Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

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.
The health content and information on this site is made possible through the generous support of the Haspel Education Fund.
StayWell Disclaimer