I feel trapped at home!!

Help!!

It has only been 2 1/2 weeks since sugery and everyone is telling me that I am doing too much too fast, but I feel trapped at home!

I have been walking around the block (about 10 minutes) each day. Is this too much?

I tried to go out to dinner with friends and I know that it was too much. My DH brought me home and asked me to lay out on the sofa.

It is so hard to just relax, but everyone is telling me that if i do not that healing won't happen. I read the what to do's and don't list on another thread.

Any thoughts? I really would like to know how someone else has made it through.

Margee

Hi Margee

You aren't alone. I found the 3rd week after surgery to be one of the hardest. You feel better, but not really well yet. Doing "stuff" is so tempting. But doing too much really isn't in your best interest in the long run. I don't know if you kept your ovaries but if you did you want to be careful because you don't want adhesions to form.

I judged my walking on the amount of pain I felt. When I felt the pulling/burning in my abdomen and pelvic area, I really had to be close to home. Walking definitely helped my mental state. I felt like I was working toward recovery and that let me enjoy my "relaxation" time. For that I had set up a spot before surgery on my porch. It was a special spot that I could sit and read (when nd if I could read) or just look at my flowers.

I am 8 weeks out from surgery now, going full force. i wish I had some of that downtime I had after surgery. I could really use it.

Good luck to you. It will all get better. Really! All my best.

I had surgery 8/20, and have been walking about the same distance as you. Last week, I really felt whipped from walking twice a day, and cut back. Would be happy to compare notes as we recover!

I went to the forbidden WalMart (right in, right out), and to the store to pick up just a few items. I don't even want to put myself in the position of being in a movie or restaurant for a few hours.

Was released to drive friday...and live VERY close to blockbuster, coffee shops and stores.

We are doing a kitchen remodel...and I have ordered sinks, faucets and knobs online! I'm planning on fiddling with some painting and writing. Am watching an enourmous amount of TV which is all I've been able to focus on the first two weeks.

Hang tough!
"Dylli"
Kim

Sarah,

I'm also curious about what you did to rev up for work again. I will be entering a new job with three days of training right off the bat. After that, my hours will be somewhat flexible.

Kim

Hi Kim,

I had to get ready for school as I am getting a Master's in Special Ed. I am also a single mom. I haven't been able to work for a year due to my health.

I found that I did not want to go back to school, but as that is what I need to do to move on with my life, I made myself go. I will say that I am not very organiZed at this point. I am flying by the seat of my pants, really. I get tireed very easily and by 3pm am ready for the day to end. Hah hah. The life of a single mom does NOT lend itself to that. I have to say that it feels like my recovery period ended the moment I could drive, which I know isn't true, but is the way it is in my life.

It is only my opinion but I would say that as we get ready for work or school, we HysterSisters have to strive to balance our continued physical recovery with the demands of the "Real" world. One day, or one moment at a time. Work, school or family will always want more, but we might need to nap!

many s

Sarah,

Kudos on being a single mom and tackling school. I mother a special-needs child...and have only been able to work very minimally for years. It's very hard to commit to work or school when things are in that much of an uproar.

My daughter just turned 14 (things have been going better), and has been the single-handed best help to me. We just moved within walking distance of everything she could want or need...it's been very convenient for us.

I'm napping a lot right now...and can see that it may be awhile before I can make it through the day without one!

HUGS,

Kim

Hi Margee,

I have not had my hysterectomy yet, but I have had another surgery last winter -- septoplasty and UPPP (1/2 inch of palate and uvula removed) for obstructive sleep apnea. I was told I should stay in bed for a week and basically at home for 2 weeks. My recovery was much quicker than that. For each of us, the recovery period, for so many reasons, is different. Just listen to your body -- us women have great instincts. If you need to get out, your emotional health is an integral part of this process too.

Sometimes I just went to the Library or a coffee shop.

Listen to your gut!

Hugs,

Diane

i also went stir crazy about this time, my dh took me out for a short dr just to get out of the house, it really helped even tho it was like 20 mins

Thanks Everyone for your great ideas and encouragement. I had my surgery on 8/18 and was TAH and no longer have my ovaries.

I am interested in the back-to-work ideas too, when I return to work as an Admin I know things will be busy.
I am also a student and have been blessed that classes this term and next are independent study. The teacher and a fellow student are helping me along this term, and probably will in the next.

I'll stick to the walking we live on a hill so part of the trip is up and part is down. It all feels very good, and is definately a feel good experience. I also have some books that I bought before to keep me company.

I especially enjoy the conversations with all of you.
Thanks! I hope the read more.

Margee

Hey Kim,

I am also mother to a child with special needs....She is awesome and the biggest help. But I am still the mom and have to do what I have to do. Recovery is not easy with the single mom thing, the care and advocacy of a child with special needs and school. And this is soooo not going to be an easy semester academically.

One day at a time, I guess. My best to all.

s