TAH Confessions of a 4-Week Post-Op'er

Okay, I have to admit that I perused the post-op forums a little bit before I had my surgery. I was interested to know what the recovery would be like and how long to really expect to be feeling under the weather. I am in fairly decent shape and have bounced back from my prior surgeries which include a laparoscopic dermoid removal, laparoscopic gall bladder removal, and an open bikini cut appendectomy. I'm not overweight, I work out daily (or did before surgery), and I don't drink or smoke. Even after reading about the recovery timelines, I truly believed that I would bounce back to "normal" by 2-3 weeks max even if those "other women" were taking much longer to heal. I was sure that I wouldn't be one of them!

Well, here I am at exactly 4 weeks post op today and I can honestly report that I have no clue when I will be back to "normal". Don't get me wrong, this is not a complaint thread. I guess I am just shocked at just what a major surgery this was and how much healing I really still need to do. I still have swelly belly with general abdominal soreness, tenderness when I press in certain spots, sharp pains if I move too quickly or stretch in a funny way, and I just move slower overall. Thankfully I'm off work for another full week because I really don't think I'd be able to jump back in after only 4 weeks... and I don't have a physical job either. At least I can wear scrubs at work because they are very forgiving in the belly area!

I guess my purpose in writing this is to just share my experience and let other ladies know that the posted timelines are indeed a good guide to recovery. It is okay to still not feel 100% at 4 weeks out. I know that some women are feeling great and it's hard to compare your progress with people who at different stages, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to measure your own progress from one week to the next and to allow yourself the rest and relaxation to heal properly. Overall I am doing very well, it's just that I fully expected to be back to feeling 100% normal by now and I don't. All in due time though.

Thamk you so much for posting this!!! Our surgeries although different were on the same day and I can relate to everything you're saying. I absolutely thought I would be better by now and have finally come to terms with the fact that its just going to take longer. Best wishes for the remainder of your recovery ♡

Great post and so true!!!

I'm 5 weeks out today and feel so much better this week than I have in a long time. Recovery takes time and I'm finally okay with that.

Thank you for posting. I'm 3.5 weeks and just posted my frustrations. It's good to know you are not alone and all you have said is so true.
Happy healing to you. 😇

I'm on week number 5 and I'm depressed because I'm not healing any faster. My child is graduating and I'm not sure if I can take the crowd. My pain fluates daily. Join the club and let's hope for better. Someone tell me what is TAH, I'm seeing this post but I don't understand.

Jones63, TAH is Total Abdominal Hysterectomy. I hope you are able to rest and relax so that you can make it to the graduation. That is a very important day. Congratulations to you and your child!

Yes, I completely agree with the OP! This has been a very slow four and a half weeks for me. I feel good for parts of the day, but by the late afternoon I am so sore and exhausted. My doctor reminded me that the bulk of initial healing won't happen for TWELVE weeks and to expect to be normal and feeling fine before that is to set myself up for disappointment. (I know that davinci surgeries can be much faster though ) it just takes a long time for all those incisions inside to heal. He keeps referring to "metabolic energy" that is being used up to heal me inside, it can't also be used to run me around town doing errands and going out to dinner
So one third of the way back to normal, ok, the hardest third is done!

If I have learned anything from all the posts I read here, it's that each of us heals at our own pace and that the best thing we can do is to rest as much as possible and not beat ourselves up if we're not healing as fast as others are.

That said, I am grateful for each and every post which has helped me through this. I can see "normal" at the other end of the tunnel - it is there!

I am 5 days post op and was hoping before my surgery that in 3 weeks I would be good to go. Im now realizing probably not. My doctor explained to me that recovery wouldnt be a steady up...it would be more like a staircase. Up, then back for a bit, then up again. I know its only been 5 days but I see that already. I was expecting to come home with my ovaries, and did not. so, was wondering when the lack of estrogen was going to start affecting me? I have hot flashes but not so much emotional things yet.

Bless you x I had my op the day following and feel the same - i was convinced that i would be back at work week four, being healthy and taking extra care of myself pre-op. Im doing good but still shocked at my feeble body,.. I walk the dog doing some cooking and housework and i have even driven this past couple days.. I am so wiped out after doing anything its freaking me out. In my mind i was going to make the most of time of work - reality i can just about get through the day let alone be uber productive. Shamed to admit i do feel good when i realise some folk are still in bed at this point,,, so overall you be proud of yourself Hope work goes ok