Different rules?

Hi all;
I have been completely amazed at all the different rules and regulations that have come through from all over the country, for what to do and what not to do after leaving the castle. As for myself, I was told I could drive as soon as I felt comfortable with being able to do so.
My instructions were to... Resume regular activities as I feel able. Don't lift anything over 15 pounds for 2 weeks. Call if I have a fever over 100, any abnormal bleeding or my incisions become red or swollen. And of course not to put anything in the vagina for 4 weeks. That is the total of my post op. instructions!I have gotten more help from this site than any doctor could ever have given me. I wish the would have told me about the and of course the dreaded constipation!(by the way, 6-7 dried prunes worked miracles for me)Today is starting out to be good so far, medically wise. Emotionally is a whole different story. I don't think the climara is doing the trick at this point and time
hugs to all
Tay

Hi Tay, I too find it amazing how different it is from pre-op instructions clear through the recovery time. I guess the important thing for all ladies out there to remember, is: Follow your doctors instructions. But also listen to your body. If something is causing you discomfort after resuming it, give it more time.
My doctor told me to start resuming activity at 6 weeks, but to be careful and not do everything on the first day. To slowly go back to everything I use to do. If something hurt me to do it, he said to wait 2 weeks, then try it again. I used this rule of thumb for my entire first year post op.
Take care!

It is amazing the difference in restrictions. I had a TAH and if I felt like it, I was told, I could do stairs and drive upon leaving the castle. I had a no lifting restriction and nothing in vagina for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks, my DR wanted me to gradually start resuming pre-op life. Housework and general family care. Just no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk (vacuuming and shopping apply here) and listen to my body. I think so much of it is common sense. I'm still careful about certain things even 4 months post. I'm not going to move furniture around anytime this year and I make DH carry #40 bags of salt in the basement. I'm not a wimp by any means. I love arm muscles on a woman and have mine in nice shape, but I will be cautious for many months yet. It's not worth the risk. Until I know it's totally healed inside, which I can tell by the swelling and tender stomach it's not, I will proceed with caution and use common sense.

I've noticed, too, that there are a lot of different things women are told for what to do/not to do during recovery. I was told not to drive for 21 days, no heavy lifting for three weeks, and no sex for six weeks. (No housekeeping, no cooking, no bending for one week.) My aunt, who had her surgery in March with a different doctor, was told 8 weeks on almost everything! I say, do what your body tells you, for the most part. If you hurt, stop and rest. I just had my surgery a week ago and right now my body is telling me to lay down for a bit. So take care - BYE!
CRYSTAL