When will the swelling go and trouble falling asleep, too

I am 5 weeks post op and went to the dr last week. She said my internal stitches are still there and I could lift up to 25 pounds. Of course the day after I start lifting, I was in a great deal of pain on my right side. Went back in for an ultrasound to find out i have a cyst on my right (and only) ovary! The pain has gone away thankfully. I am with some of you, I still do not feel like myself. I get really tired in the afternoon and just want to sleep, and by the end of the day my belly is sore and swollen. When is the swelling going to go away?? I have such a hard time falling asleep at night also, told my Dr and she basically said nothing! Any suggestions?

The swelling will subside over time...promise! You're likely at a point right now where you feel somewhat normal in the belly when you dress in the morning and sometime during the day, you start to expand and the regular clothes are just too tight. I suggest wearing elastic waist clothing for several months post-op for that very reason. You'll be less frustrated at day's end...and more comfy.

The sleeplessness....I have nothing for you. I just don't require as much sleep on a regular basis as I did pre-hyster. Don't know why, but sleep eludes me and I toss and turn many nights. Low dose of melatonin helps some people. You might give it a try.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

my doctor told me that the swelling is due to the blood vessels reconnecting and that later in the day, you've used your stomach and it just gets sore. i couldn't sleep. i would be up in the middle of the night cleaning, but my mind couldn't relax eventhough i was tired. i took my hubby's ambien, but my family doc wouldn't give me any, he put me on xanaz before bed which has helped. i've always had trouble sleeping, and after surgery it got a lot worse. hang in there, maybe ask for ambien or try tylenol p.m.

auch
LSH

Thanks for your suggestions. I have the same problem as Auch, I am so tired when I go to bed, but my mind is going and going and going! It is so frustrating. When I do wake up in the morning I don't feel well rested. I think I am going to call my family Dr., couldn't hurt.
It's funny that you (Ladybug78) mentioned that I sould wear elastic for several months after surgery..... I tried on a pair of jeans yesterday! What was I thinking?? It was actually quite humerous!! =) Good thing I have lots of comfy clothing! Thanks for your help. I has been a huge relief to get your feedback. Thank you so much! Have a great weekend.

lele

good thing i wear scubs to work. I've only done 1 client today and just had to loosen.m (I'm a nail tech) i know i shouldn't be working, but have to pay the bills. Single mom and self employed no insurance. Surgery was covered by the hospital thank GOD