Debunking Common Myths About Uterine Fibroids
Knowledge is power when it comes to your health, so we want to make sure you have the correct knowledge. To that end, we’re going to take on a few myths we’ve heard over the years about uterine fibroids.
6 Strategies for a Smooth Recovery After a Robotic Hysterectomy
Just a couple of decades ago, undergoing a hysterectomy was no small undertaking. An open abdominal surgery like this could take months to fully recover.
Thanks to minimally invasive techniques and advanced robotic technologies, recovery from a hysterectomy in today’s world is much improved, which is great news for the half million women who undergo this procedure each year in the United States.
And you can improve this journey even further if you follow some great recovery practices, which we cover here.
At Advanced Endometriosis Center, Dr. Ulas Bozdogan is an active pioneer in the world of robotic-assisted hysterectomies, which he performs regularly to help women dealing with various gynecologic conditions. Through his considerable experience and the experiences of women who’ve come before you, here are some recovery strategies that will serve you well.
1. Take it easy — it’s still surgery
With a robotic hysterectomy, which is used in about 43% of hysterectomies, we're able to take a minimally invasive approach to removing your uterus (and other organs, if necessary), meaning we don’t make large incisions. In fact, we can often go in vaginally to perform the work.
As a result, your recovery is greatly simplified since there’s far less collateral tissue damage. Some women are surprised that they can even go home on the same day as their procedure.
The downside to this speedier recovery and faster return home is that some women forget they underwent surgery and need to take it easy. So, clear the decks for the first week or two after your procedure to really allow time for your body to heal and recover.
2. Take it slowly, but do move
While we just told you not to push yourself too hard after your robotic-assisted hysterectomy, some movement and light exercise is a great way to get your blood (and healing resources) flowing. This movement also prevents blood clots from forming.
So, endeavor to take a few walks each day — just small ones around the neighborhood are sufficient, to start. You can begin this immediately after you get home.
As an added bonus, this movement also helps get your digestive tract moving, which can be sluggish after surgery and with pain medications.
3. Hydrate
It’s always important to hydrate, but it’s especially so after a surgery. As with exercise, hydration can keep things moving well in your body, so make sure to drink about two liters of water each day.
4. Elevate your legs
When you’re resting, we suggest you elevate your legs whenever you can. This helps with circulation in your body when you’re not moving. As well, wearing compression stockings can be helpful during recovery.
5. Avoid heavy lifting
Even if we don’t make any external incisions during your robotic-assisted hysterectomy, and we go in vaginally, the alterations we’re making inside need time and space to heal fully. This means we don’t want you lifting anything heavier than 10-20 pounds for 4-6 weeks.
6. Pelvic rest
We also want you to follow our instructions regarding pelvic rest, which means no tampons, intercourse, or anything else that involves vaginal penetration for 6-12 weeks after your hysterectomy.
Rest assured, we go over these instructions with you in person, and we’re here if you have any questions during your recovery from your robotic-assisted hysterectomy. To learn more or talk with one of our team members, please click here to contact us at one of our conveniently located offices in New York City or Paramus, New Jersey.
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