How long will it take to feel normal again?

Had a 5 week check up last week. Like many of us, I cannot get a break from swelly belly. Very painful and tender, especially in the early evenings into the night. I have tried a few short outings, but after 2 to 3 hours I am in a lot of pain and cannot wait to get back home. The following day is spent recuperating from the outing. I have found limited relief with using ice packs several times a day, along with 600 mg ibuprofin and extra strength tylenal (my surgeon would not give my any more pain pills after 2 weeks). Doctor did reiterate that I still have the same restrictions for 12 weeks. Along with the hysterectomy for a prolapsed uterus, I had a TVT sling (kind-of worried about the mesh), vaginal lift and support, and repair of scar tissue from childbirth. Sleeping is not going well. I am still on the couch as I get up a lot during the night. Have always been a side sleeper, but haven't had much success with that yet.

Today I thought I was feeling a bit better so did some light chores around the house. I sure am paying for that tonight. I just thought that I would be feeling more "normal" by now. Most of the people I know think that I should be back to normal as it has been more than 6 weeks. I was a little discouraged as I thought friends and family would come and help out a bit. I am terrible at asking for help and it is now too late for that.

The thing that still surprises me is how difficult it is to go for for walks. After a relatively short distance, I have shooting pains and trouble getting back. Needless to say, I really underestimated my recovery time. I return to the doctor at 9 weeks. At 8 weeks I will be going back to work part time with some limits, very concerned about this.

You all have helped me so much in the past few weeks. Knowing that what I am feeling with the emotional and physical ups and downs is common. I had posted earlier about my grandma passing away 5 days post op, difficult times. My 21 and 24 year old are preparing to leave the nest again. Both will need help in furnishing their apartments, rent, tuition... Life keeps going with its challenges even when we temporarily slow down. It's encouraging to hear about all of your successes. I guess we have come a long way from where we were the first 2 weeks. Thanks for letting me ramble on and on.

(((Hugs)))

Sorry you are having some pain still. It sounds like you had a lot of work done on the inside so it is going to take time to heal. As you know, we all heal at different rates and our pain thresholds are different.

I am 8 weeks post-op and still have some days that I get twinges if I over do things and get the swelling tummy....not as bad as the first 3-4 weeks but still get it. They say it can take up to a full year to heal 100%. Just listen to your body. The days I do too much I rest the next day or two. There will be good days where you feel good and have good energy and others where you feel achey and completely wiped out.

If your pain is really bad, have a fever, or any bleeding, then put a call in to your doctor.

I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you Elizabeth Ann. I keep trying to compare my healing to others and then get discouraged. Thanks for your insight. Best wishes to you as well for continued healing.