How much time off for a hysterectomy?

[mcsangel2]

A recent exam has uncovered a couple of issues that I need to address with a new gynecologist - I am 50 years old and I have an IUD that's nearly 10 years old that is partially embedded in the lining of my uterus, and I have a uterine cyst. My grandmother was suffering from cervical or uterine cancer at the time of her death from Alzheimer's (can't remember which), and all four of my mother's sisters have had hysterectomies though my mother herself did not. One aunt's hysterectomy was due to childbirth complications, and I'm not sure about the other three, but I'll be talking to them soon to get that info.

All that to say that when I meet with a new gynecologist, I would not be surprised if a hysterectomy is suggested, and I'm very open to the idea. I want to be proactive in planning this potential because it could take my department a while to be prepared enough for me to be out for more than a week. Right now most of my duties can be done from home, but there is a daily office duty that I rotate with two other people to get done, so I work in office two mornings a week.

My supervisor has actually had a hysterectomy herself. She said she was totally out of commission for a week, and she would have been capable from working from home some of the next week (but we didn't have WFH at that time).

What was your experience with recovery? How long were you totally unable to work? When could you have worked from home? When were you able to go back to the office?

[susiebw]

Not personal experience, but I've been talking to my gyn about a hysterectomy on and off since before covid for various reasons, and she said that with my working a desk job, and the ability to do the procedure laparoscopic now, two weeks out sounds about right. Maybe with some ability to WFH that second week. Good luck with your decision.

[mofongo]

I think it will greatly depend on if it’s vaginal or laparoscopic/open. I’m not a candidate for vaginal, and was told 6-8 weeks.

[maudefindlay]

My Mom had one at 60 (is 75 now) and hers was 6 weeks. Her pain was well controlled, but she was shocked at her loss of stamina and for how long it took to get her energy and strength back and not for doing things like exercise, but for taking a shower and she was in good shape pre surgery walking several miles a day and she had walked a couple half marathons that year.

[foundmylazybum]

I had a hysterectomy and it was via the Davinci...the full recovery is 8 weeks. But that's like "seriously do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk you are healing" type recovery.

I think you could..idk probably go back to 1/2 day of a desk job at 3-4 weeks with the understanding that thus is flexible based on how you are actually feeling and it's very important to not over due it.

[mags]

I used six weeks. My job did not require lifting, walking, or anything really physical.

[mofongo]

Jun 28, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5 pinkplasticdoll said:

wambam can give you details. There is also a thread on CEP where there have been a few posts giving their experience with a hysterectomy. I will find it and link it

I thought that was about have your tubes out.

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 28, 2022 15:33:10 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Jun 28, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5 pinkplasticdoll said:

There is also a thread on CEP where there have been a few posts giving their experience with a hysterectomy. I will find it and link it

I thought that was about have your tubes out.

So I'll say this: The comment about that experience was also something along the lines of, "it was a nothing burger" or something like that.

We all have our own experiences, but a hysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery and isn't really classified as a nothing burger

[sofamonkey]

I just had a hysterectomy, cervix removal, salpingectomy (tube removal), and well as a very large cyst removal. I took 7 weeks. I could’ve gone back sooner, but damn was I tired as hell. And when I did go back, I was slow and sore. And I also went back PT for about a month.

I could’ve pushed through, but why the hell would I do that? My body went through a major surgery and needed time to heal.

Your supervisor being off only a week seems nuts. I think (ETA to remove name) a poster took that or a little longer for a tube/ovary removal only. (I’m tagging because I’m only 97% sure of the timing)

As my surgeon explained to me, it’ll take the full 12-16 weeks for your body to really recover, but really listen to your body after that 6 week mark. The only person you’ll hurt is yourself. She did recommend 6-8 weeks fully off and PT to 12 weeks. I’m glad I listened. Lol

[Captain Catnip]

I had a TAH 7 years ago. I was cut, off of work for i think 10 weeks? I slept in a recliner for the first few. They left one ovary but went back in 18 months later to remove that also.

[lucybrown]

Links to recent threads about this topic:
pandce.proboards.com/thread/631921/dermoid-cyst-removal-hysterectomy

pandce.proboards.com/thread/631523/talk-me-hysterecomys

[wanderingback]

Jun 28, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5 pinkplasticdoll said:

can give you details. There is also a thread on CEP where there have been a few posts giving their experience with a hysterectomy. I will find it and link it

Can we not tag people re: their medical history. I know it’s not a HIPAA violation before someone says it lol. But the person you tagged didn’t even have the procedure OP is talking about. If someone wants to share about their experience they’ll do so.

[isabel]

Jun 28, 2022 15:35:40 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Jun 28, 2022 15:33:10 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I thought that was about have your tubes out.

So I'll say this: The comment about that experience was also something along the lines of, "it was a nothing burger" or something like that.

We all have our own experiences, but a hysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery and isn't really classified as a nothing burger

Her procedure was not a hysterectomy. What OP is asking about is very different from a bilateral salpingectomy.

