Postop? how soon

is one able to stay awake or feel like reading? using the computer? do needlework or even be awake. Do you sleep alot at first? How am I going to stay sane if the doctor tells me I can't do work for 6 weeks. I am mostly afraid of going stir crazy.

nervously,

ijkh

The first few days at home I was able to get online for a short time, walk around, and stayed awake for most of the day (napping on and off) I was in a drug induced fog for about a week - could not really focus on books. As I weaned off the drugs, I was able to do more and was more productive.

I stocked up on lots of things to do during my recovery - books, crafts, DVDs, etc. I watched the entire 10 seasons of "Friends". I found that I moved from one thing to another, not really getting much done at first.

By 4 weeks, I was bored so I sent DD to the store for fabric and patterns. I made my niece 7 jumpers and two dresses...with matching socks and hairbows. It felt great to be creative and productive.

You will get bored at times, esp until you can drive. But you need that "down" time to heal and get stronger.

Don't rush things, use this time to learn something new - read one of the classics - do something special for yourself.

Hang in there - it does get better

Mary Beth

Mary Beth,

Thanks for the info! I know we all heal differently, but it's great to have an idea of a timeline. It's funny I have 9 seasons of the x-files to watch.... never thought about that till you talked about it

I had an exceptionally easy time my first week of recovery! I know every woman is different and I expected some discomfort but the only thing that knocks me out is the fatigue. On day 4 DH took me shopping and put me in a wheelchair, we had fun but after 2 hours of that I slept half of day 5. It's now day 9 and I feel GREAT but if I'm up watering plants and walking to a neighbors I know I'll be quite tired tonight.
Make sure to rent movies that only YOU want to watch for the first couple days and expect to fall asleep before the end!! Remember to listen to your body, it will tell you when you are doing too much, and then retreat to your favorite chair stuffed with pillows! Good luck! I know you will be just fine!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by ijkh is one able to stay awake or feel like reading? using the computer? do needlework or even be awake. Do you sleep alot at first? How am I going to stay sane if the doctor tells me I can't do work for 6 weeks. I am mostly afraid of going stir crazy. nervously, ijkh

ijkh,
I took a book with me to the castle knowing that I would be there for 3 days in a private room. Between walking, seeing how high I could get that ball to float in those lung-toys, and dozing off, I didn't get too much reading done there.
During my four week recovery period at home, I was kind of drowsy the first week, but...it was nice knowing that I didn't have to do anything BUT get some rest (and go for short walks.)
It took me about the whole month to get one book read. It wasn't so much from being tired, as it was kind of hard to focus, visually and mentally (I suppose from all the narcotics leaving your system.)
I was on my computer a lot during weeks 3 and 4 and if I had a laptop, I probably would have been on it even more, (visiting the Land of Hyster!) I did a lot of walking with my dogs and got stronger and better every day.

Sadly...before I knew it,
my four weeks was up
and I had to go back to work.

I wish my doctor would have let me stay home another two weeks, I was starting to grow accustomed to it!

i was able to read, walk around, do some light sweeping, cleaning etc when i got home. just listen to your body. you'll know when youre ready to do things.

The first week for me I was light headed and *foggy* and couldn't really focus on anything. Being on the computer made me feel sick almost immediately and I had a hard time writing (ie thank you notes). I didn't even bother trying to read because I knew I was having a hard time focusing. Once I got off my pain pills, things improved. By about the 2nd week I was fine to read, be on the computer, write, etc.

Buy some new language cd's. I'm having fun learning Italian!

I was thinking French. I will go to the library and see if they have Berlitz or language lesson cds. Great idea.



Thanks

Ilene