*Sensitive post* caring for young children after surgery

So, I'm still debating the hysterectomy, but really swinging towards going for it.
My doc recommend a VAH (is that the right term? Vaginal) but I think I'd prefer a lap assisted simply so they can make sure there is nothing else wrong and so they can totally SEE everything before closing shop.
I'm a stay at home mom of an almost 5yr old and a 20 month old. My husband would be able to probably take a week off, but then I"d be on my own. Family and friends would help out as needed I'm sure, but not like I could be child free from the time my husband leaves to the time he gets home.
My doctor said that I should expect to be REALLY tired for the first week, but by week 2 I could realistically take care of my kids full time while having a little bit of fatigue, and by week 3 I'd be fully normal.
Does that sound right?
I've HAD a lap before and I remember at 2 weeks still being in rough shape. They had 4 incisions though, so that might be why.
Any thoughts?
I tried to post this on post op, but apparently I can't post there w/o an actual date on my profile. There seems to be a lot of rules on these boards.

I've had many surgeries - the last being a tube & ovary removed laprascopic vaginally. I came home 6 hrs. later and was cleared for everything at 8 days. I know it's not a hyst. and that it may not be an "average" recovery but if you have some help from others that 2nd week, I'm sure you'd be OK. Just make sure there is someone to call on short notice if you just can't do it.
Another thing to be careful of, besides being really tired, is the lifting! Lifting is generally a complete no-no for the first few weeks.

From your previous posts it sounds like hyst is reasonable. I really liked the first doctor I consulted. She is smart and competent and took time to answer my questions. But my sister convinced me to get a second opinion (with her doctor, in the city), and I'm so glad I did. So, you might learn more if you see a second doctor, or you might confirm what you already know and "cement" your decision and feel less on-the-fence about it, or you might talk to a second doctor, and realize the first one is great. But in any event, I recommend getting a second opinion. Don't feel bad about hurting your doc's feelings (I worried about this). Any GYN worth their salt won't feel threatened by a patient who seeks a 2nd op. Ask for copies of all your records, labs, procedure reports, imaging reports etc, so they don't have to repeat all the same tests you've already had.

Make full use of all offers of help and call in every favor you have out there and go into "favor debt". If you can get all day help with your little ones the second week, you will probably heal up quicker than if you exhaust yourself. Even if you have to pay for help it would probably be a good investment.

Good Luck!

I was fairly curious of the same questions you were. I've had 3 lap's, was diagnosed with endo when I was 14. Although I've had 2 beautiful children (of my own), I hoped and prayed that they symptoms and pain had disappeared. NOT!! Wasn't so lucky. They began again about 6 months ago, and seem to be worse than they were 16 years ago. Dr. Appt in 2 weeks, and I'm really questioning having a LAH. I would be a fool to think the FORTH lap would ease the pain. I do, like many others, have SO many questions with the different procedures, recuperating, and most importantly, how quickly I can return to work. I've also read you have to be with your current employer for 12 months before you qualify for FMLA? I'm not quite there, but have a well-understanding boss and co-workers. Re: pain after lap, I only remember having 3-5 days of 'nagging' pain, but no major problems. I guess, like many things, everyone is different and handle issues with their bodies in different ways. Stick with it... only GOD has a plan for us and our health.

I know it's hard when you don't have help. My suggestion to you is if you have the kids and are feeling really bad try to keep everyone in one room. I had to do this when I was on bedrest with my second child. You could have a cooler in you room with already made up food for the kids and yourself. Have plenty of things to keep them busy tv, movies, coloring books, etc. So that way you don't have to move very far and you can keep an eye on the kids. I locked my daughter in the room with me so I did not have to chase after her she was two and a half at the time and very active (that sounds terrible but it was the only way to make sure she and her unborn sister were safe I was only allowed out of bed to pee). This was just for a little while untill we could find a more permanent situation. I had no family in town at the time and really no friends cause we had just moved to GA. My daughter did not mind because she got mommy time without interuptions. Having two may make it harder or maybe better if they play well together. I am sorry your having trouble!

Call in favors. I had gastric bypass and until we realized that my mother could come and help out (this is a good thing..she is wise) I was just going to stay at my friends house (she was in nursing school at the time) and her and her husband were going to help me out. My husband needed to be gone Mon-Thurs. and it was the end of his fiscal year (he's in accounting and property for the Coast Guard).

Just start asking, you would be suprised at how many people are willing to do almost anything for other people, even if they don't know you well. I think we underestimate the kindness of other women..or anyone for that matter.