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How much is too much?
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07-02-2005, 06:55 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 539
Hysterectomy: June 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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How much is too much?
I had my surgery a few days ago and am now being scolded for doing "too much."
That first night at the hospital I was approached and told to walk. I walked the full distance then did it again 40 minutes later. The following day, I used a wheel chair as a walker and took 8 ~ 10 minute walks. The nurses were pleasantly surprised and encouraged me each time.
BUT now that I'm home, I'm walking about the same amount and my DH tells me I'm over doing it.
I'm not in as much pain and haven't taken any medication at all today (day 4) and the walking doesn't seem to make things worse.
So how much is too much? And is it possible to cause harm even though you don't feel extreme pain?
Oh! And when can I expect a bowel movement? And will it hurt when it finally happens?
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07-02-2005, 07:01 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 9
Hysterectomy: June 21st, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
Dear CNCWILLBORN,
I do not think walking is harmful I am now nearly 2 weeks home from the palace and have been walking around my house when I feel up to it, I think your body pretty much tells you when it's enough, walking is good just don't run...... follow how your body feels.
Saddzzy
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07-02-2005, 07:44 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 361
Hysterectomy: December 14th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
I think it's different for everyone of us. Your body will tell you how much is to much for you. I didn't have much trouble. My first day out of the hospital I went shopping and visiting and had a blast. At one week post op I was scurbbing floors, doing laundry, pretty much back to everything I was doing before the surgery. I had to take breaks cause it would start burning bad but after the first week it was no longer a problem. I never had any trouble getting out of bed or up off the couch. Other people take months before they can be at that point. I was lucky, I didn't even get swelly belly. It never hurt that bad. Just a fraction as bad as I was expecting. This was my first and hopefully last major surgery.
For the first couple weeks BMs were VERY painful.
Good Luck!!!
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07-02-2005, 08:14 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 12
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
Hi!
I am 2 1/2 weeks post op. I am able to do pretty much everything I usually do. I do take pain pills here and there because my incision is tender and my left side tends to throb. My doctor stessed that rest is the key to a healthy recovery. So, I do what I am comfortable with and rest when I can.
Your bowels are the last thing to recover, I took stool softeners every other day and it really helped. It can be painful when you have a BM, but I found the softeners to be a big relief. I hope this helps some.
Happy recovery!!
Andrea
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07-02-2005, 08:55 PM
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Posts: 10,079
Hysterectomy: September 13th, 2004
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
(((Cassidy))) I just want to mention that you should be doing things to ensure that the BM will happen pretty soon. It took me 5 days to have one. You'll be more comfortable the sooner you do, then you won't have so much gas,which can be really painful.
Does your dr have you taking stool softeners? If not, you might want to have your dh get you some. They aren't a laxative, but just help keep everything soft so when you do have one it is easier on you. It's good to get a lot of fiber in your diet, like the high fiber cereals, fruit and vegetables. I tried all that and still ended up taking a dose of Milk of Magnesia to make that first one happen. I only had to use it once and I was fine.
If you find you are uncomfortable and having trouble you should call and ask your dr what he/she wants you to do.
As far as what is too much-listen to your body. It will let you know. You need to be up walking intermittently during the day, but only as much as you can do without over tiring or making yourself hurt. No one can decide what that is but you.
I hope you can find that balance that works for you. I think it is so sweet when the DH's are so concerned and caring.. You are blessed.
's, Rita
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07-02-2005, 09:22 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 66
Hysterectomy: February 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
When I was still in the hospital they encourage you to walk. I checked with my doctors before leaving and they said walking was very good, walk slow and no inclines. From the day I got home I would go for 10 minute walks starting at about 1 mph. Slowly working my way up. At 4 weeks I walked 40 minutes (2 - 3 times a day) at 2 mph. The doctor said small inclines was fine at 5 weeks but flat was better. At 6 weeks I was back to inclines but not too many. Check with your doctor to make sure and listen to your body, if you feel some pain stop, rest, put your feet up and maybe using a heating pad.
Take Care!
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07-02-2005, 09:40 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 95
Hysterectomy: June 7th, 2005
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
Hi Cassidy! It's so great that you are doing so well! My two cents is that you should listen to your body. Everyone is different and every surgery is different. If you feel pain, rest. If you don't, keep going in moderation. Your DH is just trying to do his job as sweet DH and protect you! Listen to your body and act accordingly.
As for the BM - I had one at three days post op about 6 hours after a dose of Milk of Magnesia. I had been drinking a LOT of water (still try to do that) and it wasn't bad at all. A little uncomfortable, but I wouldn't call it painful. It was a little tough to get it going, but once it started I let my bowels do the work (NO straining). It took a long time because there was so much, but after it was over I told my husband I thought I lost 5 pounds! It was great! I haven't had any problems since! Just drink a lot of water and keep fiber in your diet.
Hope this helps!!
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07-02-2005, 10:26 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 88
Hysterectomy: June 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
Hi Cassidy,
I will be 4 weeks post-op this coming Monday. I have been overly conscientious about eating bran cereal and lots of fruit. Drinking alot of water helps to keep everything flowing as well. I am usually a person who is not a "regular" girl yet since my SAH I am having more success in this area than before surgery. I also can't bare the idea of being uncomfortable and adding some other type of pain. Basically, I feel that I am doing quite well in all other areas.
Sounds like you are making great progress.
Amyr
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07-03-2005, 04:42 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 86
Hysterectomy: May 12th, 2005
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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How much is too much?
Cassidy
If you feel comfortable walking then you are not doing too much. They encoraged you to walk in the hospital because it helps in your recovery (exercise also helps the BMs). I walked constantly up and down the corridor in the hopsital, and was walking 5km a day by 9 days post op. And I'm no spring chicken.
I've had a very good speedy recovery which I'm sure is because of all the walking I do.
Make sure you also get lots of rest as well, and avoid anything that involves stretching and pulling with the body. No vacuuming!
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07-03-2005, 09:17 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 539
Hysterectomy: June 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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How much is too much?
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