Greetings from China

Hi,
My name is Karla, I'm 47.
I had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy 5 May 2012. Surgery was great, one night in hospital and then home.
I'm still feeling sore and tired. My doctor says I should be feeling great by now but am not.
Went back to work yesterday but finished today teaching my first graders lying in some cushions.
What to do? Is this the norm? Feeling low...

I love how Drs think that 2 weeks after organ removal we should be feeling great. Regardless of surgery technique, it is the same internally, with removal of an organ. The initial recovery is 6-8 weeks. I am not surprised you finished your day laying on some cusions. This site had some great post-op guidelines. You really are still early in the recovery process. Take it easy as much as possible, rest, and don't expect too much from yourself.

I think your Dr is very optimistIc. You might feel pretty good resting at home but it's a bit early to feel good while back at work. If you have to stay working, rest as soon as you get home, and if possible, on your lunch break. (I know lunch isn't always a rest time). I hope you feel better soon.

Karla,

Thanks for writing, I'm two weeks ahead of you and still at home. Also had a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I'm just shaking my head, I'm so sorry you are going through this. Please call your doctor and discuss your personal situation. I can't imagine being back at work after two weeks and I don't work with small active children. That is a lot.

Are you part of one of the recovery groups on the site? Talking with those who went through surgery during the same time is helpful too.

There are a few Hyster Sisters in our group who have posted that have recovered just like the literature says -- off pain meds in a few days, back to work in two weeks feeling well. But it appears based on posting only most of us are still in recovery.

A lot of us were mystified around week two why we were taking so long to recover in our discussion group. It's very confusing. But the support and wisdom of those who have been there is to take recovery seriously and that about six weeks is the most critical healing time. Many Sisters are as a matter of course given four-six to eight weeks to rest and heal.

Be your own best advocate and friend right now. Sometimes it's a lonely role as there is a lot of pressure from some to get well faster, but you definitely have those of us on the site to help support you.

i agree with the other ladies, my surgery was may 1st and im not scheduled to go back to work until mid june...i work with individuals who have been dual-diagnosed with intellectual disabilities as well as mental health disorders and i didnt feel it would be fair to go back until i could fully give my attention to them....talk to your doctor maybe another week or two of rest would be best....love and hugs

My surgery was April 4 and I'm still sore and very tired. Sometimes I think doctors are unrealistic.It seems if they have a few patients that heal fast they think we all should. I went for my 6 week checkup and doc did an internal and told me I am not even close to being healed, restricted me 2 more weeks. She's amazing with the recovery restrictions. Very realistic!
:cathugs:

Hello. I agree with the other ladies. I had my total hysterectomy done via DaVinci on April 9. Only now have I started to feel more energized. I still get tired though. Be good to yourself and rest often. Best wishes!