk to your doctor about when you can safely return to your normal activities. Once you are cleared to exercise, add swimming, jogging or any other aerobic exercise that you previously enjoyed to your workout regimen. Also include strength-training exercises, such as lifting weights or performing yoga. If you were sedentary prior to your hysterectomy, take special care to increase your activity level slowly.
Benefits of Exercise
If your ovaries were removed, you will go through menopause. Keeping to a regular exercise routine can help you manage the symptoms of menopause, which may include headaches, hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Exercise can help keep your muscles strong and your joints flexible, can help you sleep better and may relieve depression. It can also ward off some of the conditions that are more common after menopause, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and breast cancer.
Member Comments