Post hysterectomy - feeling worse day 12 & 13

Hi all..so happy for this group of amazing ladies!

I had a TLH on 12/23. Had my uterus and tubes removed; still have my ovaries.

I was feeling like recovery was going great until the past two days (days 12 & 13 post op). Suddenly I am lethargic and struggling to do anything physical. I was starting to gradually build my activities at what I thought was an acceptable level: grocery shopping, walking 30 minutes on the treadmill. Now I feel like I'm regressing in my recovery. Has anyone else experienced this setback?

Also, I have not stopped coughing or trying to hack out phlegm from the anesthesia yet. I've really struggled with that. I was under for 2.5 hours due to scar tissue complications. I don't have a fever or any other glaring issues.

Would love to hear from others to see if this is 'normal'. I'm not the best patient at sitting still so I'm anxious to get my energy back. I thought every day would get better so this is confusing.

Wishing you all the very best!!

Sheree

Yep,that was me...day 12 starting feeling not so great with pain management, increasing got worse over the next few days, ended up in the ER. They said I over did my activities and had irritated everything,even thou I truly felt like I was working within my limits.
I'm just over 3 weeks post op and still having a hard time finding the balance between what's too much and what's not...fine line.
My only advice is, listen to you're body,if its telling you to rest then rest. Ive taken to,if I feel up for whatever activity and think I can walk for 10 mins I will only walk for 5 no matter how I'm feeling.only do a fraction of what you think you can do.
Whoever said this surgery is slow and painful recovery sure wasn't kidding!

That is so helpful!! Thank you! I suspect I'm guilty of not knowing my limitations. I think 'laparoscopic' and equate that mentally to 'minimally invasive' but my body sure is a lot more tired than I anticipated. I super appreciate you taking the time to write a reply. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Magagrizz Yep,that was me...day 12 starting feeling not so great with pain management, increasing got worse over the next few days, ended up in the ER. They said I over did my activities and had irritated everything,even thou I truly felt like I was working within my limits. I'm just over 3 weeks post op and still having a hard time finding the balance between what's too much and what's not...fine line. My only advice is, listen to you're body,if its telling you to rest then rest. Ive taken to,if I feel up for whatever activity and think I can walk for 10 mins I will only walk for 5 no matter how I'm feeling.only do a fraction of what you think you can do. Whoever said this surgery is slow and painful recovery sure wasn't kidding!

The tiredness and exhausted feeling are common! It will come and go as you continue to heal. I remember feeling pretty ok for a little while, then all of a sudden, I would feel so tired I could barely lift my arms! Magagrizz gave some great advice...if you feel tired, then that means it's time to rest. Take things slow.
Good luck!

Thank you!!!

Good morning Sheree; perhaps I can help with the coughing. Your throat may be dry, from the dry air that's quite common this time of year, so keeping your throat moist by taking frequent sips of water should help. To help with loosening up the mucus, have some warm tea, or fill a sink with steaming hot water, and breathe in the warm, moist air for a few minutes. As well, as my experience shows, some people can have issues with dairy products stimulating excess mucus priduction, so try avoiding them for a few days, and see if that helps. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

Thank you so much Tiger_Eye!! That will be my game plan today. I appreciate your message!! Happy Friday!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiger_Eye Good morning Sheree; perhaps I can help with the coughing. Your throat may be dry, from the dry air that's quite common this time of year, so keeping your throat moist by taking frequent sips of water should help. To help with loosening up the mucus, have some warm tea, or fill a sink with steaming hot water, and breathe in the warm, moist air for a few minutes. As well, as my experience shows, some people can have issues with dairy products stimulating excess mucus priduction, so try avoiding them for a few days, and see if that helps. Best wishes for your continued recovery!