[coconutbug]

It seems to depend on the procedure and person. I had laparoscopic earlier this year and was told to not do any vigorous activity or lift anything over 20 pounds for 6 weeks. I was cleared to work from home whenever I felt up to it — I took two days off and then worked from home. I was not very mobile and felt rather sore the first week, but was able to go into the office about 10 days later. After 4 weeks, I was cleared to do some light weights and to spin on my bike at home. At 6 weeks I was able to jog slowly and resume all my normal activities.

[sofamonkey]

Jun 28, 2022 16:02:14 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jun 28, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5 pinkplasticdoll said:

can give you details. There is also a thread on CEP where there have been a few posts giving their experience with a hysterectomy. I will find it and link it

Can we not tag people re: their medical history. I know it’s not a HIPAA violation before someone says it lol. But the person you tagged didn’t even have the procedure OP is talking about. If someone wants to share about their experience they’ll do so.

You’re absolutely right, I wasn’t thinking. I removed my tag too. I could PM them and see if they want to participate, if they don’t answer on their own.

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 28, 2022 16:09:19 GMT -5 isabel said:

Jun 28, 2022 15:35:40 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

So I'll say this: The comment about that experience was also something along the lines of, "it was a nothing burger" or something like that.

We all have our own experiences, but a hysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery and isn't really classified as a nothing burger

Her procedure was not a hysterectomy. What OP is asking about is very different from a bilateral salpingectomy.

Yeah. I know, that's what I said.

[momin2013]

My coworker had one just before we all went home for COVID - she was off work for 6 weeks.

[basilosaurus]

My mil friend was given 6-8 weeks estimate (they don't technically have sick leave). I was with her in hospital the first week b/c the country/mil required an escort/assistance, then she was discharged.

Before 6 weeks she was bored out of her freaking mind and returned to desk duty. She gave up the ground floor apt they moved her to in on base barracks after 2 weeks despite not being cleared to walk stairs. She was 48 I believe. She had some complications that would have extended that leave, but at 4 weeks she was begging to be back at work, returned at 6. Just like post c-section I think people recover at their own rates, and expect a multi-week spread of experiences.

ETA This was a mil base overseas with operation done about 30km away. There were no families. There were no distractions. She had so much help. (so boredom) Also, definitely not laparoscopic. She was not eligible. So, boredom I can understand.

My MIL did have davinci, but I was about 7000 miles away from her at the time, and she didn't divulge anything then. She only called weeks after the dx and the procedure. It didn't seem to be a problem? She was at work not too long after.

[dirtyred]

[quote author="sofamonkey" source="/post/14164580/thread" timestamp="1656448651"I took 7 weeks. I could’ve gone back sooner, but damn was I tired as hell. And when I did go back, I was slow and sore. And I also went back PT for about a month.

I could’ve pushed through, but why the hell would I do that? My body went through a major surgery and needed time to heal.

Your supervisor being off only a week seems nuts. I think (ETA to remove name) a poster took that or a little longer for a tube/ovary removal only. (I’m tagging because I’m only 97% sure of the timing)

As my surgeon explained to me, it’ll take the full 12-16 weeks for your body to really recover, but really listen to your body after that 6 week mark. The only person you’ll hurt is yourself. She did recommend 6-8 weeks fully off and PT to 12 weeks. I’m glad I listened. Lol

[/quote]


I had mine via laparoscopy, but I lost A LOT of blood, and I was exhausted.

I just want to reiterate, as my surgeon said the same thing, this is major surgery and you take off every day that I’m giving you, and call me if you need more.

Don't try to be superwoman and make yourself worse by trying to go back too soon.

[idahome]

My original FMLA paperwork was for 6 weeks but I didn’t have short term disability so I took 5 days off, worked hybrid for 10 days (2 in office, 3 at home), then was back to work at my normal schedule by the beginning of the 4th week post procedure.

[yaga]

I went back to work (WFH due to COVID) after about 12 days. I was planning on two weeks off, but I just got kind of bored. I had lifting/exercise restrictions for 8 weeks, so if I didn't have a desk job that I could do from home, I would have needed more time.

My recovery started out rough and I'm surprised I bounced back that quickly. I guess I can credit the fact that it was May 2020 and we all had leeway in terms of what hours we worked, so I took advantage.

Mine was laparoscopic and complicated by scarring from prior surgeries, a prior infection, and endometriosis.

[mofongo]

Jun 28, 2022 16:28:06 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Jun 28, 2022 16:09:19 GMT -5 isabel said:

Her procedure was not a hysterectomy. What OP is asking about is very different from a bilateral salpingectomy.

Yeah. I know, that's what I said.

I am lol considering all you’ve been through!

[erbear]

Not personal experience but my close colleague / friend had one last summer and her recovery was rough — probably 7-8 weeks and she was hurting. She says it’s the best thing she’s ever done though, so that’s the plus.

