Frustrated!!! Ugh....

Well, my TVH was 5/26/05 and I'm so tired of NOT being able to do much of anything. I feel much better than I did before the surgery, even the day after I felt like doing cart wheels. What are the reasons behind not being able to swim, pick up more the 30 lbs (I pushed that one with the dr) and exercise? Today I went outside and started spreading mulch around our yard and dh fussed at me. How much longer before I can lead a "normal" life?

Spreading mulch was probably too much. I understand your frustrations. My TAH was 5/25/05. Anytime I do anything at all, it puts me back in the bed. 6 weeks is a long time when you have to just do nothing, but you will be thankful after the time has passed and you are feeling great! That is what I keep telling myself as I watch all of my housework keep piling up.

Well, you don't want adhesions to form from too much bending, twisting, etc.

At only 19 days post-op, your vaginal closure isn't completely healed yet - you risk infection if you go swimming.

Your insides are still shifting around in there, filling in the space where your uterus used to be. Too much lifting could cause you to strain or use your abs, and could put you at risk of prolapse while you're healing.

30lbs?? wow.. most of us aren't allowed more than 8 for the first 2 weeks and 10-15 for the remainder of our 6 weeks. You must have been very vigorous pre-op.

I had my hysterectomy 4/20/05 and am still on restrictions for lifting and no working. Don't push it and enjoy the down time because your body needs to heal.

Renee: I know you are probably going stir crazy but please remember that you only have once chance to heal properly. You have literally hundreds of internal stitches that need time to heal. Please try to take it easy and give your body time to heal itself. Please don't risk any complications that would spoil what sounds like a great recovery. Take care.

Lora

Most of us aren't allowed to lift 20 lbs and some of us 10 lbs after surgery for 4-8 weeks. I just went for my 3 week post-op (I will be 3 weeks tomorrow) and my stitches are still in place and healing. I wouldn't want to pop any of the stitches and risk healing properly due to overdoing it.

I was told not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk the first 2 wks, and not more than 10-15 the remaining 6-8 wks. In fact, I remember I had trouble with the milk - had to use both hands. I am still very careful not to lift anything heavy. Of course, I have an abdominal incision, so my recovery is a little different than the TVH. But, you still had a *hysterectomy*! So, you need to follow your dr's orders and be a good little princess. We don't want you to hurt yourself and prolong your recovery. Life will get back to normal in a few months, but even then, you are still going to have to take it easy for a while. Don't rush things...your body needs time to heal. Sounds like you are doing very well. Hope you continue to feel good. Just take it easy a little while longer!

Thanks for all your support. Now, I'm in bed. I'm hurting. Guess the mulch was too much! I pushed my dr. for the 30 lbs at 2 wks. Not that I'm out lifting weights but I wanted to be able to carry in the groceries, etc. I was very physically active before this (running, pilates, weights, etc) and it's hard feeling like I'm loosing that level of fitness. I also have 2 boys (8 & 5) and they have activities they like to do...swimming, bike riding, skateboarding...they are use to the Mom that joins them. Oh well, guess I'm done belly aching! Thanks again for the support. I'll be right here...in bed, the rest of the day!

The activity level has been my Aaagh! too. I worked out 2 hours a day 6 days a week before surgery with excess energy. Now I am in my 8th week and am up to walking 3 miles at a regular pace. I huff and puff toward the end and my belly swells up and hurts most of the time. I was just released to go to the gym but can't lift anything more than 25 lbs so have only been doing some bicep curls, tricep pull downs and chest presses with 10 lb dumbbells. I also started pushups and situps. At the end I am pooped! I told my husband I can't believe how pooped I get after just 15 mins of weights or 45 mins of light walking! All part of healing but it frustrates me to get so exhausted.

Reneegw,

I am so glad you have resigned to the bed for rest! Your body is letting you know that you need to slow down. You are going to have good and bad days, so listen to your body. I'm sure you will feel much better tomorrow once you have rested.

Kscop,

Get used to it! I am in my 3rd mo, and I get very frustrated because I still can't do what I *want* to be able to do. However, it is getting alot better. Just be patient!