041707

Thank you to all who helped answer my questions on chills and sweats! Returned to work part-time yesterday (4 hours)...big mistake! (Today is my 2 week post-op date.) Home today with chills and low grade fever and just all-over drained feeling. Girls, no matter how bored you are or how much you think you are needed at work, take it easy! I would have taken 4 weeks off if I would have known how hard recovery was. Thanks again to everyone who participates in these threads...you are my life line!

I hope you get to feeling better. I went back to work part time at 3 weeks and full time at 6 weeks. It was very rough. I recommend taking off as long as you can. It takes a while to get your strength back. Will your employer give you more time off? Keep us posted. Lots of 's, Carol

041707,
Oh my God!!! What are you doing trying to go to work already. Haven't these Princesses taught you anything. My surgery was the day after you, two weeks tomorrow and I was told "DO nothing for six weeks". Stay home a bit longer if you can. Give your body some time to heal. I am just starting to feel a bit normal. I am bored to death but resting LOTS. Please keep me posted as to how you are doing. Big Hugs to you, Laura

Just got you're reply. Wish you could call my boss for me. I don't think many people think that a hysterectomy is a big deal. IT IS!!!!!!!! You are the best!

My dearest 41707,
I wish I could call your boss too. When someone tries to tell me to basically suck it up, I tell them, "when you've had your insides rearranged, parts removed, and body sewn back together call me". I think that makes them think a bit. As one fellow sister said, our injury CANNOT be seen, so everyone thinks you are fine. Share your experience with them. Educate others. I talk about it with whoever wants to listen.
I think I pushed it a bit on Thursday, I've been pretty sore Friday and today. I'm going to slow it down a notch. Hope you are doing okay and I'm thinking of you. Hugs, Laura

Dear 41707, I feel for you! It's true-- many people don't understand the length of the recovery process. I'm only 10 days out, but my husband is starting to get an idea. After I got home from the hospital, he commented, with all seriousness, "I wish I were sick so people would pamper me!" I just glowered and answered, "No, you wouldn't... not if you have to go through what I'm going through!"

I feel pretty good but in spite of that I might have a possible infection. (I saw my doctor yesterday.) So now I have to take heavy duty antibiotics. It's no fun at all and they make me feel sick. A little step back. However, that was a real eye opener for my husband to see his wife feeling basically OK, but then to learn from the doctor that I was having a complication. The "unseen" part of the recovery hit home with him.

Anyway, all the best to you. I hope you start receiving a whole lot more sympathy and a good dollop of pampering on top!

I told my hubby it would mean the world to me if he read the checkpoints on this website. He was being good anyway, but it really opened his eyes. I think it helped when he went to my pre-op appt too...the Dr. explained everything.

As far as bosses and coworkers..someone said to me "must be nice to have an elective surgery and get the spring time off". I was so frustrated that she didn't understand...so I asked her if she ever bled for 45 days straight and had to sleep with trash bags under her. That kept her quiet.

I am so sorry your boss doesn't understand. Don't they realize that doctors don't just write notes for 6-8 weeks off at the drop of a hat!

Take care of yourself...you want to heal properly. And when no-one understands remember your sisters here do!