dVH/RALH 6 days post hysterectomy: Feeling sorry for myself - no real reason!

Hello everyone. First I want to say how awesome you all are for being here for everyone with all the love and encouragement! Thank you for sharing your stories because it really does help. Big HUGS to you (us) all for going through all of this--for being Hyster-Sisters! And to the women who began all this!

Today I am 6 days post-op with Davinci surgery. After reading so many stories I really have no reason for complaining at all. But I do need some thoughts....
All of my friends who have had this advised me to stay ahead of the pain. So I took my pain meds every 4 hours. I did very well. Now I am down to 1 left and my dr will not refill. (Guess she thinks I will abuse them...the funny thing is that I HATE meds. Lol) I'm sort of honkerblonked about that frankly! Geez!
So I'm still hurting and honkerblonked about that. I feel like she has totally turned her back on me as a patient--with nothing more than take ibuprofen and Motrin... Not how much to take, not much compassion at all (totally has me rethinking her as my doctor--but another story) Haha...

I'm totally feeling sorry for myself today. I don't do sick well and have a business I need to get back to... Yada yada... I just need some advise. Is it normal to still be hurting? I have been extra cautious about taking care of myself and taking it easy. I'm using heating pads and need an alternative to help take the edge off.
Everyone also told me it would be easier with Davinci ...and maybe it is... My last surgery was a C-Section 27 years ago, so I don't really remember then. But I guess I was unrealistic in what I could do after this surgery and how much pain I am still in. Is that normal?? Am I a wimp?
After all the stories and challenges I am reading here I hold you all to such esteem, feel like so many of you are dealing with so much more than I... I wish you all the best with your recoveries and pray and send you healing blessings!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
-healing hugs,
Jacquie

Hi Jacquie - Sorry that you are hurting. I had a lot of pain as well. I found that sitting in a reclined position with pillows under my knees and a heating pad on my belly helped a lot. Others have said frozen towels on the belly helped them.

I, too, have a business and got back to it much sooner than I should have. That may be why I'm having a difficult time recovering. Please take it easy and be gentle with yourself. Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.

At this stage you are very early in recovery. This is not a one size fits all type of recovery. Regardless of how the surgery was accomplished, organs were removed. Some sisters do still feel pain a few days out after surgery. You should be able to talk to your doc about it, but it doesn't sound like she is really being that helpful. Try talking to your doctor again to get a suggestion for the recommended amount of ibuprofen and if it does not seem to be helping, when you should call back. Maybe try ice to see if that is more helpful. Do you feel as if you might be doing too much activity? If you do maybe dial it back some and see if this helps. Do keep walking as much as you can comfortably as this will help with your other bodily functions.

It gets better day by day. Hang in there.

Sweetie, you are not a wimp! You are very early post op from major surgery and it will take some time before you feel better. Even though your surgery was minimally invasive, it will take weeks to recover. I had a TVH (no incisions) and I wasn't released to return to my desk job until 8 weeks post op... and only part time for the first 3 weeks.

I'm sorry your doctor isn't being empathetic to the pain and discomfort you're having. She may have an across-the-board policy of not refilling any narcotic medications. There may be several reasons for this: narcotics contribute to constipation and getting those bowels moving regularly is key to recovery, some patients over-do their activities if on strong medication, and some patients become dependent on narcotics quickly.

Pain Medication Refills

Alternating Tylenol and Advil can be effective for many, perhaps call your pharmacist or PCP and ask for advice on timing and dosage. Keep notes so you don't get confused about when to take what.

I spent most of my first week post op in bed sleeping. I couldn't sit for more than 5 minutes and ate my dinner standing up at the counter. By week 3 I was able to cook simple meals, although I was caught crying in my kitchen once because the pots were too heavy for me to lift without pain and bending to get veggies from the crisper hurt too. Each week got a bit better.

You may wish to join in on your Recovery Thread. This is a wonderful place to share your progress, ask some questions, and recover along with women who had surgery the same week as you. Here is the link:

June 6-12 Recovery Thread

It sounds like you're doing a great job taking care of yourself. Personally, my heating pad was my best friend and constant companion post op!

Sweetie, it does get better!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by CollageArtist62 I'm totally feeling sorry for myself today. I don't do sick well and have a business I need to get back to... Yada yada... I just need some advise. Is it normal to still be hurting? I have been extra cautious about taking care of myself and taking it easy. I'm using heating pads and need an alternative to help take the edge off. Everyone also told me it would be easier with Davinci ...and maybe it is... My last surgery was a C-Section 27 years ago, so I don't really remember then. But I guess I was unrealistic in what I could do after this surgery and how much pain I am still in. Is that normal?? Am I a wimp?

Jacquie! First hugs, you sound like you could use them and I'm a hugger. You (and all of us here) have had major surgery: Under anesthesia, lots of internal incisons, organs moved out of the way to get to the troublemakers, total brainfog, etc. etc.

Is it normal to be hurting? Absolutely! All those incisions have to heal. Healing comes in stages rather than a straight line - scar tissue dissolves as it's replaced by stronger tissue, and whenever that happens, we'll feel twinges and zaps. It takes 6-8 weeks for docs to clear us, but what that means is that the surgery books are closed - it does not mean we're 100%. That usually takes 3-4 months minimum, 6 months or longer for most. And that's okay.

Are you a wimp? Absolutely not! See last paragraph . Probably the best link shared with me on what we all need to remember about surgery recovery is this one: Abdominal vs. Vaginal vs. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Recovery

Rest well, Sister! You're not alone.

Awww guys! I love reading your posts and advise! thank you so much!

CollageArtist, I totally feel you. I have a problem with my docs receptionist. lol! It does feel like people don't always understand what you're going through. I was booked off for less than 4 weeks and when I went back to ask for more time, I was met with ridicule and sarcasm.

Thank you for the link, Abdominal vs. Vaginal vs. Laparoscopic. This site is helping me so much.

Hugs