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Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
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09-23-2016, 07:41 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 2
Hysterectomy: November 11th, 2016
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Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
Hi ladies,
I'm new to the forum. After an appointment yesterday, and due to several problems for several years, my doctor thinks a hysterectomy is my best choice, versus other methods of treatment. (He will be leaving my ovaries) I'm 34 years old, and in great shape. While I know every body is different, what am I looking at as far as realistic recovery time? I had my tubes tied last year (laparoscopic), and struggled with the gas in my abdomen, otherwise felt ok, just sore. I missed 4 days of work. If I can schedule the hysterectomy just right, I'm looking at being off of work for 10 days. Do you think that's enough? Or am I crazy for thinking that it'll even be close to that? I work in an office, so I sit most of the day and there's no real physical activity to worry about.
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09-23-2016, 09:16 AM
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Posts: 18,968
Hysterectomy: May 16th, 2016
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Realistic Recovery
It depends on what type of surgery you have, whether you have any complications during surgery or setbacks after, and really how long you personally need to recover. You don't know how you'll tolerate the pain or how long you might need meds to help you. You won't be released to drive if you're still on meds, nor is it wise to drive if you can't turn to look over your shoulder or would hesitate to slam on your brakes because of potential pain. Some Sisters bounce back easily, but most need several weeks before they start feeling human again. Unfortunately, none of us have the necessary crystal ball to see where we'll land ! You do need to think of recovery in terms of weeks not days. Even after being released from our doctors (typically 4-8 weeks depending on the type of surgery), full healing takes 3-4 months or longer.
My experience: I had minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, 4 incisions), only had my uterus removed. I took two weeks off work (10 days), returning at the beginning of week 3. Desk job, and I came back to a short week with reduced hours. If I had to hit the rewind button, I'd stay out another week and still keep the reduced hours. Aside from restrictions of no bending, pushing, pulling, reaching or lifting more than 10#s for a while, the stress of returning, the pain I was still in (though manageable with ibuprofen), the swelling afterwards, fatigue but also just the effects on my body (backaches from sitting upright rather than reclining and resting - abs non-existent!) wasn't worth it. I didn't really start turning the corner in my energy until sometime in week 4. Having said all that... I had a textbook surgery and recovery!
I'd put in for more time off, and clear it with your doctor before you return. You can opt to return earlier if cleared, but it's harder to take more time off after you've already returned.
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09-23-2016, 05:54 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 424
Hysterectomy: June 11th, 2014
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
I agree with Cussette! Even going back to an office job will be tough after 10 days. Sitting for long periods was very uncomfortable for me. I had my tubes tied (laparoscopy as well) a couple of years before the hysterectomy, and those two surgeries were MUCH different and the hysterectomy took a lot longer to recover from. I didn't have any complications, was in pretty decent shape (not super-fit, but probably average) and had an uneventful surgery and recovery. I returned to work at 4 1/2 weeks (desk job) and did ok but felt tired and a little sore at the end of the day. There was no way I could have gone back at 2 weeks. Besides being sore, I was really, really tired for a while-bouts of fatigue would just "hit" out of the blue for about 4-6 weeks or so after the surgery.
I suggest planning on at least 5 weeks off; you can always go back sooner if you feel ready! Good luck!
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09-23-2016, 08:10 PM
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Posts: 17,510
Hysterectomy: May 17th, 2011
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
Hi cholt to HysterSisters!
I am so glad you found this site.
For recovery time, 10 days is probably too ambitious. This is MAJOR SURGERY. You are having an important organ removed from your body. No matter how they enter your tummy, you will have lots of internal healing to do. You need to think in terms of weeks, and not days. Sitting at work takes way more energy than you think.
I had a open abdominal surgery (TAH BSO), and went back to work after 3 weeks to a moderate stress desk job. But, I could only do part time work for another 4 weeks. There were some days that I could barely make it 4 hours.
The best course is to plan on a longer recovery and go back sooner if you are able. If you can ease in by doing part time work, that is even better.
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09-24-2016, 11:05 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 98
Hysterectomy: September 16th, 2016
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
I had my surgery a week ago Friday . Even though I had laproscopic surgery I'm still tired . Just going to my doctor appointment & walking around the mall yesterday wore me out . I went ahead and planned for a six week recovery. My job is very physical & I'm on my feet all day . I work for the Usps. Good luck & don't rush yourself.
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09-24-2016, 11:24 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 10
Hysterectomy: August 31st, 2016
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
Hey there, I was in pretty good shape too and absolutely hated the idea of all this down time. Had a partial abdominal hysterectomy and spent a week in hospital. I work a desk job also and started keeping up with things sometime during the second week. But I was pretty glad I didn't have to do anything about it, to be honest. That's your ten days there. Third week I started working for my office again but from home... I too found sitting properly for long periods uncomfortable. In fact during the 2nd week, I actually couldn't. I was lying down to meet visitors!
