Yet another question from one of the confused and scared!

My husband is in the Marine Corps, and away in Japan at this time. He will be coming home while I have my surgery, on July 7th, and for three weeks post op. I am worried that this will not be enough time for me to heal enough to be on my own.

From those that have had this done, how long did it take for you to feel yourself again? I realize that everyone is differant and that we all heal at our own pace. Should I keep someone lined up to help me for a little while longer?

Also, I may have to drive him back to the airport, which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive. Will I be up to that as well?

I thank each of you for the past responses that I have gotten! I have gotten much reassurance from all of you! It helps to hear the oppinions of those that have been through this, and who understand what it is I am going through.

I look forward to making this journey with all of you!

Hope

Wow! I'm glad your husband will get to come for a while! My son is in the Navy and he's in Japan too! I'm having a vaginal hysterectomy and I was planning to go back to work for light duty during my third week. I'm anxious to see the responses to your post because I don't know if I'm allowing myself enough time. Good Luck!!
Michelle

Hi Hope,

I'm glad that your husband will be with you during and after your surgery. I know that will be wonderful for you.

I had a TAH over two years ago. I didn't really feel 100% until about 8 weeks post-op, though I was able to function pretty well at 4 weeks. I went back to work at 5 1/2 weeks. (For a detailed account of my recovery and what I could do at each week, read my journal. The link is in my signature.)

Is there someone who can drop by and help you with the housework and heavy stuff, such as vacuuming, laundry, and groceries? You won't be able to do these things for about 6 weeks. (Even though you may feel up to it sooner, it's best to wait until you're recovered. You'll have hundreds of internal sutures which will need time to heal.)

Also, you may not be up to making that drive at three weeks. Most ladies are released to drive between two and four weeks, but even when you're released, sitting for that length of time can be very, very uncomfortable. Is there someone else who could take him back, or could he get a rental car and drop it off at the airport?

Best wishes and s,

Lisa

Michelle,

You should talk with your doctor about returning to work. Most won't allow you to after a TVH until at least 4 weeks post-op. Plan to take off the full 4 to 6 weeks, then if you feel up to going back sooner, you can. (Plan for the worst, hope for the best!)

Please don't rush your recovery. You only get one chance to heal properly and this is it. This recovery period is really such a short period of time out of your life, but what you do during this time can impact your health for years to come.

s,

Lisa