Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I am Dr Madhuri a consultant gynecologist and will be helping you with the query.

I would like to know how the surgery was done, was it an open abdominal procedure, a laparoscopy or a vaginal hysterectomy?. Also it will help to know the indication for the surgery.

Having said this I will provide some general post surgical advice that is important in every case. Since the surgery was a radical one and involved a rectal repair it is advisable to use a soft diet that is good in fibre so that the bowel movements are smooth and there is no undue pressure at the rectal repair area. It takes about 7 days for the stitches to heal and we advice a soft diet for about a month so that the wound gains sufficient strength and there are no future issues.

Regarding ambulation, early ambulation is important and I am happy to hear that you are fairly active. The only issue that I would ask you to be a bit careful about is raising the intra abdominal pressure. This means avoid straining your abdominal muscles so any exercises in the form of abdominal crunches or lifting heavy weights, straining for stools or urine or excessive bending are to be avoided for 6-8 weeks. If the abdominal pressure is raised it puts a pressure in the pelvic ligaments and weakens them. Immediately after surgery the ligaments are already strained as they are healing and so not in a position to bear excess weight. So just avoid this for a few days.

Driving can be resumed once you feel comfortable enough but still we advise to refrain it for at least 6 weeks. The same is the case with swimming. So generally a limited activity with avoiding to liftr heavy weight is advised for 6-8 weeks after which you can gradually resume your normal work. Also sexual activity is advised to be refrained till a similar period to allow optimal wound healing and avoid any infection that may inadvertently occur.

About the redness and soreness:

This is not normal as the redness mostly disappears by maximum 10-12 days. The soreness is subjective and may remain in some women for weeks. However if there is redness, please check to see if there is any discharge from the wound or if it fulctuates to touch. The redness indicates and infection. Can you send me a sanp of the wound if possible so that I may be able to assess?

If the redness or soreness is there then you may need to see your doctor for it. Drugs like acetaminophen help decrease the pain. Try to keep the wound as dry as possible to help quicker healing. [ again it will help to know the type of hysterectomy to provide better advise].

Your diet must also include green vegetables and fruits at least 3-4 servings a day and if possible vitamin C tablets [ may use citrus fruits like oranges, lemon, lemon juice etc if tablets not desired] and an egg white daily for the proteins.

With this you should do fine.

Hope this satisfies your query.
Thanks for using HCM.     
Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have.
Dr Madhuri Bagde
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist

---