My Top 5 Hints for a Better Post Op Recovery

I had a TAH BSO with significant endometreosis removal on 12/7. Below are my top 5 things I learned from personal experience, as well as from reading other sisters posts:

1) Day 3 post op was the worst day - perhaps due to the anesthesia and morphine drip wearing off. I felt great day 1 and 2..then "bamm". Plan for no activity, no visitors, just complete rest that day.

2) I was able to stop the narcotic painkillers on day 4 post op and the foggy head and constipation started clearing right away. Ibuprofen and a nightly stool softener the first week was enough for me. I absolutely limited my physical activity as my doctor ordered and haven't suffered much pain or any complications at all thus far.

3) Swelly belly and gas...what a surprise. Loose clothes are your best friend. Laying down every afternoon for a few hours and massaging my belly with my hands helped me the most. Also, putting a pillow on my stomach and gently leaning over the back of a chair helped get the gas up (belching) instead of "down" if you know what I mean.

4) Don't even think about getting in a car the first week or two. I did on day 7 for a short 2 mile ride to a restaurant for my birthday...wish I had celebrated at home. If you must though, use a pillow and instruct your driver to go SLOW!

5) Keep in mind, "this too shall pass" and that your surgery was a good move for better long term health. A positive attitude will help in the tough times. Do what your doctor orders and keep reading other sisters stories....we're all in this together and can learn from one another.