Is this normal?

I'm 8 days post op, and from reading some of the posts here, it looks like I've got a long road to recovery. I didn't expect that. I'm self employed, work from home, and never really took off from work--I'm at a computer all day, so big deal, right? Well, apparently it IS a big deal, because I'll do some work (because I'm feeling okay) and then feel tired/drained, even depressed. I've noticed a cycle here: I'm feeling rotten so I stay in bed, feel somewhat better and am trying to get my life back in order so I'll start working (it's a lot easier than cleaning the house, right?) get tired and start the cycle all over again.

Part of the reason I'm itching to get back to work is that my laproscopic surgery was an emergency. I WAS scheduled for a hysterectomy but was loosing so much blood (even mid-cycle) that after 3 blood transfusions, and my numbers weren't going up enough, my wonderful DR decided not to wait for my scheduled date, two weeks out. So, it's not like I had prepared my house or my family, made childcare/cleaning arrangements--I didn't get to do any of that.

Honestly, I'm grateful to be alive. I'm grateful that this happened to me at 40 and not at 20. Yes, I have a family, and I'm grateful for that too. But I feel like my husband is so busy picking up my responsibilities and so stressed from it, he has not energy left to take care of me. I'm feeling a little neglected, but that isn't really fair, because he's doing everything he can. My teenage daughters also seem to resent the extra work they've been doing, and I just feel like screaming: I'm not doing this for fun! I'm in pain! I don't want this any more than you do!

Anyway, forgive my rambling. It's good to get this all off my chest and I hope that, God willing, I'll be back to my normal self, and higher energy levels, real soon.

Love to all, and thanks for everyone involved in this site. It's been tremendously helpful!

It sounds like this surgery may have saved your life! Think of that and how in time you will be healed, go back to normal, and be thankful all this happened. I am 15 days post-op and I do hear you, about wanting to do so many things and your body not letting you. Just take it one day at a time, you will feel so "good" once you recover and you realize how great it is to be healthy

Oh honey, ramble away! I went through the same exact thing emotionally, physically, and mentally. It's an extremely taxing surgery to recover from, never mind the pain and crying jags. Take it easy and just try to think about your needs right now. Everyone else can figure out their stuff for now without your help.

I'm sorry that you had such a traumatic experience before your surgery... not fun. You're in my thoughts and prayers, honey!

Wow--thanks for taking the time to read and reply to my post! I'm feeling better already!

I am self employed as well I contract w/real estate offices and I am able to work from home office or offices. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to be doing anything but sleep, lay down and walk for the first 3 weeks - I had TAH incision from hip to hip. I did follow the surgeons restrictions no lifting more than 5 lbs, bending, stairs (although I live in a townhouse!). I started working from home 5 days post op, started cleaning (light) and cooking 10 days post op. I'm still recovering! Any type of hysterectomy can take up to a year to fully recover. Did I do damage? Maybe... hope not! Dr just gave me clearance to "start" light house work, part time work and driving... Learning after the fact is a hard one ergh... listen to your body if your tired, rest!

I'm 2 months out (as of yesterday) and I still have major fatigue - afraid to nap during the day because I'm a freak'n insomniac --- falling asleep at 4-5 am to wake up to work at 8-9 isn't fun at all... and the cycle continues. Dr. says give another couple months to see if my ovaries decide to wake up or we may try HRT, if they don't. I've tried oatmeal, candles, lavender air SLEEPY time air spray, vodka ... lol

It's a long road for most of us, hang in there you will wake one day ready to tackle it all! And it will all be there when you are. :O)