Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Your Home Recovery
It often takes 1 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic hysterectomy. But recovery time varies for each woman. Read on for helpful tips.
When you leave the hospital, you’ll receive directions on caring for yourself at home. Following these directions helps to make sure you have a faster recovery. It often takes about 1 week to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic hysterectomy. But recovery time varies for each woman.
Taking care of yourself
Follow these tips to make your recovery as safe and comfortable as possible:
To prevent constipation, eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water. Your healthcare provider may advise that you use a laxative or a mild stool softener.
Ask your friends and family to help with chores and errands while you recover.
Don't lift anything over 10 pounds to prevent straining your incisions.
Don't get your incisions wet until your healthcare provider says it’s OK to do so.
Don't put anything in your vagina until your provider says it’s safe to do so. This includes using tampons and douches and having sex.
Schedule follow-up visits with your provider.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if any of the following occur:
Chills or a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised
Bright red vaginal bleeding or a smelly discharge
Trouble urinating or a burning feeling during urination
Severe belly (abdominal) pain or bloating
An incision site that is red, swollen, or draining smelly fluid
Trouble breathing or fainting
Swollen painful leg