TAH 5 days post-hysterectomy: When does the pain get better?

I am currently 5 days post-op from a TAH/kept both ovaries. I was released from hospital after 29 hours. During surgery the bottoms of both lungs collapsed but I have been doing my breathing exercises and am no longer having pain when taking deep breaths. I go on Monday (6 days post-op) to have my staples removed and to x-ray my lungs to see if they have inflated on their own. I was foolish and on 3 and 4 days post-op I went to the store with my family. On the third day I briefly walked around the grocery store and yesterday my husband pushed me in a wheelchair but I attempted to wean off my pain meds and only took one tablet. Today I am in pain as if it were my first day post-op. I have 3 staples that are loose, but only had 3 small drops of blood on my bandage. Incision looks great, no oozing or bleeding, not swollen or red. I'm now taking my meds like I should and am resting when I feel tired. My questions are: 1. How many days post-op until the pain is only a mild discomfort? 2. Is it possible that I set my recovery back because of my foolish behavior? 3. Is it normal to have more pain later in the evenings and legs/feet be swollen?

I was on my Percocet and Phenergan for the first week to week and half. I felt good one day and carried two small grocery bags in. The next day, I couldn't do anything. The doctor just reinforced that even if I felt good, "DO NOT LIFT ANYTHING." I didn't again. Just take things slow, use your incentive spirometer, and breathing exercises.

SMT88 - I think you are overdoing things. I'm in the UK and was in hospital for 4 days after my surgery - no complications, that just seems the average stay over here. I certainly couldn't have walked round a store at that stage, and you had lung complications as well.

I was told to keep taking my pain meds (paracetamol) as they help reduce internal inflammation, and I took them for 3 weeks post-op.

I had no leg/feet swellings, but if I overdid things my belly got swollen and hard.

Please do NOT lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee, and don't push or pull anything. Short gentle walks are fine but the only way to get over this op is to rest.
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I'm pretty sure I overdid it. Yesterday and today I feel exhausted and like someone took a bat to me. My legs, feet, and stomach are so swollen and my belly is hard as a brick. I lost 2 more staples and my incision has a burning/pulling sensation. Definitely taking it easy today. Only walks to the bathroom or kitchen and back to bed. Thanks, ladies.