Is the US different from the UK?

I emailed a cousin in the US to say I am going shortly to have a TAH/BSO. I received one back saying it was a minor procedure and they know people who have been back to work in 1-2 weeks! I now feel a total wimp and I don't know anyone who recovered that quickly - 6 weeks would seem extremely good to me, however I was planning on 8-12 weeks!

Are they thinking of another procedure or does anyone know of someone who recovered that quickly?

Angelafromthenorth,
Evidentally your cousin has been talking to someone who didn't know what they were talking about.Yes everyone recovers differently,but the average dr. wants you to take it (VERY) easy for 6-8 weeks.Then you still have to be careful even after you return to your normal work routine.I have seen a few people post on here that say they were up and going in a little time and then later on regreted it You take ALL the time your dr. will allow you.And remember,no body knows your body like you do and it heals differently than everybody elses.Take care and good luck sister!!

Giraffelover

Hi angelofthenorth,

Well, I definitely wouldn't call a hysterectomy a "minor" procedure, and I don't think most women who have had one would call it that. I'll bet if your cousin had a hyst she would change her mind, too.

Most doctors here in the US will not allow their patients who have had abdominal hysts to go back to work for at least 6 to 8 weeks. I had a vaginal hyst and did not return until 5 1/2 weeks post-op, and even that was a little bit too soon for me.

Please don't worry about what anyone else has told you. You and your doctor are the only ones who will be able to decide when your body is ready for you to return to full-time work. This is major surgery and you need to allow yourself plenty of time to recuperate.

's

OK...stop right there angel!!! You are NOT a wimp!!!!

Here in the Uk, we are fortunate to get more time off than our friends in the US, mainly due I feel to things like insurance and who will pay when a person is not at work.

I've just passed my 10 week post op mark, and to be honest i feel like "......" well, you can guess. So i went back to the docs and she said "you've had the equivalent of two hysterectomies, with all the work they did to you....so i recommend you have 24 weeks off".

So i had it done in May and i'm going back to work in November.
Minor Procedure????? Has this person ever had any abdominal surgery?? This hyst and i'll gladly tell anyone, has been the hardest thing i've ever done, both physically and emotionally and i really can't get my breath over people who say it's not a "big deal"....
You're having an organ of the body removed. It's connected to all sorts of issues, like femininity, sexuality, self image, etc etc....
I wonder if men had to go into hospital and have their genitals removed, would people think that that is a minor procedure.

I say, your body will heal in it's own good time. Don't rush it, and certainly don't feel weak.
It's a brave decision to have one done, one which you have to live with forever, and it's not to be thought of as a "minor procedure" ever!!!!

Hope all goes well in surgery for you...i reckon i felt "normal" by about 8 weeks, but then regressed! So take it easy, no rushing, don't listen to anybody who tells you this is nothing and take your time.

Hugs
Blade

The margin of "recovery time" IS 6-8 weeks- however, it can take up to a year to fully recover. I went back to work TOO early- not because I had recovered, but because I didn't get paid for time off. It wasn't the easiest thing for me to do- but I do have a desk job and only work part time. Gradually, things improved for me (feeling better) and I feel great now! Even passed the 6 week mark with flying colors- inspite of me being a "bad" princess
Listen to your body. If you want to sleep, relax or pamper yourself, then do it. Just don't overdo. As the saying goes, a good is a BORED PRINCESS
Take Care


Lamb and Lion

Hiya ((((( AngelfromtheNorth))))))

I am in the UK and had the same operation as you. I was told 6-8 weeks was the *minimum initial* recovery period. This the time during which you really have to be very careful and only gradually increase your activities, but even then no lifting, except light things. No sex for 6 weeks. No driving for 6 weeks (and even then check with insurer, apparently some UK insurers still negate insurance policies for people who have this operation until their doctors have given them the ok to drive). I was told at least 6-8 weeks off work and because my job involves lifting I should try and take off three months to ensure complete and successful recovery with no damage.

I was told this is major surgery and I truly believe it is. I am now 2 1/2 weeks post op, and doing well, but each day presents little challenges and changes in the awakening and discomfort within the body. Don't be put off by that, it is just recovery from major surgery. My body feels like its had something dramatic happen, I know it has. But look forward to long term better health and feel very positive.

So don't feel as though you are being a wimp, don't downgrade the seriousness of the operation in your own mind by listening to someone who probably has completely misunderstood or is ill-informed. The operation is a biggie and needs you to appreciate it as so, and the people around you, so that you can give yourself the special care you need and they can too...and then you will be fine hun.

I wish you all the best....

Kathy

TAH/BSO 8th July 2003, adeno, polyps, enlarged womb, ovarian cyst etc

Hi,

I actually feel that the doctors in the UK have it together more than the doctors in the US. Many of our doctors, while excellent surgeons, don't have a clue as to what's involved with recovery. They tend to be too blaise about what restrictions we should have and when we should go back to work. I've seen doctors who have told their patients that they could go back to work in 2 weeks, could exercise a week after surgery, and could lift up to 50 lbs.! What are they thinking!!!! Bet if they'd ever had this surgery, they might have a better idea of what is and is not possible. (I wish there was some way that all doctors with hyst patients could come to this site and see what really goes on with after surgery. They might not be so quick to rush us through recovery.)

Anyway, I'll climb down off my soapbox now. Don't feel like a wimp at all. You have a good doctor who cares about your future health.

s,

Lisa

Yes, very as I can attest being a Brit, living here for 21 years. However the difference here is those who've had the op and those who haven't.

I had a good friend tell me 'you'll breeze through' and that her sister was hosting a dinner party at 1 week post op.

While I am feeling great considering at 3 and a half weeks post op I most emphatically would not describe my recovery experience as 'breezing through' .

I thought that gas pains were worse than birthing contractions and rendered me speechless; not easily done.

I have found that walking is very good and have been doing a lot of it; now taking my dog for walks too. I am very careful about not lifting even when this seems ridiculous and you think you could easily do it.

Best Wishes. Sue

Hi Angelofthenorth, It sounds nuts to me. I was told at least 6 wks for the minimal of healing. Have to be out that long from work. And have read that it's abt a full year to be fully healed. Even after my d & c, I didn't feel well for a month, but had an infection, the doc said. When is your date? I have abt a wk and a half and am getting a bit hyper. My date is 8/6. Right now am trying to decide whether to get my hair cut. My daughter doesn't want me to, but I fear I won't have much energy after to wash and take care of long hair. Hope this doesn't sound too trivial. Good luck! Klug

Hi there Angela

Just thought I would chime in. Australia is a bit different to USA, as in most ladies go into hospital the day before their hyst, just to make sure fasting and anything else needed pre op is taken care of. Also, the average stay in hosp here is 4-7 days post op. They won't let us out here until all is in working order. I came home on the 5th day post op.

I was out of work 8 weeks initially and then the dr gave me an additional 2 weeks, so a total of 10 weeks out. There is no way I could have returned to work prior to this, and believe me I am not a whimp. I could afford to have the extra time off and I was so pleased that I did, as I returned to work and was able to do full days.

Hugs and regards