I was not well informed - cleared to return to work and normal routine 5 days after hysterectomy

10 days post-op and I'm feeling very upset and frustrated. I feel like I was not very well informed or prepared for this. Prior to my surgery I had 3 laparoscopy's over the last 7 years to clear out cysts, scar tissue and endometriosis. Each time was hard but I bounced back quickly. My doctor made it seem like this was nothing different and that I would bounce back just as I did in the past. He gave me clearance to go back to work 5 days post-op and said I had to take it easy but could pretty much resume my normal routine after a few days.
Turns out that he was very WRONG! I overdid it and now I'm paying the price. Today I tried to go to the grocery store and started bleeding and got lightheaded. Fortunately my mom lives very close and she's an RN so she met me there and we called the doctor. He made me feel like an *** because apparently bleeding and being light headed is normal and I shouldn't have been grocery shopping I should have been resting. Well then why didn't he tell me that!?! He told me I would be fine to do these things and then turns around and tells me I shouldn't be doing them? I'm not running a marathon or anything, I'm just going to the store...
I'm just feeling really depressed and frustrated. I know it's early but I just want/need to get back to normal life.

Laurenns, I'm so sorry you have an idiot for a doctor. Unfortunately, this isn't a "bounce back" recovery, and you *are* going to find it frustrating if you try to make it one. You've had major surgery, so be kind to yourself and your body by accepting that it will take time for your body to heal.

As for the grocery shopping, maybe the store delivers? I tried going to the supermarket for some yogurt at 15 days and was fine, but I was careful to keep the load under 10 lbs.

Yes, I agree with Surprised. Recovery has to be thought of in terms of weeks rather than days and full healing takes a few more months. Right now, taking it easy is the recipe for healing.

A few links for you since you didn't have much guidance:

• The Recovery Videos on the Recovery Splash page - take a look at Weeks 1-2.
• Hysterectomy Restrictions, and
• Too Much Too Soon - an explanation of the healing going on

Also, check out your personalizedHysterectomy Checkpoints - I liked the HS mobile app for this because I got something to read everyday. It's free, visit your app store.

Rest well - you have one good chance to heal.

Thank you SO much! These articles and the video is great!

The links were very helpful!

Cussette rocks. This site has so much information, and the sisters are so helpful and supportive. Laurenns.. your Dr is def missing something if he gives anyone who had a hysterectomy a 'green light' after 5 days. Wonder how he would have felt having his innards removed and rearranged. Hmmmm..