But Why Can’t I Vacuum after Hysterectomy?

You’ve had your hysterectomy, you’re home from the hospital, you’ve made it through the first week of recovery, and now you’re noticing all the dirt and dust that has collected on your floor. That vacuum may be tempting, but it can be very harmful to your healing body.

Most doctors will restrict patients to “no lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (or a gallon of milk)” to avoid straining the lower abdominal region. The “no vacuuming” rule is part of the same restriction. A healthy body may not realize it, but the pushing and pulling motion of vacuuming (along with sweeping and mopping for that matter) strains the same region. A fatigued body that is trying to recover from a hysterectomy will feel it—maybe not right away, but it will feel it.

More worrisome than sore muscles, however, is the risk of damaging healing tissues. Pushing, pulling, and lifting—any movement that strains your lower abdomen—could cause tearing that could delay healing. Perhaps worse is the risk of developing painful adhesions as your body works to repair the damage.

If those dust bunnies are still calling your name, keep this in mind also: if your family sees you vacuuming, they will falsely assume that you are also ready and able to resume other chores as well. Don’t cut your recovery break early and risk overexertion. Either ask someone to do it for you, hire someone to do it for you, or just simply keep your eyes off the floor. Having dirty floors for a little while is a small price to pay for proper healing.

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: But Why Can’t I Vacuum after Hysterectomy?

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