LAVH Hysterectomy Recovery Expectations - 'you look great' comments

I had my hysterectomy 12/30 and had very low bp from the pre surgery enema wiped me out. I'm not doing too bad but I'm still doing the anti inflammatory meds and some pain meds. I'm worried about pushing myself too much in the next few weeks because already I'm getting the 'you look great' comments. How do you convey your need for help without people thinking you are just being dramatic?

Please take it easy
I felt great the first week
2nd week, started bleeding
On bed rest now
Internal healing takes longer than the outer incisions.

Thank you I really needed to hear that.

Jenny is spot on that all those internal incisions (blood vessels, ligaments, nerves) need healing as well as where our organs were removed. That's why our doctors give us restrictions, we can't drive right away, and we're patients for 4-8 weeks until we're released. (Full healing takes several months more.)

A few links for you: Too Much Too Soon, Hysterectomy Restrictions and the Recovery Splash Page with the 3 Recovery Videos.

I got help at the grocery store by telling the cashier "I had surgery and am still under restrictions. May I get some help?" and I'd do the same at work. No big explanation is needed beyond that for most situations.

Thank you. Today has been emotional. So getting a response is appreciated.

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Originally Posted by Laurachronister I had my hysterectomy 12/30 and had very low bp from the pre surgery enema wiped me out. I'm not doing too bad but I'm still doing the anti inflammatory meds and some pain meds. I'm worried about pushing myself too much in the next few weeks because already I'm getting the 'you look great' comments. How do you convey your need for help without people thinking you are just being dramatic?

Its a good and very worthy question.
This is about YOU! You have to heal well, and live with the work that you put into that. Its very important for your tissues inside to have rest. Lifting, working, and otherwise too much movement can cause more scar tissue to form.

We should have to take a class on the importance quiet, restful days with our feet up, not many of us are all that good at it!

You are only a few days out. Your first week you should be chilling out with your feet up and a giant teapot and glasses of water and tasty snacks by your side. But I do totally get it. I had a couple of interactions like this. One person I know, who constantly talks about their own illnesses, just blew my condition off "cause i look fine" HaHa...if it were them, I can tell you that would not be the case. But no matter, I have to control my comfort level, say no, and not allow myself to be put into demanding situations. I have really tried to choose to use my energy for myself, so that if I can go for a walk, which will help me recover, I have the energy for that.

Don't worry about anyone who has not gone through this not understanding. Just simply realize they cannot possibly understand, and do what it is that you know is right. Take this time for you.

Thank you. I'm not used to slowing down even more. And as a mom everybody still wants your attention. I wish I had more friends live in person! That's why I'm so grateful for y'all.

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Originally Posted by Laurachronister Thank you. I'm not used to slowing down even more. And as a mom everybody still wants your attention. I wish I had more friends live in person! That's why I'm so grateful for y'all.

Anytime at all. Its got to be hard with little ones around. I have a grown son who is 37, and he has two small kids, but it was easy for me to take a backseat when they were around and let others do the work, even more important for you to make sure you rest when you can...for 4-6 weeks, right?

Yep 4-6 weeks at least. My poor 19 months old just doesn't get it. But we're working on other ways to comfort her instead of carrying her around.