You have discussed the benefits and risks of a hysterectomy with Dr. Wanda Torres and decided that that is the best way to proceed based on your personal and medical reasons. It is time for you to be mentally and physically prepared for your hysterectomy. Besides helping ease your worries, proper preparation is essential for a speedy recovery. Below are things you should do a month before your hysterectomy.
Learn about hysterectomy
One of the best ways to prepare for surgery is to learn about the procedure. This helps you understand how the process will go and what to expect during recovery. Gathering information about the procedure lets you clear any uncertainties and debunk any myths you may have heard.
Stop smoking
Smoking interferes with general anesthesia during surgery and also prolongs your recovery time. If you smoke, you may have breathing problems during surgery and develop an infection afterward. For this reason, you must stop smoking before and after surgery.
Lose weight if you are obese
Obesity or being overweight elevates the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. For example, severe obesity increases surgery time and blood loss. If you are overweight, discuss healthy ways to lose weight at least a month before your hysterectomy with your physician.
Discuss your medications with your doctor
If you decide to have a hysterectomy, it is best to let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking, whether prescribed or not. They will inform you if you need to change your medicines before surgery. Some drugs, like aspirin, have blood thinning properties and increase your risk of excessive bleeding during a hysterectomy. Your doctor may recommend supplements like multivitamins to improve your general health and vitamin C to help promote healing. Discuss with your doctor about supplements you can take before your hysterectomy surgery.
Manage any pre-existing conditions
If you have health problems like hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, or other medical conditions, check with your doctor to ensure they are under control before surgery. Surgery is more likely to be safer when you keep pre-existing conditions under control.
Plan to take time off to recover fully
After a hysterectomy, you will require some downtime so that your body heals properly. If you work or are in school, you want to complete any necessary paperwork for medical leave before the procedure. Recovery time varies depending on the type of hysterectomy surgery you will have; it may take two to six weeks. As you recover, you shouldn’t lift heavy objects or do any strenuous activity until your abdominal muscles heal. You also want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you daily for several days after surgery.
A week before surgery, you should drink lots of fluids to keep your body hydrated and avoid constipation. This common side effect can cause particular discomfort after a hysterectomy.
If you plan to get a hysterectomy, consult your doctor at Suncoast Women’s Care for more detailed and specific instructions to prepare for surgery.
