still sore 3 weeks post hysterectomy - is this normal?

Hi Hyster Sisters,
Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my surgery- and I am still achy and sore.
I had a laproscopic hysterectomy on 11/15, with my uterus, Fallopian tubes and top of cervix removed through belly. I was trying to leave my cervix - but the top part had to be removed as it was adhered to my uterus (also my bladder). Had difficulty peeing after surgery and ended up in the ER 5 days later with a bladder infection. They did a CT scan at that time and found a Seroma(s)? I was told this was not uncommon, and should resolve on its own...
I am able to get around fine - and have resumed most of my normal activities except for driving and heavy lifting (and going back to work). I still have to take pain meds (3-4 and half at a time ) throughout the day and can definitely feel it if I do too much. I do a little - and then have to lay down with my heating pad.
My follow up appointment is today. I will ask my doctor about this - but thought I would check in to see if it is "normal" to still have some pain and discomfort 3 weeks post-op...
Thank you!!

Karen

It is absolutely normal. I still have some soreness and even the occasional pain when I overdo and I'm 7 months out from my TAH.

Definitely in the range of normal. At 3 weeks you're still fairly early in recovery. When you have pains from doing something, it's your body's way of telling you to pull back. Doctors release us between 4-8 weeks because they have no further follow up, but healing continues for 4-6 months, maybe longer. That's why we're told to resume activities gradually. A good guideline on what still might be pushing it at your stage is here at Hysterectomy Restrictions.

I actually don't think it's normal to be reaching for prescription pain meds 3 weeks post op. I also don't think you SHOULD be back to your normal activities (pushing, pulling, vacuuming, sweeping are still nos) with the exception of lifting and driving.

I think you need to re-evaluate if you are resting enough, as well as put a phone call into your doctor to let him know you are still reaching for prescription pain meds.

Hi - I saw my doctor this afternoon for follow up appointment. He said that I am healing well - but that there was more involved with removal of my uterus as it had adhered to my bladder, top of cervix and rectum. I developed something called a internal seroma which seems to have gotten smaller and should resolve on its own ... My pathology report confirmed the adenomyosis - and that my uterus was 2 x's size of normal uterus.
He said that I should rest more this week ...ans did not seem concerned that I still need some help with pain. He refilled my prescriptions for another week I am also taking 800 mg ibuprofen - and 1/2 a Percocet 2-3 times per day.
I will rest more this week and hope that my pain (more of a soreness / discomfort - like I'm bruised on the inside) will get better soon. I am scheduled to return to seem at 4 weeks - which will be next Tuesday
Thank you so much for your responses !!