Calling all 2-3 week Post OP sisters

If any of you would be so kind as to let me know where you are on these items.
1. How active are you? (dont lie. lol)
2. Are you still on pain meds?
3. What type of surgery did you have?
4.How are you sleeping?

I guess I want to compare myself with some of you who are around 2-3 weeks healing "under your belt."

I have been off meds since a few days after surgery. I have minimal pain when I do too much. In my case too much is bending over to pick things up! ouch. I can stay on my feet all day literally with no problem. Sitting up for long periods hurts but I have several laproscopic ports in my abdomen and the belly botton one really gets in the way. Sleeping is difficult because i hurt tossing from side to side. Tylenol helps at night though. I tire with most activity except for anything involving just walking around erectly. Side stretching etc pulls my incisions. I do not need naps during the day. Find myself BORED!!! calling friends,, feeling restless. Wanting to do more, but dont want to hurt myself. Most of my initial "bugs" are gone such as trouble going potty, etc.

I appreciate similar input as to where you are in your progress.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

Terry

Hi,

I'm in my 4th week since LAVH/BSO and TVT (bladder repair for urinary incontinence) - Surgery was 12/12/03.

1. How active are you? (dont lie. lol) - I'm feeling great but don't want to jinx it I fixed dinner for DH, DS, DD last night, done a few loads of laundry this week but I only folded and moved from washer to dryer (kids lugged the basket around). Had lunch with my DH at the local deli yesterday- I drove for the first time.

2. Are you still on pain meds? Stopped the percocet three days after surgerey but had to go on muscle relaxers for my lower back pain. Stopped muscle relaxers on Monday. Still taking 800 mg Ibuprofen three times a day as prescribed.

3. What type of surgery did you have? - LAVH/BSO - Removed cervix, uterus, tubes and ovaries vaginally but assisted laproscopically. Also had bladder repair during the hysterectomy.

4.How are you sleeping? - Now that's the interesting part. Since my lower back pain is almost gone - I'm sleeping better. But....I'm having weird dreams and a few light hot flashes during sleep. I can't decide if I'm cold (flannel pj's) or I'm hot (kick all the covers off and enjoy the fan). So far it's not affecting my sleep too much.

Hope that helps!

I had my LAVH the day before you...everything has gone good....as for as my activity, exactly one week from my surgery my Mom fell and broke her hip so I spent the next week at going to a hosptial 30 miles away and spending all day with my Mom...not a lot of rest...but I did fine...only took 3 pain pills the day after my surgery....havent really felt like I needed more than that have done lite housework since surgery....maybe have done a little more than I should have the last few days cause I have had a little spotting....but no pain....sleeping good no hot flashes or other symtoms...not taking hrt cause of blood clots in the past....taking vitamin E....hoping that will help....have really enjoyed reading on this site....much better hearing what other ladies have to say than calling the doc each time I have a question.

Annie

Hi, I had a TAH on 12-15-2003. I am still on restrictions on lifting, reaching, bending.and bathing. I haven't taken prescribed pain meds for about a week and half. My Dr. wants me to just use Tylenol if not using the RX from him. My abdomen is very tender. I try to walk in the house as much as possible, but my energy is very low. But I am only 3 weeks post, and still with sterrystrips on the incision, so I guess all this is normal. I am like you wondering about every twinge! Lets both hang in ... it has to get better!

Sherry

I am 3 weeks TAH/BSO. Pain is manageable only ibuprofin most days. Have no energy level but don't have the "I need a nap like most". Just I need to lay down and get off this incision. Went to a hocky game on week 2 it was great getting out and then died the day after and energy level since. I can puat wash in, unload dishwasher and tidy up. Driving me crazy and DH isn't a good housekeeper. (Darling at caring for me though) Will need steam shovel by the time I can really get things done. My grown kids are helping with mopping, vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms. Hurts to bend for very long.

I am working from home some and of course over did week 2. Now as long as I lay down every couple of hours seems ok. Was looking forward to going to book store last night but got swelly belly for the first time and it was awful. Didn't know what everyone was talking about until then!

