Post Op Pain/HRT/Constipation

I had my abdominal hysterectomy last Friday, came home Monday. The doctor gave me an HRT patch to start today but I have had no signs of menopause yet so I don't know if I should start it or not. Any suggestions?

I am having a lot of post op pain so am taking Tylenol 3 which of course constipates me. Any solutions? I really thought I would be able to handle the pain better but it seems like forever already and it's only been 4 days!!! Reading some of the posts - it looks like I may have a long way to go. It's a bit depressing (or maybe that's menopause talking - I don't know). Everyone keeps telling me that I will be so glad I had this done but I don't know - if I had to do it over.....

Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated.

It gets better. Really it does. It just feels like it's taking a long time.

What I found to help me...

Pain meds! Yes - they do cause constipation - but here is what my dr suggested that I do to help with constipation: Senokot S, 8 or more glasses of water/day, 1 small can of prune juice (or if you don't like prune juice - pineapple or apple juice), Benefiber, fresh fruits and veggies. Oh yes - and walk as much as possible. Walking really does help get everything moving. If you have gas pain Gas-X helps relieve that pain.

As for the HRT - did you have your ovaries removed? If not - then as soon as they "wake up" after surgery - you won't be going through menopause (unless you were going through menopause before surgery).

If you're not sure about whether or not you want to use HRT - there is a great section on here to look at all of the options (called the Hormone Jungle).

Please rest, walk, drink water, rest, walk, drink water. Find your favorite book or comedy movie to enjoy. Pamper yourself. You are with a lot of others who know what you are going through.

Noni

Yes, my ovaries were removed. I keep expecting some "symptoms" but nothing yet. Thanks for the advice. I feel a bit better this morning.

Hi, its only been 4 days and yes you will feel better. I still take my motrin when I overdo things so don't feel like you have to be off the pain meds just cuz you're home. I wasn't given any hrt my dr feels some people need them some don't. I have had very mild symtoms, light hot flashes I think, so I plan on staying off for now and have looked into the natural options too. I was given colace for the constipation and took it twice a day but I also take metamucil for fiber a couple of capsules a day with lots of water and walking. I have had no problems even with the pain meds hth...