Bending post-op?

I had my total abdominal hysterectomy on Monday, July 6th. The doctor left my ovaries. It was successful. I had a uterus of a 14 week pregnancy. One fibroid was 10 cm and the other was about 5 cm. I was riddled with fibroids. I came out of in a lot of pain. They got the pain under control in post-op. After there for an hour I went to my room. From what I gather, I am not the normal patient. I've been living in so much pain for so long that this is nothing. I no longer have the back pain and I can tell that my bladder is no longer backing up into my kidneys. I had no problem getting up for a short walk that evening after the surgery. Had a shower the next morning by myself. Went for several walks. Was off the morphine pump the next morning. Only need it once during the night. They put me on Tylenol #3. Pain was under control. Found it a bit sore at incision. It was pulling a bit on the staples. I got half the staples out Wednesday when I was released. I got the rest removed today - one week later. Have steri-strips that will fall off. I've been up walking. Up to 3 blocks now.
I am having the odd headache when I am up. Is that normal? I can do most anything. I can put on my sandals. Should I be bending over? It isn't hurting. I don't want to mess anything up. Doctor said I can't drive for 2 weeks. I understand why but I don't think it would be bad to drive around the town, if necessary. Is there anything I can be doing to help the healing process? I am a bit bored and just want to be able to not have to worry about everything I do. I know not to lift anything over 10 pounds. I just feel like I did before the surgery. A little tired but other than that I think I am doing really well. I know not to over do it. Is there anything else I can be doing to help my recovery? I am a cashier/clerk and will be back to work in 5 weeks and need to be able to stand on my feet for 7.5 hours with one half hour break in the middle. I know that I can increase the amount of walking. Anything else?
I really want to know about bending and getting down on the floor. When can I have a bath again?
Thanks.

Getting down on the floor - I have 2 cats. Want to know when I can get down and play with them again.

Twitterbug,

Take it slowly. If in doubt, the best thing to do is call your doctor or surgeon and ask if it is okay to bend (moderately or otherwise). Today I am having a rather well day...or so I thought. I walked a little bit (outside), and since I had to get toilet paper and milk, I asked the "girls" to drive me to Wal-mart. Even riding on the little motor scooter was a bit fun...UNTIL I got home and got out of the car and this exhaustion came over me. I feel no pain...incision feels quite well...but...my body is telling me to slow down.

All of that to say...I know it's tough not to be able to do the things we know and love...but please PLEASE...take your time and allow your body to heal fully...and PLEASE call the Dr. to find out what is okay to do post-surgery.

I wish you a continued rapid recovery and all the best!!!

I am doing a lot of walking. Up to 5 blocks now. I will try and take it easy. When I get home from the walks I sit or lie down for a while. I will take it slow. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by twitterbug I am doing a lot of walking. Up to 5 blocks now. I will try and take it easy. When I get home from the walks I sit or lie down for a while. I will take it slow. Thanks.

Thank you my fellow princess!! I tip my crown to you...I can not yet walk that far. But I'm getting stronger by the day now. Fatigue is my biggest enemy right now (possibly my biggest friend keeping me from doing too much!)

Have a great evening!