3 months post op...anyone else out there?

HI ladies,

I am just over 3 months post op and wondered if there is anyone out there who is at the same stage as myself.
I had a TAH and BSO on the 19th April 2005. I went back to work around 3 weeks ago and whilst all is going ok I am just feeling so tired and quite negative about things. I had a few problems with menopausal symptons in the beginning but they are under control now with the HRT that I am taking. I kind of feel that I have changed so much and am dealing with things in a much calmer way but I dont know that i want the same things anymore....hope that makes sense! I think my job is the main thing and maybe I still dont realise that I am still trying to get back to normal and that my energy levels are still quite low. I seem to be going to work for 4 hours and then feel worn out and cannot get round to doing any exercise at all. Anyone else experiencing this?

Sorry to sound like and old moaner but I guess I still dont realise that it will still take time for me to heal correctly!

Thanks for listening and get in touch if you can,

Tanya,you are not a moaner.That is what we are here for.It takes 6-12 months to heal completely.I think you are probably doing well for just being at 3 months.I am 6 weeks today and I feel ok but not great.I get discouraged too,but its ok to feel like that sometimes. If you ever want to talk about anything at all,you can email me or send a private message.I love talking to my new friends that Ive met on this site.Just know that it is normal to be tired easily at this stage still and rest when you need to.So, don't be upset with what you are feeling.OK?-Marsha

Tanz I am 11 weeks out and you just described me to a tee! I am seeing a counselor tomorrow because I can't shake these blues. And about the negative feelings at work. I am right there with ya pal. I am hoping to move to a different dept because its like I've reached a limit here. And I do still get tired and I do still feel a hard soccer ball in my tummy area. Still a little hard to get the ole socks onthe feet! So I am in total sinc with you!
Best wishes for a good recovery.

This is the place to "moan" as we can relate- so feel free to get it out!

I'm at three months, and I understand how you feel. Even though I read on this site that it will take 6 months to one year, I really thought I'd be feeling less swelling and those "pings and pangs", and I have been exercising, which helps me mentally, but seems to get the innards all riled up. I have an appt. with the surgeons nurse tomorrow just to be sure. I'm certain she'll say it's all normal, but I would really like some clear answers as to how much I should be doing, or not doing and what I should be expecting at 3 months and on. It doesn't help that I am on no HRT for the time being (endo) I think after having major abdominal surgery it is understandable to feel not quite 100% at 3 months. Keep reading, keep healthy, and ask your Doctor about your concerns. Feel free to email me.
Fairview

I am exactly 3mo out today- I feel pretty good overall, but can relate to the tiredness and the feeling that I think I should be 100%. I too have a hard time with the 6-12month time frame but it is proving to be true. I am exercising, but if I over do it the swelly belly gets bigger and today I am actually sore. (Still wishing for it to disappear!) I guess we just have to give it time- I know that I feel better than I did a month ago and am hoping that trend will continue!
No one should worry about moaning- we all can relate!
Happy Healing-

Hi Ladies,

thank you all so much for your kind words....they have been wonderful to wake up to on a sunny morning here in the UK. You ladies are so lucky in the States as you have medical professional that will listen to you and you seem to have a very good support network....It is very rare in the UK to find someone who will listen to you and not just give you 5 miutes of their time and then get you out of the room!
Its very encouraging to see that I am not the only one at this stage who feels the same way...i think work is my biggest problem where I just seem to feel so different about the people i work with and the way I am dealing with things....i guess it just takes time to get used to it....I feel so tired after work and like one of you ladies said that after they have exercised they get sore and it can make them feel even worse! My job is quite stressful as i work in customer services and you have to constantly be kind to people....that can be quite tough when you just want to sit there and get on and not have to deal with anyone!!Ha Ha! I have to see how it goes and I have given myself until Christmas time and if I still feel the same then it will be time for a change.
Anyway I must go and get ready for work today....thanks again to you all and i will catch up with you later
Sending love and hugs,
Tanya

Hiya Tanya,
I think what you are feeling is pretty normal. This surgery is a life changing one in many ways. I think it changes us to some degree, we are not happy with the same old routines as before. Its a very tiring surgery and recovery, im tired all the time, its so hard on our bodies with the hormone changes we have to go through.
I like you feel somewhat displeased with my life and my job, I want to change things and see if I will feel better in the future. I want a job where I can be happy and not feel so run down all the time. I work with a lot of negitive people. When I was feeling bad before surgery I just endured it but now I want to change things because I see that I can, it really held me back to feel so bad before. Now that I dont have to stay home with my cramps and long periods I can go out and enjoy life more. Its been strange to go out and not have to worry about having an accident. I love it!!
I hope things get better for you soon, I hope you find what makes you happy.

Hi,
Tanya & Julia,
Regarding the feelings toward the job, I am having the same problem. The job just doesent seem the same. I am not happy there anymore: and for no real good reason. It is hard; because everyone, plus the company itself, was so supportive during my surgery & recovery. It is such a difficult decision to make...I try to sort out "real" feelings vs. "hormonal feelings."
I just feel I want change. I have had an interview w/another company allready doing the same type of work, same pay, same hours...recieved a call back that I know is going to be a job offer. What to do?!? I am afraid of jumping out of the frying pan, into the fire!!
...This surgery has created emotional changes in me that I was not ready for. I was armed w/so much info going into the hyst re: so many aspects...but not this need for change. It is easier to know that others are feeling the same way. But how do we deal w/it all?
How do we know what to do, for godness sake?!

Hi ladies,
good to hear from you. I wish i could tell you what to do Cazcan but I cant. I too feel the same as you...the company I have been working for for the past 3 years were fab when I was off and have really welcomed me back and been very good to me. I feel more relaxed at work and am coping with things much better but I get the feeling that others are looking at me and thinking that they do not trust me as i appear to be so different!! I had a few problems with one girl in our office who decided to tell me what she thought of me before the op and i was worried that i would not be able to handle her after the op but it is going ok...i just talk to her when I have to.

I think you have to try and be as honest with yourself as possible and really think what your priorities are and not be too loyal to a company if you are going to have to sacrifice your own needs. I also think that when you have the op done you do want things to change as you want a new life without pain etc and why shouldnt you...you have sufferd enough and its time to enjoy what you go. I certainly do not take any crap from anyone anymore and have become alot more assertive.

my advise to you would be.....
Go for it and get the life you want...you only have 1 life and you have to make the most of it. Be happy!!

best of luck to you and keep in touch.

Hi all, I'm 3 mos. post-op (SAH) and am still blessed with swelly belly (although my clothes fit) and exhaustion after work (went back after 5 wks.). I try to get on with life as much as pre-op and I get very, very down that I just can't do it. I guess the consolation is that I have no more pain from fibroids pressing on everything. But I'm so glad to see that others, like me, are starting to look at their lives differently. I was wondering if that was normal. Mind-body connection, maybe? Thanks for just being out there to reinforce that what we each are experiencing is ok.