3wks post op - Does anyone else need otc pain meds to get through the day?

Hi Ladies,
I had a TVH (kept ovaries) on 4-22-09 and am trying to stay down, rest and heal properly. As long as I lay down I feel great, but when I am on my feet for a while I start to feel pressure in my vagina, (not in the abdominal area where I thought the pain would be). I'm not working, or shopping for long periods of time, I'm just walking around my house. I don't feel like I'm over doing it, compared to my pre hysterectomy activity level (I'm like the energizer bunny lol) but good grief I am still taking Tylenol and Ibuprofen in the afternoon to get through the day. Does anyone else have to do this? and how long should I expect to keep taking the pain reliever?

Apple1207,

I know for sure I was still taking motrin at the 4 week mark. Probably a little while longer. It was mainly in the evening, before bed.

Had LAVH (kept ovaries) and TVT Sept 07. Still took tylenol for several weeks post op as needed. I continued to spot for eight or nine weeks intermittently and then spotted again at about three months post op. Spotting always occurred after too much movement, especially going up and down stairs too often in one day. Be careful with motrin and other nsaids if you have a sensitive stomach. They can cause ulcers for some people. I think some doctors tend to downplay the healing process. Everyone is different so try to take it easy on yourself. I came back to my normal level of functioning in about three months.

Thanks so much for your comments. I need to adjust my concept of the recovery process. I really thought I would recover faster because I am active, thin and haven't had other health problems. So much for that! Thanks again and I hope everything in your life is going well.

I am 6 weeks post op (TAH ovary removed), and I still have to take a Tylenol or Advil every now and then. At three weeks, I was still having to use prescription pain meds at night while using OTC stuff during the day. I think you are doing great!

If you normally have stomach problems with Motrin or nsaids you can try taking OTC Zantac about 30 minute before breakfast and dinner...l and then take the meds after you eat. I've been doing this for three weeks and so far no stomach upsets and I have a normally very sensitive stomach.

I'm three weeks post op and I just cut my pain meds in half today.

Definitely took painkillers at three weeks post op. I think I took them for 4 weeks. My doc said to take one nsaid and one ibuprofen twice per day, as they each target different things. I swear the combo really worked for the pain and swelling. You're doing great! Good luck!

I am 3 wks and 1 day post op TAH/AP repair. Although I stopped the vicodin at 2 weeks, my DR gave me prescription motrin 800mg to take every 8 hrs as needed. But he wants me to take it atleast twice a day, which I do with breakfast, and then after dinner. He believes because the motrin helps w/ inflamation, it helps to prevent adhesions. I always took motrin daily prior to sx because of my back. Well my back isn't bothering me now, so after a couple months of healing maybe I won't need it at all. I do sometimes feel like I could use something more at night. Still uncomfortable too sleep in bed some nights. Now if it gets too bad I just move to the recliner, seems to help.