Contest? To Drive/work/physical Exercise

I am almost 3 mths post (TAH). One thing that 'suddenly' popped into my head after reading a reply to my post on driving was that mine and many other posts may seem to lean on 'who does what first'.

It may well seem to some as a (1) 'contest' to see who drives first, returns to work or (2) makes others feel totally inadequate about their own recovery.

It so reminds me of when (and still am!) raising my kids (16 and 7rs) and the way some mums talk ie oh mine sat up, crawled at ...wks and left me second time round feeling who really cares? Unless a child has special needs they all start school talking, walking and without nappies (diapers? in USA) so does it really matter?

For some positive posts give hope if finances are tight and return to work is essential or child care is still an issue. However, for others it may be frustrating and anxiety inducing when things don't progress as fast.

True we recover at different rates, our minds may be willing but our body says no and that is what is more important. I really appreciate that financial resources/family pressures hasten our desire for normality but what use is that is after resuming normal activities you put yourself almost back to the beggining?

What do you all think?

X Ruth

Hi Ruth -

I can sort of relate to what you are saying here, every one of us is different and I think we should all accept that we all heal in our own way. I had an LSH on 3/24. I started working this week at my sit all day desk job, just shy of four weeks postop. My doc told me from the beginning that some women are ready for anything at two weeks, some take longer. I myself was in no way ready any sooner than this, and I am still wiped out and can barely make it through the day. I have read of others who had LSH and at two weeks postop they are doing aerobics, fitness classes, etc. I don't think we should view it as a "contest", as much as we are all individuals and all have our own time. I myself refused to give into any pressure from anyone, especially my work, about coming back sooner, and luckily I had time off with pay. Sometimes I think I should be able to do more, and even my doctor has reminded me that I had major surgery and am still early in recovery.

Best wishes !!

WEndy

I don't see this as a contest and I don't think positive posts are something to give a false hope to others. We are not trying to rub it in anyone faces....I have had my ups and downs in this thing but to deny me the fact that I got great news to go back to work and all was well. I have had to go without pay during this whole recovery time and I need to be able to work to provide for myself. I am not one hundred percent. I have compassion and love for those having nasty complications and infections. I was fortunate. I did do what I was supposed to during this recovery and I hae been on the other side of freinds who had the surgary saying how come your having so much trouble I didn't. I didn't tihink I was having trouble my body was healing in its own way.
I hate the comparisons and women will always try to trump another and those that do have low esteem to make themselves look better by saying john was talking at three monthslol.
a big hug to you! We are all in this healing process together and if I can encourage another sister to pamper and hang in there I will that is the point of this board to show the whole spectrum.
have a great day
teresa

i havent noticed any competition. i am 4 weeks post op, yes i have had an easy time of it, my house is a tip, as i havent done much in 4 weeks. i have driven, cos otherwise i'd go barmy, DH works away all week, and i have to get about. made arrangements with friend for school run. my doctor has signed me off for 6 weeks, i need another week, to cover me until post op appt, and if i can get more time, i will take it. i am in competition with nobody. i am just plain knackered!!!

hi fran k
I could have gone back to work this week after i saw dr on tues but she asked when do you want to go back as my work needed a written drs release..mon? I said yes. the fatigue is the biggest plague for me right now but taking all these supplements helps a lot. I now have clearance to exercise and do what I want. I am now doing this to get back in shape for work as my job is physical.
take care and hope you cont to get your strength back
teresa

I love reading everybodys posts on post op. I'm nervous as heck about the surgery and after the surgery and everybody's experiences has helped me realize that everyones experiences will be different. Reading all the posts helps me realize what some of the things are I might have to deal with post op. I don't see any of these posts as 'contests' but I do find them very very helpful in helping me learn what to expect on the other side. I hope for the best and hope to be lucky with an easy recovery like some women but I can try to prepare for the worst in case it happens. I've learned a lot since I joined this site and I'm greatful for it, I was blind about a hyst before I came hear and I don't know what I would have done without this site.

Thank you all you are all wonderful!!!!!!!!!

I don't feel at all that we are competing against one another. I feel that we all heal at different rates and we are there for one another to give a boost if having a bad day or celebrate with them when they are having a good day. I can sympathize when I read that someone is having a problem and also am very joyful when I read that someone is having a wonderful recovery. I am finding the posts so very encouraging in my own recovery and sure do appreciate all the kind words and encouragement out there.

ing each other,
Joanne

that maybe what ruth, the writer of the post is trying to say is that yes, while people heal at different rates, that maybe the ladies with complications or those who are not feeling 100 percent 2 weeks post-op may feel like why arent I healing as fast? We are sensitive creatures in our own way, and some more than others. I may read a post and it may bother me,while another might read it and have a totally different reaction. i think that the majority of ladies will agree, it does take 6 weeks even to start feeling a little like yourself. i consider myself to have had a good recovery with 0 complications, but its not to say I didnt have some trying weeks during recovery. this is a very good site for support. I admit I have read posts that bothered me, but when I do I state my feelings back, most of the time. We are all here for the same reason, so lets be sensitive to others feelings. baily

I think this site is fabu! I have never felt like it was a contest- the posts I have seen and responded to were just sharing experiences. I have learned so much- I have listened to ladies who had a difficult time and my heart wept and I have listened to ladies who are doing great and my heart sang. Never have I felt that anyone was trying to one up someone or have the spotlight shine upon their success- quite the opposite has been my findings.
I am grateful for the experiences and honesty of the women on this site and I am grateful for every one of them!

I have been educated and at times humbled by the strength of the women I have met here!!