Healing and Recovery from Hysterectomy?

[AppleTree]

In a few weeks I am scheduled to have surgery to remove my uterus & ovaries. I was hoping to get some encouraging advice regarding recovery times, how soon you were able and felt like getting back on the bicycle, and any other helpful hints or shared experiences. I am in my mid-50s, and in fairly good health and cycle often, usually about 50 miles a week or so.

I am hoping to get back on the bicycle in mid-February if possible, at least for a few miles. I really want to be fit enough to do the Seattle to Portland ride again this July (200 miles in two days).

This is a laparoscopic procedure, which they "say" the recovery time is faster, maybe two weeks to feeling good and four to six weeks feeling completely back to normal. No lifting for at least six weeks.

Just worried how this is going to affect getting back to my cycling routine.

[indysteel]

I do not have personal experience with this, but one if my best friends does. She had a laproscopic hysterectomy, too. All I can do is urge you to respect your doctor's orders as to how long to rest. My friend started walking and running before she was cleared. Her bowel prolapsed months later. She got one heck of a lecture about it from her doc (and another surgery). The doc said that even when you start to feel fine, you are still healing internally. So, please be patient with the recovery process. Your bike will still be there when you're ready. I'm sorry to scare you; I just think it's important advice.

[Catrin]

I had the same surgery in 2008, it was with the DaVinci machine which was a bit different. Recovery took longer than I was told..

Don't rush it, and you will want to make certain the wounds heal properly. You will be tempted to speed things up because externally it doesn't seem as major of a surgery as when they do it the old-fashioned way, but your body will need time to recover and heal properly. Your bikes will be there when you are fully cleared. If you go back too soon then your recovery period will take longer.

Good luck on your surgery and hope things go well!

[goldfinch]

I had a hysterectomy back in about 1990 or thereabouts. I felt great after a couple of weeks. Went on a trip to Florida with spouse, figuring to take advantage of the 6 weeks leave I had from work. Overdid it on a walk and couldn't make it back. Spouse went and got the car while I sat on the side of the road. I thought we were going to have to call an ambulance I felt so awful.

[Melalvai]

It's so individual it's hard to say. Listen to your body and do it gradually. I was back in action in about a week after an abdominal hysterectomy! But I was (unfortunately) young (31 yrs old).

I highly recommend Hyster Sisters forum. They are very supportive and knowledgeable.

[AppleTree]

It's so individual it's hard to say. Listen to your body and do it gradually. I was back in action in about a week after an abdominal hysterectomy! But I was (unfortunately) young (31 yrs old).

I highly recommend Hyster Sisters forum. They are very supportive and knowledgeable.

This link was exactly what I was hoping to find. Thank you so much Melavai. Yes, youth makes all the difference in recovery time.

Indysteel, that was a cautionary tale for sure... omg.

Thank you all for the warning to take it slow and easy. It is so helpful to hear from women who have gone through this experience. Somehow reassuring to know that I'll get through this eventually! Maybe not as quickly as I wanted, but still, will live to bike another day.