low energy level

Hi, everyone! Your site has really helped me through the first 3 weeks following my hysterectomy. I had my uterus only removed due to fibroids and ademiosis. I was (and I think I still am) anemic, although I have been taking multivitamins and iron. I am concerned because some days I have a lot of energy and other days I feel wasted. I returned to work part-time starting my second week with my doctor's approval, but I don't know if I am rushing it. I have a desk job and didn't think returning to work would affect me. Is this normal for me to have weak days and is so, when should I start feeling good again?

Thanks for your help. anne 1956

Hi Anne,
Firstly your post is probably best suited to the post op board - you may get more replies. I managed to find it though so here goes!

From what I have read 2 weeks seems a little soon to go back to work even part time at a desk job. I think there are still remnants of the anaesthetic making one feel a little 'spaced out'. My concentration span was zilch at that stage.

I have been feeling great - now 3 1/2 weeks post op. Yesterday morning I went for a long walk and had a long conversation with someone from work - I said that I was feeling fraudulent and that I really felt like going back to work, he said I should be 'certified' if I even considered the idea! Well, I was zonked for the rest of the day, just lounged around and watched TV.

I now believe that we do need the long recovery period. We can feel fine when not doing much but as soon as those activity levels increase watch out!

I agree with you, this site is fantastic. Hope your energy levels increase soon!


Diana

Hi Anne!
I returned to work part time after my tvh at 4 weeks....I was wore out at my desk job! It was not until week 7 that I started to feel somewhat normal as far as fatigue goes. Your body still has a lot of healing going on and it stands to reason that it is using energy in this process. Get lots of rest when you can, put your feet up or lay down during your breaks and don't overdo it when you get home. Give in to your body's need to take care of itself! If you think your fatigue is more than perhaps it should be, please call your doctor for more insights. s to you!

I have to agree with the other posts. Returning to work at 2 weeks even part time is just too early. I think we don't realize that sitting is an activity. It is not passive like lying down. We have dozens (perhaps hundreds) of internal stitches that are trying to heal. Sitting puts alot of pressure on them. Also, I think the fatigue really comes and goes perhaps until we reach the 6-8 week mark.
Is it possible to tell your doctor and employer that you feel you have rushed back to work to quickly and get some more time off?
We only have one chance to heal right. I would hate to see you fighting fatigue for a longer period of time than necessary.
Let us know how you are doing.