I really want to sleep on my tummy???

Hey all...I am 3 weeks post op lavh...feel good other than the tenderness still inside...the lap stitches are gone and "belly button" fell off....lol....but still very tender abdomen...hurts a little to button my pants...and it's impossible to lay on my stomach which is my preferred sleeping position....how long until the tenderness is better???..different for everyone I guess,,,,but average??? Also....I really expected more menopause symptoms....but so far just night sweats.....doc has me taking 1mg of estradiol...(fearful of dvt...so low dosage...)....am I expecting too much too soon....maybe I felt "TOO " well immediatley post op....didn't expect to still feel yuck 3 weeks out.



lavh/total/fibroids/cysts

We who didn't have a big incision have to remind ourselves that we really did have major surgery and there are literally hundreds of stitches inside of us and major healing taking place. Initial recovery is six to eight weeks with full recovery taking up to a year. I am a tummy sleeper too and could not waite to get back in that position again. I think it took me about eight weeks or so until I was really able to sleep on my stomach comfortabley. You are very early in your recovery and are probably going to maybe start feeling some twinges here and there, maybe some fatigue and more aches and pains. I am not saying this will happen for sure, but usally at about three weeks the anesthesia is worn off and the stitches are starting to dissolve and as our body heals we tend to feel a bit more. You do sound like you are doing pretty good just feeling ansty because you are feeling so good. Just remember, even though you do feel so good, you've just had major surgery and only one chance to heal right. So take it easy, enjoy being pampered and dp exactly as your Dr. told you.

Thanks for the advice....I am actually starting to feel twingy tuggy pains here and there....I will try to be more patient....I didn't drive for the 2 weeks post op as ordered....but what about lifting now...I am still being careful but not sure how long that was ....

ME TOO!
I am also a tummy sleeper and also almost 3 weeks post op. I have been sort of tummy sleeping - with a pillow sort of under one side so I am not flat. I sleep in a water bed, which I think helps not hurt so much (but is awful when DH moves a lot ) Of course, everything is different for everyone.
I am learning much about recovery. IT IS A LOT OF WORK! When I overdo - I feel it - all achey inside.
I hope you can return to your favorite position soon. I really understand!
Thanks CwbysLdi for the reminder of all the inside healing we can't see. It seems once the incision healed I expected everything to be 100%. Those who have gone before us and post here keep reminding me that there is lots to heal and that rest will aid that. I'm cool with that but still think it is a lot harder to rest than I ever dreamed.
Cheers!

Just went for my 2 week post op today. Dr released me to do anything I want that doesn't hurt, except sex and lifting over 30 lbs. But I still get more tired and achy and still need to rest a lot. Sitting up straight and standing/walking for long periods bothers me a lot. But dr says I have done extremely well. I don't know if that is the standard "lifting" advise but that is what he told me.

thanks for the advice and cheers....hope all goes well for u guys too.....Yes...I found out today that sitting up too long makes for a sore sore stomach....up now for just a few minutes...and then stretching back out....take care all...sue

hi suewes10!

I bought this pillow from overstock.com called a "maternity pillow" for $29.95. Great for those that sleep on their side or stomach! I wish I'd bought it sooner - got it at 7 weeks post-op and still using it every night.

Take care,

SueF

I also used a pillow to cushion my tummy so I could sleep on my stomach. I used it the same way as Jeaniemarie. Worked well for me. I am now 6 weeks post op (on Monday) and have been sleeping on my tummy without the pillow for about a week and a half. That is when I sleep!! I have been having insomnia since the surgery. That is also getting better. Hang in there, it won't be long before you can sleep on your stomach!!

Vickie