dVH/RALH: I wasn't freaking out, but now....long recovery?

My first post to this forum was a month ago and things have changed. I originally was scheduled to have ovaries removed because of an unusual cyst on the left one, but in the past few weeks it has significantly changed, and now I'm scheduled for the whole shebang with the hopes that it is not cancer.

I have a very physical job (I'm a firefighter) and now after reading lots of posts, it looks like I need to get realistic about the recovery. I was hoping to be able to be back to normal workouts at 6 weeks....but that looks very unrealistic. I even read one post of a gal who was exhausted after only driving at 10 weeks. YIKES! Is this going to be a career-ending surgery for me?

Can anyone offer some advice? I am in good shape, which I know will help, but I had hoped to be back to work in 8 weeks. Maybe not?

Also, I live in my hot tub. I guess that is out for the 6 week period too, yes?

Thanks to all of you who will reply, and thanks to all of you who have posted so that we all can learn from you!

everyones recovery is so different. i am 32 and had the dvh and feel great and haven't had many problems at all. i have read some woman have lots of problems after though. just remember to listen to your body. that is the biggest advice i can give. stay positive. you are young and in good shape so the chances if you having a smooth recovery is good. good luck sweety

If you are in good shape and you don't have complications, this should not be a career ending surgery for you. However, you may need a few more weeks to recover than someone who has a desk job. I would definitely count at least 8 weeks and possibly 12 before you ease back into a job that is so physical but all of that depends on how you heal. It may be a bit faster or a bit slower. Be sure not to overdo it so that your body gets all the rest it needs during recovery. Is there the possibility to be put on modified work such as desk job until your body is fully recovered?

Thanks, ladies, for the replies. I think there is a possibility of a desk job...that is a good idea to check into, so thanks for the idea!

There is no reason for it to be career ending and everyone's recovery is different. If you're very physically fit now, you may speed through recovery better than many of us! (I'm in week 4). Don't let our posts freak you out. But, you must listen to your body and allow yourself to take it easy and pamper yourself for several weeks!!
Best of luck to you

Career *ending* no, I can't imagine that! Yes, take the time you realistically need to fully recover, but think of the thousands of women who have hysterectomies each year. I am sure you are not the first firefighter to have a hyst and who will recover and be back on the job in two or three months, and thank you so much that you do! It will be a medical leave, which presumably you will be entitled to, and then you can get back at it

I'm a month post op from a DvH and went back to work in corrections at 3 weeks. I've recovered well so far, with no problems except for some menopause issues. Listen to your body, and your doctor. For me personally, I feel like i could do everything I did before surgery, but my body reminds me that I'm not there yet, lol.

Just like everyone else said everyone heals differently but it is extremely important to allow yourself the time to recover or you will have a setback and it will take that much longer. I can tell you one thing I did it didn't do after joining the sight is look at the post op section. I'll admit it was hard but I think I saved myself a lot if fear and anxiety. Hugs and best wishes to you

It may not be paid time off but you are entitled to 12 weeks of Family Medical Leave. I would make sure your supervisor understands that you will be back as soon as possible. And make sure to ask if there is modified duty that you could come back to earlier. A DvH is not as hard on your body as a TAH. I had a DvH a week and a half ago. I am already disabled from pain, so my recovery is slow. But I am having to MAKE myself rest and not do too much. Good luck!

Thanks to all of you!!!! I love all the advice and I agree - I need to keep away from the post-op forum for now. There's just sooo much to consider...surgery, menopause, physical fitness testing, time off, money, etc. Luckily I have a lot of sick time saved up because I'm not sick much, so I won't have to take a family leave. I plan on telling my department today about the plans for time off.

Thanks again! I feel much better just having gals who have been through this to chat with.