New pain 8 days post hysterectomy - did I do too much too soon???

Good morning all! I'm 8 days postop and frustrated! I had very little pain for the the first 6 days, only taking Tylenol as needed. I was feeling particularly good yesterday and did some light housework for 15-20 min(dusting, swifter sweeping - certainly not straining in any way) but by the evening I was feeling pressure and pain throughout entire pelvic floor. This morning pain is still there - shooting pain in rectum and vaginal area. To top it off I am getting pressure from hubby to go back to work next week. After just a bit of cleaning and this pain I am worried about going back to work next week and if my body is ready. My postop appt isn't until 6/23.

From the sounds of it, your body is telling you quite clearly that you did too much too soon. Sweeping in particular uses your abdominal muscles more than you think. At eight days, you really still need to be focusing on your body and on healing, not on housework. If you're feeling good, go for a walk. If you still feel good when you get back, go for a longer walk the next time.

Hubby needs to chill re: going back to work. From the sounds of it, your body isn't going to be ready - and right now, it's your body that counts.

I would agree you overdid it. Our bodies let us know with pain, pressure and swelling. You're only 8 days out from major surgery with multiple internal incisions which all need healing.

As for work, your doc needs to clear you. You don't mention the type of surgery you had, but unless you've had minimally invasive surgery, no complications and a textbook recovery, most women need 4 weeks before returning to work. In hindsight, I should have waited another week before returning.

Rest well and take it slow, Sister!

Was off pain meds at day 6 then pain came back yesterday at day 12. This was more of a shooting sharp pain which was new. Mine also feels like it's coming internally. I had my 2 week post op appt yesterday and doc said that it was normal. Agree with others to take it easy. I know how it is with housework but probably the priority is for you to heal properly so you can get back to normal activities sooner than later. Speedy recovery to you.

Me too. 2 weeks post op and did a bit of pottering and walking this morning. I'm paying for it this afternoon with sharp pains and dull ache. I feel fine in myself and that's the problem; just because I can't see the wounds it doesn't mean they're not there