16 days post op.....please tell me this is normal

Hi there. I have another question. As of today, I am 16 days post op, LTVH(hope that is right)!! There are a few concerns that I have, and I am hoping that someone can help me! I dont want to call the doctor...
Here it goes.....

I have been taking care of things here at home as normal, cleaning, vacuuming, grocery shopping... if I feel that I need to rest, I do.
I have been spotting for several days, and at times I notice that there is more red color. I had nothing after surgery, so this was all new to me. Is this normal??

I am finding that I do not have a lot of energy. I have the chills inside, and cannot keep warm. I take my temp several times a day and it is normal. But I know that the weather has changed. So maybe that is it.

I am sorry to complain, but I want help....please.

My bellt button hurts....it is red, and has an odor. When I put my hand over it, it seems hot!!! Is this normal? I have had several laps in the past, but none that the button feels this way.

Last concern......I am finding that my chest hurts, breathing deeply is not something that I do right now....my breathing is fast, and at times there is a sharp pain in my breast, anyone else have this?? Does this have anything to do with the surgery??

I appreciate your help. I know that finding this site was a gift, and I am so glad that I did.

Thanks.
Butrfly13

I think you are doing too much. I had a TVH and was given strict orders for 6 weeks- only light cleaning NO vacuuming and NO grocery shopping (pushing the cart and carrying the groceries) and NO lifting anything over 10 lbs (preferably 5lbs).

You are still very much in the recovery mode and it is normal to not have as much energy. I also know that I felt cold all the time my first 3 weeks or so (I am 4 weeks today and have not felt chilled for a couple of days).

I would call the doctor about the spotting and the breathing problems and pain. You only have one chance to heal right. My doctor put fear into me before my surgery about taking the time to heal properly and I have taken it very seriously.

Hope everything works out well for you and keep us posted!

Jeannine

it sounds like you are doing way to much. my doctor stressed the importance of taking it easy even if i begin to feel 'normal' as internally you are still healing. personally, if i was feeling and experiencing what you are, i would contact my doctor. hope everything works out well for you and please take it easy.

Hi B

I gotta agree w/ Jeanine. I think you are doing way too
much. I was told the same thing as J very lite housekeeping, no vacuuming, sweeping, lifting all that.
I know this is a lot easier said than done. My kitchen floor was crunching! But the dr. was adamant that you only get one chance to heal properly. So put down the broom and put up the feet!!!! Trust me, I am six weeks post op, and all of the cleaning STILL needs to be done. It will wait till I am ready. LOL
When I was at your point, I used to get what I would call pain chills. If I took advil, they would go better.
In addition, I was always cold, so I was always bundled up
As for your other symptoms call the dr. It sounds like you mite have a cold or something.

Feel better and remember to rest!!!!!!

Hugs
Harley

I agree with everyone else you are doing way to much.As for the belly button,I just saw the dr on mon. it turned out to be a skin infection, she put me on antibiotics.You should call the DR about it.Hope you feel better soon.

Oh gosh. You're doing way too much. I was told not to do anything more physical than lift a mug of tea for 6 weeks! You've had major surgery and these initial weeks of healing are absolutely vital.

With all the problems you mention, you should contact your doctor straight away ... get everything checked out. You may have done some damage by resuming 'normal' activies way too soon.

Please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

I had an infection in my bellybottom, too. Dr. put me on antibiotics and it has cleared up. It was very sore, red, and had infection coming out of, what my doctor called, the zipper. She said when we have more than one lap some times you get a zipper on zipper infection. She told me that it wasn't anything I had done...it just happens.

I also had the bleeding when doing too much. As long as I wasn't overdoing the spotting was minimal. Once, I began to overdo...the bleeding would get worse. It has stopped now, post op, 4 weeks.

I too, experience the pain in my breasts. I think this hormonal. I go today to get my FSH levels tested. I will let you know what I find out.

You're doing way too much. I am 5 weeks post op and I still don't vacumn or mop the floor until my docs say ok. I hear vacumning is the worst thing you can do. Please don't risk hurting yourself and setting yourself back. Preventative measures now will pay off in the long run.

It sounds like your belly button incision may have an infection starting. Call your doc on that one. I had one of my lavh incisions open at 3 weeks post op and drain some red blood, but it was all healed up after 5 days again..very tiny opening..the nurse told me to use alcohol on it and keep it dry..but she did say if it was draining like yellow and I began a fever to call back..but I never had that and got it healed by myself.

Do take better care of yourself and don't be doing so much. When you do have a day you over do, rest all the day the next and don't do much. I am in shock what you're all doing at a little over 2 weeks post op. Even though we have an LAVH with only 3 tiny incisions doesn't mean you haven't had major surgery inside..ok?

I wish you luck and please rest and quit doing some of those things..have someone help you, so you don't end up hurting yourself that could have a major impact for years to come. Best of luck and you have my prayers!!!

I had a pain with breathing and they told me it was gas....your belly button sounds infected, even if you're not running a temp. I would agree with everyone else and say you're doing too much! Also, it wouldn't hurt to put a call into the doc and mention everything. Always, ALWAYS better safe than sorry!! Good luck and rest!!