How Will I Know I Am Overdoing It After My Hysterectomy?

You know you are supposed to take it easy and listen to your body after your hysterectomy, but “take it easy” is kind of vague. How exactly is your body going to tell you if you are overdoing it? Other than no baths and no sex, your instructions didn’t include many other specifics.

While there’s no one-size-fits all, black and white answer, there are some general symptoms that can give you a clue that you are overdoing it during your recovery. If you are ever in doubt about doing too much too soon, call your doctor right away. You only have one chance to heal right the first time, so you need to make the most of it.

You might be overdoing it if:

• It’s not comfortable to do what you are doing.
• You start spotting or bleeding increases.
• You have new vaginal discharge.
• Your incisions start weeping or opening up.
• You experience increased bloating or swelly belly.
• You feel more tired than you have been.
• You start feeling pressure in your pelvic region.
• You experience dull aches where there were none.
• You become sore or uncomfortable, even in non-surgical places.
• You develop new pain.
• Your stomach hurts.
• Your back hurts.
• You experience shooting pains in your abdominal or pelvic region.
• You start needing pain medications again.
• You feel worse than you have been feeling.

It’s easy to overdo it, especially if you have pain medications masking symptoms. Be safe instead of sorry – if something isn’t necessary, let someone else do it. If you notice any change in symptoms for the worse, take a break, put your feet up, and call your doctor.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: How Will I Know I Am Overdoing It After My Hysterectomy?