Third week was better but not wonderful. I am lucky enough to be able to work from home and spent a lot of time in a super comfy recliner, with my computer on my knee. Still don't think I could have sat up 8 hours a day and felt pretty happy I was able to take it slowly. Week 4 is now and am way better. Can sit for quite a long time much of the day and walk longer distances (few kms a day I'd say...I have a dog) but still not there with an uncomfortable or unpadded chair. Much prefer my recliner. :-)
At this stage I think I could almost go back but am happy I don't have to. If I feel like lying down I can, and then do the work later on during the day. I still get pretty tired but it is getting better every day.
But yep, everyone's different...that's just my take on it. Having read lots on this site and others I knew that I had to stop running about so much and take a break, in order to heal properly internally. I hate the thought of anything going wrong or the idea of having to go back to hospital so decided to chill out as much as possible, even if I have to force myself a bit.
Good luck and recover well! :-)
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09-24-2016, 07:30 PM
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Posts: 957
Hysterectomy: April 14th, 2016
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
Hi there! In my personal experience with a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with a small bikini incision, I was out of the office for 3 weeks. I started working from home part-time week 2 and returned to my desk job the 4th week part-time. When I worked from home, I was in the reclined position and could take breaks to rest when I needed to. When I went back to work in the office, I was sitting and/or taking walk breaks the entire 4 hours, and it was exhausting. Each day I got home that week, I took at long nap. The following week I did go back full-time and ran into fatigue, but not as much as I thought I would.
10 days out of work is not likely realistic. You may want to consider requesting more time off and if you feel better sooner and the doctor releases you, then you can get back to work sooner. The most important thing to remember is to listen to your body.
Good luck with your surgery!
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10-01-2016, 06:55 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 30
Hysterectomy: September 6th, 2016
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
I'm in great shape. I ran 5 miles 2x a week, bike ride about 30a week, and had a very good surgery, the dr said it went great, released form the hospital the next MORNING!! Was avaginal surgery left my overies and one tube, and he still won't release me to back yet. The only complication have had so far is a UTI lol, and I pushed to go back asap, now almost a month later(from Surgery) I'm thankful he didn't allow it. I get tired, and emotionally drained times, take your time, heal, allow your body to adjust, trust me pushing in thinking it's simple isn't going to do any good, take the time to heal, in the long run, it'll pay off
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10-01-2016, 08:48 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 39
Hysterectomy: September 22nd, 2016
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
Hi there!
I am 30 years old, also in great shape, and I had my TLH exactly 10 days ago. I have an office job, and there is no way I would have been able to go back to work today.
I think my recovery is going really well, based on how other people in my recovery thread are doing. I'm walking, up and about. I've cut back to just a couple of Advil a day, and I've been driving. Pain is completely manageable - mostly non-existent at this point.
But the fatigue is a real issue - doing just about anything wipes me out. The longest I can sit in a chair at my computer is about an hour, hour and a half tops - and then I retreat to lying on the couch with my laptop, haha. It feels kinda pathetic, but truthfully everything, even little things, completely drains you.
I scheduled my hysterectomy so that my "2 weeks" of FMLA ended up being 19 days (surgery was on a Thursday, so I got Thursday and Friday as extra, and my leave ends right before Columbus day, so I get that extra Monday too), and honestly at this point I'm a little worried that even that's not going to be enough.
I do know everyone is different, but I'm going to echo what everyone else has been saying and suggest you take longer than 10 days. Even if you can force yourself to go back to work, and push through, the first few weeks of recovery are so important to healing properly.
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10-01-2016, 01:52 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 15
Hysterectomy: September 26th, 2016
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Realistic Hysterectomy Recovery Time?
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Quote: |
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Originally Posted by cholt
Hi ladies,
I'm new to the forum. After an appointment yesterday, and due to several problems for several years, my doctor thinks a hysterectomy is my best choice, versus other methods of treatment. (He will be leaving my ovaries) I'm 34 years old, and in great shape. While I know every body is different, what am I looking at as far as realistic recovery time? I had my tubes tied last year (laparoscopic), and struggled with the gas in my abdomen, otherwise felt ok, just sore. I missed 4 days of work. If I can schedule the hysterectomy just right, I'm looking at being off of work for 10 days. Do you think that's enough? Or am I crazy for thinking that it'll even be close to that? I work in an office, so I sit most of the day and there's no real physical activity to worry about.
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Welcome to the forum. I was recommended to this site from my sister. I am currently in recovery from my recent hysterectomy this past Monday. My doctor removed 1 ovary and my uterus and left my cervix. I have a very high tolerance to pain and although I'm not in any pain, I am however still very bloated and sore. I am hoping to go back to work after 4 weeks and that's considered speedy. I have a sit down job too but, sitting for long periods of time can be very draining. 10 days is not ample recovery time after a hysterectomy. One thing I am learning is that although I feel okay on the outside, my insides have just went through a major surgery.
Just take it easy and let your body heal from the inside out.
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