LAVH 12 days post hysterectomy: Doing too much??

Hi ladies. This site has been so helpful. My question is, how do I know if I am doing too much versus something being wrong.
I spent the last few days at the beach and did quite a bit of walking (way more than I've done since my surgery). I also lifted heavy bags and a full cooler to load the car up.
Today I am in a lot of pain - close to the level I had immediately following surgery. Also, I started bleeding again, which I have not done since a week after surgery.
Should I call my doctor or wait it out? Is it ok to ask for more pain medicine, just in case there are other days like this?
Sorry for the lengthy post, but I am really worried about the way I am feeling right now.
Thanks!!!

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Originally Posted by Jillmal Today I am in a lot of pain - close to the level I had immediately following surgery. Also, I started bleeding again, which I have not done since a week after surgery. Should I call my doctor or wait it out? Is it ok to ask for more pain medicine, just in case there are other days like this? Sorry for the lengthy post, but I am really worried about the way I am feeling right now. Thanks!!!

First of all, it's a pleasure to meet you. Judging by what you shared with regards to pain and bleeding, in my opinion that is your bodies way of telling you to slow down. Were you given a list of restrictions when you were discharged? I couldn't list anything more than a gallon of milk, no driving, baths or intercourse for 6 weeks... things like this?

You could call your doctor to give yourself piece of mind or are you due for a post op check up soon? I had one at 6 weeks. Keep us posted and I am sure that other sisters will add to your thread.

Aloha Jillmal,

I would say call your doctor and explain exactly what you posted. Dr. might want you to go in and make sure your didn't hurt your vaginal cuff by over doing it.

Take care of yourself.

Blessings,
Lawai Lady

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Originally Posted by Jillmal Hi ladies. This site has been so helpful. My question is, how do I know if I am doing too much versus something being wrong. I spent the last few days at the beach and did quite a bit of walking (way more than I've done since my surgery). I also lifted heavy bags and a full cooler to load the car up. Today I am in a lot of pain - close to the level I had immediately following surgery. Also, I started bleeding again, which I have not done since a week after surgery...

It sounds as if you've already answered your own question. You did more walking than you've done since surgery, you lifted things that were over 10 lbs and today you have lots of pain and some bleeding.

Your body is definitely telling you that you did too much. I'd politely suggest that you don't need more pain pills. You need to rest.

Walking is great exercise, but you need to *gradually* build up your speed and distance.

The 10-lb lift limit is for real. If there is no way to undertake a given activity that doesn't involve you lifting more than 10 lbs, don't do that activity. The beach is still going to be there a few weeks from now when you can lift heavy things more comfortably.

Thanks ladies. I guess I already knew my answer, just wanted some reassurance.

I figured since I was so close to the 6 week mark, I would be ok. Guess not My poor children have been dying to do something fun!!!

I will definitely take it easy the next couple of days.

Thanks again!!

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Originally Posted by Jillmal ...I figured since I was so close to the 6 week mark...

Jillmal, your subject line says that you're 12 days post-op. Was this a typo? Because 6 weeks would be 42 days rather than 12.

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Originally Posted by SurprisedInNB Jillmal, your subject line says that you're 12 days post-op. Was this a typo? Because 6 weeks would be 42 days rather than 12.

Uhm....definitely a typo!! I had my surgery on June 17, so yesterday was my 6 week mark. My post-op check up isn't for another 2 weeks.

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Originally Posted by Jillmal Uhm....definitely a typo!! I had my surgery on June 17, so yesterday was my 6 week mark. My post-op check up isn't for another 2 weeks.

That changes things just a bit. :-)

If you're at 6 weeks rather than at less than 2, I would think that the problems you encountered have less to do with "doing too much" and more to do with "doing too much *all at once*."

If you haven't been doing much at all until now, you need to *ease* back in to doing things like walking longer distances.

I had my lift limit raised to 30 lbs at four weeks and lifted entirely at six weeks, but my doc advised me to start off slowly and cautiously.