Hysterectomy Recovery Tips – How To Help With Your Emotional Recovery

Post by Kayley Toyer.  A hysterectomy at any age is a major life-changing event. It can leave you feeling lost, alone and if you’re a few years away from a natural menopause then it can leave you with a gnawing sense that you may have made the wrong decision. These feelings might be present immediately afterwards or come on over the following weeks and months.

The good news is that it’s perfectly natural and normal to feel some mixed emotions. It is a big operation and although we focus a great deal on the physical recovery, we can at times neglect the emotional one.

You may feel relieved, a little sad or even completely numb in the days and weeks that follow and it’s completely normal and ok to feel whatever you need to feel.

You may feel that you can’t talk to anyone about it, that you need to continue marching onwards or that you would be letting people down if you have an off day.

No-one will be judging you for not being 100% following your hysterectomy.  Your network around you will just want to support you and help you through what can be a challenging and confusing time.

Want To Feel More Like Yourself?

So, are there steps that you can take to feel more like you? The good news is that even 5 minutes of self-care can help you remember who you were before the operation and go a long way towards your emotional healing.

Self-care is a word that’s thrown about a lot these days. We may feel that it isn’t self-care in its truest sense unless we’re at an exclusive spa or we’ve bought that expensive candle. Yet, at its essence, self-care is simply taking a little time to do something for you.

So how can we take a little time for ourselves following such a huge upheaval?

Exercise

Obviously, we can’t start a vigorous exercise routine until the healing process is finished.  However once you feel up to it then a gentle walk is a great way to clear your head and get some endorphins flowing.

Once your doctor has given you the go-ahead then try easing into an exercise routine with some light weights.

Reading

The chances are that in the first few weeks following your hysterectomy you will have a lot of time for relaxation. Maybe you haven’t read in a while and this is the perfect opportunity to get back into it. Or you could be an avid reader itching to work your way through your to be read pile.

Either way it’s a great way to escape from any negative emotions you may be feeling or simply as a nice way to relax.

A Pamper Session

You may not feel up to leaving the house right away.  There’s no reason though to not take a little time for yourself. Rope in a partner, child or friend for help if needed.  And you’ll find that the post op blues can be easily lifted with a face-mask or pedicure.

If you’re feeling up to it then a good hairdresser will be able to make you feel at ease and not place too much strain on your upper body.

A Good Cup Of Tea

It’s a cliché for sure but a cup of tea and a chat with a friend can do the world of good. All too often we place immense pressure on ourselves to be fine for everyone else around us.

Being able to share some of the emotional load with a trusted friend or partner, after your hysterectomy, can show that you’re not alone in this and you have support from those around you.

Journaling

Sometimes the idea of saying what’s in our head to someone else can seem overwhelming. Many people find it easier to write it down, clear it out and process their thoughts.

You can let someone read it or keep it to yourself. Either way it’s freeing up vital space for more positive thoughts to flow.

Your healing is your own unique journey.  Although we know the obvious signs that something isn’t right, it can be confusing to feel such a range of emotions. Allow yourself as long as you need to process your thoughts and feelings about your new life. These things can take time.  There’s no shame in taking a little longer than you thought you would to get back to normal.

If you are desperately struggling, then there are many organisations that can help.  Your GP will be able to assess whether further help is needed and signpost you to the correct services.