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What Is The Recovery Time For Supracervical Hysterectomy?
Question: I had a supracervical hysterectomy four weeks ago. I am a hiker/mountaineer, 51 years old. I had ovarian tumours and one ovary removed a year ago. Tumours then on remaining ovary so decided on hysterectomy this year. I am an avid hiker and mountain climber. In very good physical condition. High elevation climbing is a weekly activity. I have been healing very well with no complications. I have had my two week checkup and will have a six week checkup as well. I am up to walking a 5 mi trail daily with no incline. Started slowly with 1 mi end first week then 2mi at two week post op. Now last two weeks at 5 mi with more speed and no discomfort. When can I add elevation? When can I carry a backpack? Help. The mountains are my therapy. I do not want to hinder my recover, which has been great! But I would appreciate some advice from someone that can relate to a high fitness level and the right time to add activity. I also beach bike and stand up paddleboard...recommendations on those activities as well please.
Brief Answer:
You are safe to perform the mentioned activities...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question. From what you are saying, you are extremely healthy and had an uncomplicated supracervical hysterectomy. In our practice, most women are able to return to work with no restrictions as early as two weeks after the same procedure. Everyone has a different recovery, but it sounds like you are doing extremely well.
The main issue with higher elevations is related to decreasing oxygen in the air (lower oxygen tension). If there was any significant blood loss then you would probably still be anemic (low blood counts). It sounds like this was not an issue, and if anemia was not an issue before the procedure then I think that it would be safe to resume activities without restrictions. Certainly at this point you would not hinder any healing process as it is likely complete anyway.
With regard to riding a bike and SUPing, these activities are certainly safe for the same reasons that I described above. What I tell patients is the following:
1. If it hurts, back off
2. As slow as your recovery might be, things should always seem to be getting better. A step backwards should prompt a call to your doctor
3. Common sense should prevail (see #1)
In summary, at 4 weeks from a supracervical hysterectomy you should be clear to resume all normal activities that you were doing before the surgery. You can certainly check with your doctor on this but this is what I would tell a patient in our practice.
I hope that this helps!
Dr. Raichle
You are safe to perform the mentioned activities...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the question. From what you are saying, you are extremely healthy and had an uncomplicated supracervical hysterectomy. In our practice, most women are able to return to work with no restrictions as early as two weeks after the same procedure. Everyone has a different recovery, but it sounds like you are doing extremely well.
The main issue with higher elevations is related to decreasing oxygen in the air (lower oxygen tension). If there was any significant blood loss then you would probably still be anemic (low blood counts). It sounds like this was not an issue, and if anemia was not an issue before the procedure then I think that it would be safe to resume activities without restrictions. Certainly at this point you would not hinder any healing process as it is likely complete anyway.
With regard to riding a bike and SUPing, these activities are certainly safe for the same reasons that I described above. What I tell patients is the following:
1. If it hurts, back off
2. As slow as your recovery might be, things should always seem to be getting better. A step backwards should prompt a call to your doctor
3. Common sense should prevail (see #1)
In summary, at 4 weeks from a supracervical hysterectomy you should be clear to resume all normal activities that you were doing before the surgery. You can certainly check with your doctor on this but this is what I would tell a patient in our practice.
I hope that this helps!
Dr. Raichle
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you. I did have three weeks off work. My Ob said 4-6 is normal for state of California but due to my fitness and recovery level she cleared me for three. I agree... probably two would have been fine. I had two off last year with the oophorectomy so 3 was recommended this year. Is there any weight restrictions in place still? This was not done lapo... I do have a 5" incision. I understood a full 6 wks is required for the internal layers of stitches to heal...? What is your thought on that? I take it that if I wanted to go backpacking that would not be advised... 40pds. But I am more interested in my daypack which is usually about 15-18 pds. What about abdominal exercises? Like planks? How long would you wait for a normal recovery to do those? I also do 10# free weight training?
Brief Answer:
Please answer the following questions...
Detailed Answer:
Was the incision transverse or vertical?
Are you having any discomfort with activities at this point?
Do you have any medical problems?
Dr. Tim
Please answer the following questions...
Detailed Answer:
Was the incision transverse or vertical?
Are you having any discomfort with activities at this point?
Do you have any medical problems?
Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Transverse
No real discomfort... wearing the binder still...feels good and secure
no medical issues
No real discomfort... wearing the binder still...feels good and secure
no medical issues
Brief Answer:
There should be minimal restrictions at this point
Detailed Answer:
The low transverse incision is the same as a C-section incision. The 'lines of tension' are parallel to the incision when you exert yourself, so the chance of doing harm to this incision is incredibly small. In fact, at about 4 weeks out from the surgery it is practically impossible to hurt the incision. The main issue is that it can still be sore at times.
Here are my answers to your questions:
1. Are there any weight restrictions in place still?
I would say that you should limit lifting to about 25 pounds until you are 6 weeks out from the surgery. Your day pack is completely under this restriction
2. What about abdominal exercises?
I would tell a patient to limit there activity to low-impact aerobic activity. Yes, this involves your core, but I would wait to do those more focused activities until you are 6 weeks from the surgery
I think that free weight training with 10 pound weights is fine. The bottom line is that most, if not all, patients have no restrictions by 6 weeks. There is virtually no chance of hurting your incision but it might just be a good idea to take it easy on the abdominal wall for two more weeks.
Dr. Raichle
There should be minimal restrictions at this point
Detailed Answer:
The low transverse incision is the same as a C-section incision. The 'lines of tension' are parallel to the incision when you exert yourself, so the chance of doing harm to this incision is incredibly small. In fact, at about 4 weeks out from the surgery it is practically impossible to hurt the incision. The main issue is that it can still be sore at times.
Here are my answers to your questions:
1. Are there any weight restrictions in place still?
I would say that you should limit lifting to about 25 pounds until you are 6 weeks out from the surgery. Your day pack is completely under this restriction
2. What about abdominal exercises?
I would tell a patient to limit there activity to low-impact aerobic activity. Yes, this involves your core, but I would wait to do those more focused activities until you are 6 weeks from the surgery
I think that free weight training with 10 pound weights is fine. The bottom line is that most, if not all, patients have no restrictions by 6 weeks. There is virtually no chance of hurting your incision but it might just be a good idea to take it easy on the abdominal wall for two more weeks.
Dr. Raichle
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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