Why such prolonged fatigue after this surgery??

Any idea why the fatigue after this surgery lasts for such a long time (from many months to a year)? Is it like this for most everyone?

~Janet

I have no idea nor have I read anywhere what causes it. I am however "there", experiencing it every single day. I am 6 months out from surgery and that is one of my complaints. It is odd but one of my best girlfriends warned me pre-surgery that it would happen. I am almost to the point that I would like to look for a wonder drug to take each day to boost my energy level. Heaven forbid I go to the gym and try to work out. The next day, I'm 10x worse than the day before. Of course, that explains the weight gain too.

Hi Janet!

I believe that a hysterectomy is like any other major surgery in that it "takes a lot out of" the patient -- at least for most people. For example, I know a heart bypass patient who had to take "mid-morning naps" most days for over year afterwards; a few days ago I talked to a 30-year-old healthy woman who donated a kidney to her mother last February, and she says that taking care of her 2-year-old after a full day at work still "wipes her out."

Prior to having my surgery, I was so delusional that I thought that after my three days in the hospital I would spring out of bed and immediately return to my pre-surgery normal routine. Not!!! And, I was fortunate enough to have a complication-free procedure.

I hope that your upcoming journey to good health goes as well as it possibly can. But, if there is "patience" in your personal bag of tricks, I think it would serve you well to have it at the ready.

Many s and Best Wishes,

I know a lot of women do experience extreme fatigue, but I honestly didn't feel any more tired after the first 8 weeks of recovery than I did before. Of course, I'm always tired as I teach 2nd grade, raise a family, run a household and maintain my marriage. I've always tried to take an afternoon nap after work (doesn't always happen, then it's coffee) so that I can get through the rest of the day/evening and do what I need to do. The hysterectomy didn't change my sleep patterns at all. BTW, I feel WONDERFUL and am so happy not to have anymore of those issues.

I've talked to a few people that said they were completely exhausted even at a year after surgery. I attributed that to each one of them had "everything out" including the ovaries. I'm not sure if the adjustment of hormones has anything to do with it or not.

We have to remember that not only have our bodies undergone the shock of a major surgery but also have to adjust to a new hormone balance, missing parts, healing etc. This is a major stress to the body. We have already been stressing our bodies out by dealing with pain, bleeding etc. for many years. Your adrenals can only handle so much. Long term exhaustion is often a sign of weakened adrenals. This is why is so important to have good nutrition and supplementation after your surgery - not just for a month or so, but long term. Celtic sea salt, stress vitamins (B's) and Vit. C are good for adrenal support. And of course the basic healthy diet - no refined sugars, flours and lots of fresh good food! ALong with good healing time - rest, relaxation and minimizatio of any additional stress.

Amen Aussiegrl - you preach that truth!!!!

It has also been suggested to me to add vitamin D to the mix in the colder season and if you wear sunscreen everyday in the summer you should take it then too.