Released by Dr. after 3 wk. post-op check-up

I had a TAH on Sept 13 due to a 13cm. prolapsed fibroid. An Oncologist did my surgery because the tumor was very odd shaped and soft. I guess regular fibroids are hard in texture. It began in my cervix, grew down through my dialated cervix and continued into my vagina where it kind of "blossomed out". It also grew up into my uterus. Thankfully, after sugery it was described to me as "an abnormal BENIGN fibroid". (Abnormal in shape and texture).
I saw the Oncologist while I was in the hospital and than was released to my regular OB, since it was benign. I saw my doctor last week (3 weeks post-op). At that time, she did an internal. It was pretty uncomfortable, but she sensed that and made it quick. She said everything was healing very well. At the end of our visit she said that since I have never had an abnormal pap smear (Thank you GOD), and no history of cervical, uterine, etc. cancer in the family, and that my tumor was benign (Thank you GOD again!), that she didn't need to see me until August, 2001.
I do need to have a blood test on Nov. 9 because I am still anemic from all of that irregular bleeding, but she said I will see a nurse and not her. I was happy with that, but now I'm wondering if it is too soon. I guess I just want someone to check me out and TELL me I'm all healed, (especially when it comes to sex--DH is waiting patiently).
After reading the posts--6 or 8 weeks post-op, I'm kind of concerned. I trust my Doc, I'm just wondering has anyone else been released so early? Thanks again!

Ill Mom - I had my post op appt at 4 weeks. My gyn. did an internal exam and there were still stitches..even though I was healing well. My next appt. was made for one year later. However, I still had restrictions. NO houswork, NO lifting, etc. I was told prior to surgery no sex for 8 weeks. I guess what I'm saying is even though you had your post op and gyn. doesn't want to see you for a year doesn't mean that your totally healed to do anything and everything. Please resume all "normal" activities SLOW and EASY...you're still healing inside. I'm a firm believer that if it hurts...don't do it.

PS - Congratulations on good pathology report.
[Edited by Dot on 10-13-2000]

Thanks Dot, for your rapid reply. Maybe because I'm feeling better than I was (1st & 2nd week post-op)combined with being released by my Doc I just thought I was ready to do more around the house. My doctor didn't say I was healed, she said I was healing well, and because of the uncomfortable feeling I got from the exam, I know that I'm not completely healed. That has left me with more anxiety over returning to "normal activiites with my husband. My doctor said 6 weeks but I was thinking maybe 8 or 9. I'm sure the fear is normal.
It's comforting to know that you were released early on also. I feel much better. Thanks again!!

Glad to hear you got a good report at 3 weeks post-op. I too got an "all clear" at 3 weeks and felt a little funny that I had healed so quickly after having heard so many horror stories about women lying on the sofa for 6 weeks straight (which I never did). I was told I had completely healed, but the sutures had not begun to dissolve, and that I could resume all activities (except heavy lifting) I had done prior to surgery. I had a TVH on 9/6/00 and I have felt amazingly well throughout my recovery. I never even got my pain meds filled. Anyway, I continue to take it easy, but I am pretty much doing anything I want to do. Also, at the 3 week visit, I was told to wait a couple of weeks for "sexual activity" and at the 5 week mark, I'm happy to report that all is well! I was very nervous, but there was no pain or bleeding. BTW, I have to see my gyn in 6 months for a pap because my hyst was performed due to recurring carcinoma in situ. Congrats again on your good report.