title: Characteristics of posthospitalization recovery following hysterectomy.
abstract: A study to determine the characteristics of posthospitalization recovery after hysterectomy was designed and implemented. Explicit consideration was given to women's feelings of sexuality and the fears and myths which precede and follow the surgery. Retrospective and current self-report data on four major areas were obtained: a) physical changes, b) emotional changes, c) changes in sexuality, and d) fears or beliefs. The results identify some common posthysterectomy physical and emotional experiences. The data challenge the belief that hysterectomy is usually a blow to a woman's concept of self and indicate that most women do not harbor unrealistic fears of physical, emotional, and sexual sequelae. The study findings have implications for nursing care of hysterectomy patients.
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000523:psychology; D007989:Libido; D010351:Patient Discharge