Why Nausea and Vomiting May Occur After Surgery
There are several reasons vomiting may occur following a hysterectomy:
Anesthesia
The anesthesia medications used during surgery can cause nausea and vomiting for 24-48 hours afterwards as the drugs work their way out of the body.
Pain Medication
Post-surgical pain killers like opioids can irritate the stomach and stimulate the vomiting reflex in some people.
Decreased Stomach Motility
After surgery, the stomach may have reduced motility meaning food and fluids aren't moving through as quickly. This can lead to nausea.
Blood Swallowing
Some minor bleeding during surgery or from incisions can cause blood to be swallowed into the stomach which can prompt vomiting.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids after surgery can cause dehydration, dizziness and nausea.
How Long Does Nausea Last After Hysterectomy?
For most women, nausea and vomiting after hysterectomy resolves within 24-48 hours as anesthesia wears off and the body adjusts. Ongoing severe nausea for more than 2 days post-surgery may indicate:
Infection
Signs of infection like fever, chills and foul-smelling vaginal discharge along with vomiting necessitate seeing a doctor promptly.
Bowel Obstruction
Inability to pass gas and prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping food or liquids down may indicate a bowel obstruction that requires medical treatment.
Reaction to Medication
If vomiting begins after starting a new medication, you may be reacting to the drug. Consult your doctor about stopping the medication.
Treatments to Soothe Nausea and Vomiting at Home
To help manage nausea and vomiting after a hysterectomy at home:
Stay Hydrated
Drink small sips of clear fluids like water, electrolyte drinks, or ginger ale to avoid dehydration and control nausea. Go slowly allowing your stomach to tolerate liquids.
Eat Bland Foods
Stick to bland, mild, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast or crackers. Avoid heavy, fatty, spicy or acidic foods.
Try Ginger
Ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies can help relieve nausea naturally. Ginger soothes the stomach.
Apply a Cold Compress
Place a cool, damp cloth on your forehead or back of your neck to find relief from nausea.
Distract Yourself
Shift focus by listening to music, watching television or doing light reading to take your mind off the nausea.
Rest and Relax
Get lots of rest to allow your body to heal. Tension and fatigue can make nausea worse.
Try Acupressure
Apply gentle pressure to the inner wrist or outer forearm using your thumb to stimulate acupressure points that relieve nausea.
Over-the-Counter Medications to Stop Vomiting
If home remedies don't provide enough relief, you can try over-the-counter medicines that prevent or control vomiting such as:
Dramamine
This motion sickness medication contains dimenhydrinate to settle the stomach. Avoid the less sedating formula if you want to sleep.
Emetrol
Containing phosphorated carbohydrate, this over-the-counter drug relieves nausea and vomiting.
Bonine
The antihistamine meclizine in Bonine prevents nausea signaling in the brain. It causes more drowsiness than Dramamine.
Pepto-Bismol
Pepto contains bismuth subsalicylate to coat and soothe the stomach while relieving indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
Getting Through the First 48 Hours After Surgery
The first couple days after a hysterectomy are usually the most difficult in terms of nausea and vomiting. Here are some tips for managing during this time:
Follow Surgeon Instructions
Closely adhere to your surgeon's directions on diet, activity, showering, medications and follow-up appointment. This supports healing.
Have Help Available
Make sure a caregiver or loved one is available to assist with getting medications, moving around, changing bandages and providing comfort measures.
Stay Ahead of Pain
Don't let post-surgical pain get out of control. Take medications on schedule to better control pain and prevent nausea.
Rest with Comfort Items
Get lots of rest propped up by pillows. Have items on hand like books, lip balm, lotion and throat lozenges to soothe discomfort.
Use a Vomiting Basin
Keep a basin, bucket or disposable bag near your bed in case you experience sudden vomiting.
Stick to Liquids
Until the worst nausea subsides, drink clear broths, electrolyte drinks, juices and popsicles to get fluids down easily.
When to See Your Doctor
Contact your surgeon if any of the following occur:
- Inability to keep liquids down for over 24 hours
- Prolonged or worsening nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Swollen, red or painful incisions
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks over 2 pads per hour
- Chest pain, leg pain or difficulty breathing
Seeking prompt medical treatment can identify and resolve potential complications requiring medication adjustments or additional care.
Tips for Preventing Vomiting After Surgery
There are some steps you can take prior to surgery to help prevent excessive nausea and vomiting during recovery:
Avoid Alcohol for 48 Hours Pre-Surgery
Drinking can interact with anesthesia, so avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery.
Stop Smoking 1 Month Before Surgery
Smoking severely irritates the airways and can worsen nausea. Quit at least 1 month prior.
Discuss Anesthesia Plan With Your Surgeon
Talk to your doctor about options like general vs spinal anesthesia or anti-nausea medications in your IV line.
Stay Hydrated Before Surgery
Drink extra clear fluids up until 2 hours before surgery to avoid dehydration.
Pack Comfort Items
Bring items to the hospital that calm and distract you like peppermint gum, a tablet, crossword puzzles or a cozy blanket.
What to Expect During Recovery
During the weeks after hysterectomy surgery:
Take Things Slowly
Gradually increase activity but avoid heavy lifting, driving or exercise for 4-6 weeks until healed. Prevent fatigue.
Control Discomfort
As pain decreases, wean off prescription medications to OTC pain relievers to reduce risks of vomiting.
Advance Diet Slowly
Slowly add in more variety to your diet but avoid hard-to-digest foods temporarily.
Expect Some Ups and Downs
Some good days and bad days are normal during a 6-8 week recovery. Nausea may come and go.
Call Your Doctor for Significant Issues
Report concerns like fever, bleeding, pain or lack of improvement at follow-up appointments.
When to Expect a Full Recovery
Nausea and vomiting should be resolved within a few weeks though full recovery takes about 6-8 weeks. Reasons to see a doctor include:
- Ongoing lack of appetite or nausea for more than 2 weeks
- Inability to keep down solid foods after 4 weeks
- Unexpected weight loss still occurring after 6 weeks
- Fatigue, dizziness or vomiting that persists over 2 months
Most women begin feeling much better around 1 month post-surgery. Discuss any lingering issues with your healthcare provider.
FAQs
Why do I feel nauseous after my hysterectomy?
Anesthesia, pain medications, dehydration, decreased stomach motility, and swallowing blood during surgery can all cause nausea and vomiting for 1-2 days afterwards.
When should nausea and vomiting improve after a hysterectomy?
For most women, nausea resolves within 24-48 hours after surgery. Call your doctor if vomiting continues past 2 days or prevents fluid intake.
What helps relieve nausea after hysterectomy?
Stay hydrated, eat bland foods, use ginger, apply a cold compress, distract yourself, get rest, and try acupressure. OTC medications like Dramamine can also help.
How can I prevent vomiting after hysterectomy surgery?
Avoid alcohol before surgery, stop smoking, discuss anesthesia plan with your doctor, stay hydrated, and bring comfort items to the hospital.
When will I feel fully recovered from my hysterectomy?
Expect a full recovery within 6-8 weeks. Call your doctor if nausea, fatigue, or appetite changes last longer than 2 weeks post-surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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