Hang in there
Val

I had a TAH/BSO on 12\15 and so far been able to go up and downstairs with no problem( if there not to steep), been able to walk son to preschool and back 1 block away and have made supper and light house work for about 4 days. I too get very bored and restless...I only take tylenol if I get sore but so far havnt needed them. and sleeping at night has been ok but I am starting to have wierd dreams and wake up a couple times to kick covers off then put them back on its too hot or too cold the hormone thing. so far havnt needed to nap yet but its early in the week and recovery, hope I didnt jinx myself and I return to college on Monday. Patricia

1) How active am I and pain meds? Like you I am getting stir crazy and a little bored. I call it cognitive dissonance: mind wants to go but body says SLOW! I've been off meds since last Friday (almost 2 weeks post surgery). Little pain, so only take advil here and there. Walking a little, mostly around the house although I'm thinking of taking a longer walk outside tomorrow morning. Find mostly I lack the stamina I had before, and of course, the recovery and anemia don't help. Want to go to the gym, but doc says no until at least 6 weeks <sigh>

2) Type of surgery? On 12/22, TAH with a vertical incision, both ovaries removed, and burch bladder procedure. On the estrogen patch since surgery. No menopause syptoms per se yet, although I'm paranoid that I might be getting some vaginal dryness...paranoid being the key word. Just took the steri tape off today. Itching and tight, jeans won't fit over belly very well.
HINT FOR SCARS!! Buy vitamin E gel-tabs, puncture them, and put over your incision. MUCH cheaper than vitamin E cream and it works according to a doctor friend of mine.

3) How well am I sleeping? Better now, just beginning week 3. Finally can kinda sleep on my side if I prop with a pillow. Still waking up several times at night to pee, but that's improving every night. Was almost hourly the first 2 days after they removed my catheter...and then every 2 hours. Now, last night only got up 3 times and slept from 10:30-7:30.

Looks like we're all on track!!! Just wish I could get into my clothes comfortably!

Hello Systers!

I had my TVH, kept ovaries on 12/17/03. I am feeling wonderful! I stopped my pain and sleeping meds on 12/21/03.

I have been up walking around daily. 1 week after surgery, walking outside (FLorida), riding my bike at 10 days, driving just before 2 weeks. I am not driving as much as I would normally. Went to my 2 week appt and dr let me go back into pool and hot tub.

First few weeks didn't sleep well and had weird dreams. Sleeping good now.

I feel very fortunate that I feel so good . I am 47 years old. I had people over for New Year's Eve (2 weeks post op) and still felt good. Finally, took down my Xmas decorations Jan 5th. My husband picked up the boxes. I am doing laundry, dishes, making beds. A little vaccuming, not to much. I played pool (billards) today (3 weeks post op) with our community.

I know not to pick up heavy items.

Honestly, I feel wonderful and cannot believe how nervous I was before the surgery.

I think being active and moving after surgery has helped immensely.

Good luck in recovery to all my fellow hystersisters.

Is the vaginal and laproscopic a little less recovery?

Holly you make me so jealous! I am 51 (Could have something to with it) and so depressed that I am not back to work after 3 weeks. I have a 7" incision and sitting, walking etc for much time kills me. My insides hurt and I have to lie down to take the pressure off!

Thanks

Hi Val,

I think the TVH is a little easier. I had no incision like you ladies.


My dr, however, told me to slow down. He said this is still major surgery. DR says that I may have let down 3-4 weeks. But I do not think so. I am just too positive.

I think, that 3 weeks, is to early to go back to work. If I was going back to work, I believe, I would be like the other systers 6-8 weeks.

I have worked all my adult life, and lucky for me my husband retired and we moved to Florida, so I quit my job of 23 years and have not worked since Feb 2003.

The other end of the spectrum, no family down here. DH helps little, but I am a take charge, take care of everyone else person. I was terrified of the surgery but went ahead anyway. Too many years of bleeding all the time.

Anyway, please take care of yourself, and let your body tell you what to do.