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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
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Chicago physicians offer tips for faster recovery from a laparoscopic hysterectomy

The team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C. offers comprehensive women’s care to patients from Chicago to Northwest Indiana and the surrounding areas. A hysterectomy may be performed abdominally or laparoscopically. Both types require time for the body to heal. If a hysterectomy is recommended, you may ask your doctor for tips for faster recovery from a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Tips for Faster Recovery From a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Chicago area

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may or may not be removed. This procedure may be done laparoscopically through several small abdominal incisions or abdominally through a single, large incision. A hysterectomy may be recommended for the following reasons:

  • Severe vaginal bleeding
  • Pelvic pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Cancer
  • Prolapsed uterus
  • Fibroids

Tips for a faster healing process

Generally, minimally-invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies are associated with an easier, shorter recovery period and less hospital time. Since the laparoscopic incisions are much smaller, less healing time is needed. Below are several tips to help improve the healing process following a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions. As with any procedure, it is important to follow your physician’s orders. This increases the likelihood of a smooth, healthy recovery period. For most patients, laparoscopic hysterectomies are outpatient procedures. You will be given post-care instructions before you are sent home.
  • Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. A healthy diet is always a good idea. During a hysterectomy, your body goes through many changes. Following the procedure, drink fluids and eat light meals. Drinking enough water and increasing your fiber promotes healthy digestion which will lessen the likelihood of constipation or issues going to the bathroom.
  • Take the medication as prescribed. The first couple of weeks after surgery are the hardest. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help ease your discomfort and the healing process. This will also allow you to resume normal activities and your regular routine. If any activities cause you pain, stop them immediately. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help avoid infections. Take the medication as directed.
  • Walk. Although resting and drinking fluids are crucial for recovery, walking is just as important. Take short walks daily. Do not overexert yourself, but slowly add more time to your walks as you feel up to it. Walking promotes healing and good circulation. It can also help prevent surgical complications such as blood clots or chest pain. Do not jog, perform strenuous activities, vacuum, or lift heavy objects until your doctor approves.
  • Avoid sexual activity. While you may feel well faster, avoid placing anything in your vagina for at least six weeks after surgery. This includes having sex and using tampons. Your body needs time to heal. Following a post-operative check with your doctor, you will be cleared for sexual activity.
  • Take showers rather than baths. During the first few weeks, showering is recommended over bathing. It is easier to avoid bumping, hurting yourself, or using your sore abdominal muscles by standing in the shower rather than lowering yourself into and out of a bathtub.

Recovering from surgery can take a few weeks until you really feel like yourself again. While discomfort and vaginal bleeding may occur for a couple of weeks, contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:

  • Fever
  • Signs of infection around the incisions
  • Trouble breathing, eating or going to the bathroom
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Nausea

Consider a Northwestern GYN for your feminine health needs. For additional tips for faster recovery from a laparoscopic hysterectomy, contact our Chicago office today for an appointment with our experienced team. Call 312-440-9400.

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

    VIA Google