how long to recover (child mentioned)

Hello I was wondering about how long it takes to recover after a abdominal histerectomy. And how much weight you can pick up after surgery and when it is safe to lift 25 pounds.

Hi, I had a TAH/BSO and can tell you that the secret to recovery is to take your time and really listen to your body. I have read many posts from other sisters who pushed themselves too soon and wound back in surgery due to adhesions. I would recommend giving yourself the full six weeks and take a look at the checkpoints at the top of the page for a more accurate description. I don't believe you will be encouraged to lift anything other than your coffee cup for months to come. As you surf around the website you will hear sisters say "Take care of the princess" and "you only get to heal once so do it right". Please listen to those words of wisdom. Total recovery will take a while so it's good your are preparing yourself now. I am three weeks and feel great but I have to take it slow and I'm still sitting around most of the day. Anything else I can help you with feel free to pm me. Just remember you are worth taking the time to heal right...don't rush it!!!

Please do not pick up 25lbs. My doctor said 10 lbs, and reading other sites it says a gallon of milk it too much. I know you think you will be able to lift 25 lbs but you can not see inside your body. Please wait until you get the OK from your DR.

I'm at 5 weeks + & no way will I even attempt 25 lbs. I still can't even make a whole pitcher of tea because it's too painful to lift. Don't try to be a hero.

The initial recovery after a TAH/SAH is usually about 6 to 8 weeks, with lifting and straining restrictions for this whole period. You will have a lot of stitches internally and probably won't be able to lift very much for a few weeks.

My initial recovery after my TVH was about 6 weeks. I wasn't allowed to lift more than 5 pounds during that time. When I was released at 6 weeks by my doctor, I was told to slowly ease back into my usual routine to include lifting.

The most important thing is to follow your own doctor's instructions for your post-op care.

s, Deb

I agree with the ladies jesuslovesuandme. I am five weeks post op and like Tina says lifting a jug of tea can be enough. My doc said nothing over 10 pounds and it seems that is pretty standard. As far as how long I understand now that it will take awhile so don't get frustrated like I did. I expected to heal quicker than I am but had a setback with an infection at 2 weeks. My doc reminds me that I am not 21 anymore and it is a MAJOR surgery.
Keep well
Josie

The reason I asked about 25 lbs was I have an 11 month old son who is around 25 lb and isn't quite walking yet. I will be recieving help from family but the little guy loves me to hold him.

Talk to your dr about your child. It is difficult for mothers with little ones and lifting restrictions, but more than likely your dr is going to tell you that you need to have someone else helping out with your son. You only have one chance to heal right, and lifting too much can set back your recovery with complications and have you down for an extended period of time.

Do you have close friends, family, or church groups who can pitch in and help out for awhile?

Many best wishes to you for your surgery and recovery!

My grandaughter weighs 25 pounds and that is why I watched her for my daughter in April of this year for 5 weeks... She could not lift her!!!!!!! She did not evern want to try to lift her, and also the doctor said absolutley not to. Explain that to whoever is helping you... take it easy

	Quote:
Originally Posted by jesuslovesuanme The reason I asked about 25 lbs was I have an 11 month old son who is around 25 lb and isn't quite walking yet. I will be recieving help from family but the little guy loves me to hold him.

I figured that's why you were asking. I have a 14mo that weighs 20 pounds. Hubby took off for two weeks, but when he goes back, there are going to be times I *have* to lift him. I will just be careful how I lift him, be sure not to strain, and lift him slowly. We are military so we don't have that 'family help' luxury. I was given the same instructions when I had my c/s and lifted my babies round the second week, and did ok. Now this is just MY story..please no one lecture me

Not telling her to do it, just sharing my experiences. You've been given good advice, take any help you can get. Surgery for me was not even two weeks ago, and I'm feeling pretty good.