[DefenseAgainstTheDarkArts22]

I had both a bilateral salpingectomy and a hysterectomy so I'm happy to answer any questions about either or compare for you.

My hysterectomy was the incision across your stomach, I wasn't eligible for the laparoscopic due to the BSalp and possible scar tissue. She gave me the choice and I said let's just do the big one and be sure what is going to happen.

Hysterectomy - I work from home so I was able to do stuff after 2 weeks but if I had to drive I would take at least 4, probably closer to 6. Most people need to have someone drive them to the follow up at 2 weeks. Recommended recovery is 6-8 weeks.

BSalp - Laproscopic, pain was bad the day of, was sitting on the couch on day 2 and back to everything day 3.

[litskispeciality]

OP, keep in mind every single person is different with their recovery. Not aimed at anyone here...I really wish we'd change the narrative that laparoscopic is "easier". I did a lot of research a head of time, and setting the expectation that 2 weeks is enough is really hard for someone who needs more time. It makes you feel like you're a slacker if you need more time or aren't a lot better at week 3. This is MAJOR SURGERY. If I had my way every person having this surgery would have to take 4 weeks off and adjust more time if necessary.

I'm 9 weeks post op lapro this week (hooray!). I had my uterus, tubes and cervix removed. I went in for 9:30am that day, and left around 6 or 7pm that night. My surgery was delayed over 1.5 hours (understandable), so I probably could have left earlier. I felt ready to go home that night, just wish they let me stay an hour longer. I was still really out of it and felt really sick. By 11pm I couldn't sleep so I stayed up watching TV. Overall I had a rather smooth recovery. I took prescribed higher strength Tylenol and Ibprofuen every 2 hours alternating for 3 or 4 days. I had a small amount of low dose oxy, but only took 2 pills total at night, to help me sleep. My H was able to take FMLA (we have no other help), which was huge. He'd get up 3 - 4 times in the night to help me go to the bathroom. He also brought me food and drinks etc. so that I could spend a lot of time in bed, although I had a hard time getting comfortable. I tried to move every single day, slowly and short bursts. I had a super hard time sleeping the first 5 - 6 weeks. I took a lot of naps, but nighttime I might be up until 1 - 2am, and then wake up by 8am. Meanwhile pre-op I'd sleep 10+ hours a night and nap if I could. I think that's your hormones adjusting.

I took 5 weeks off of work, and then thankfully was approved to return for half days (4 hours per day) for one week before returning to full time. If you can do half days please do. The first day back I had to go home and nap because my entire body hurt from working a desk job. I'm still really tired at night, so I'm glad to hear that 12 - 16 weeks is the real timeline to be 100% recovered. I think we feel like we're "all better" once we're back to work. I'm still really tired at night, so I'm glad to hear that 12 - 16 weeks is the real timeline to be 100% recovered. I think we feel like we're "all better" once we're back to work.

Ask your doctor about restrictions. I couldn't lift anything over 10 lbs, and I tried not to bend over for a few weeks. I didn't take a bath or swim for 6 weeks. First week or two of showers I also had H wait close by in case I needed help. YOu'd be surprised how tired you can get from just taking a shower and changing your clothes.

One other factor, I believe having your ovaries removed too adds a new layer of recovery as you go in to instant menopause. OP please try to take a lot of time off. Best case scenario you're up to going back earlier, but don't have too. Wishing you luck, and an easy, speedy recovery.

ETA: Happy to PM if there's anything I haven't covered or new questions.

[litskispeciality]

Also to OP's work concerns. No one at your work should know why you're out. The FMLA request from your doctor should be vague that you need time off (I think mine gave me 7 weeks). Even DH's just said that his wife needed help bathing, moving etc. and no one asked another question. If you have to push back you can tell them your doctor has said you need 7 weeks off, but you really legally, and personally don't have too.

[wambam]

Jun 28, 2022 15:30:27 GMT -5 pinkplasticdoll said:

wambam can give you details. There is also a thread on CEP where there have been a few posts giving their experience with a hysterectomy. I will find it and link it

I had a bilateral salpingectomy, not a hysterectomy. The surgery I had is not nearly as extensive. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

ETA: just read the rest of the thread. Sorry! I hadn’t signed in since yesterday. I’m an open book, so talk about me and my tubes all you like lol. My surgery was a “nothingburger” but it wasn’t the same at all.

[lilstarling123]

I removed uterus, tubes, cervix and ovaries by davinci and took the full 6 weeks.
I was extremely exhausted and had an extremely sore core. The main entrance point for the biggest davinci arm was right under my left breast and that spot took forever to heal for me. I was unaware how much of your core you really use constantly..getting up off the couch and driving included. I still tear that scar tissue every once in a while and it's been 3 years. It's not a terrible recovery you just feel beat up and sore and wiped out

[litskispeciality]

Yes the core pain. I compared it to doing 2000 sit-ups. You may go through phases where it's hard to get comfortable sitting down or standing up, and then need to get up or sit down after short breaks. That could be hard if you go right back in to your job with no accomodation.