How much can I expect to do at 7 wks post op?

My TAH is scheduled for September 6th and I am supposed to work at a trade show for three days near the end of October. (The ONE big show of the year!)

This trip would involve travelling across the country (4+ hour flight) carrying big suitcase (on wheels) and laptop computer, setting up computer equipment, being on my feet in the booth all day, and entertaining clients in the evenings. It's going to be a hectic three days with very little rest.

What's your expert opinon? Should I back out of the commitment and find a replacement for myself NOW, or do you think there's a good chance I will have healed enough by then (at 7 weeks post-op) to handle it?

Thanks for your input!

OH MY - I went back to work 1/2 days at 7 weeks...my office is about 3 miles from my house and I worked 4 hours a day and was totally exhausted and in pain at the end of each day. There's no way I could of possibly done all that at 7 weeks. That's a hard one...IF I were in that situation I'd be getting another person lined up.

Everyone heals differently, so it's hard to say. But it does sound like it's going to be an awful lot at such an early stage of your recovery. I would hate to have you jeapordize your healing process, but please strongly consider lining up a replacement.

Hyster hugs,
Rita

I am 7 wks tomorrow and just went back light duty last weds. I worked 4-6 hrs last week mostly in the office doing light work. I worked 4 hrs yest and 6 today and my belly is a swelly!!! it really has not been swollen much since surgery. I was really surprized as I thought I was doing quite a bit at home. I also have been very tender across my entire abdomen which I havent felt since the 3rd week. I would get a replacement now while they all know you are recovering. Once you go back and dont look different they expect alot out of you. You could always ask your Dr as she/he knows what went on inside. Or is going to go on inside. I vote no. I am a very energetic person who is very actively normally and had no post op problems.

Hi Karen. Please be concerned about doing to much after your surgery. Sounds like a very long trip and carrying heavy things so soon after your surgery. I've always been one to make plans ahead. I live by my calendar with 2 active kids. With my previous laps. with endo I recovered quickly and figured I would do the same with my LAVH, but boy did it show me something different. I ended up with complications with my bladder, a complex hematoma, back in the hospital 1 week after my surgery, and having surgery again to remove the hematoma. I'm almost 11 weeks post-op from my 1st sugery and just now feeling good. My Dr says it will take time to build up my stammina. Not trying to scare you or discourage you, but if you will continue reading the post-ops on this wonderful site it may help you as it has me. Best wishes Karen on your up coming surgery.
Mary

Last Friday (when I was 7.5 weeks post op) I went to the grocery store and pushed the grocery cart for the first time. All I put in it was 3 gallons of milk and 3 dozen eggs. After that I went to a play and sat for 3 hours. There was a 10 minute intermission and I stood up and walked around a bit. Well, Sat morning I was in a world of hurt. I couldn't believe that I had over-did it the day before. After all, I had been sooooo careful and had a fairly easy recovery. In addition, I had slowly started to do housework for a week and a half and I could walk for 15 minutes on my teadmill. My vote is to find someone else to do the show this year.

karen,

I am 10 weeks post opp TAHBSO and went to Laughlin Neveda last weekend for alittle fun. I ended up carrying a suitcase that was probibly 20 to 25 lbs and I'm still sore aweek later. Sounds like an awful lot to be doing at 7 weeks. You can always ask your Doctors opinion. Cat

I have to agree with the others. Frankly, that's a lot to do for someone in perfect health! Get a replacement, and you'll never be sorry. I can only go by my own experience and what I've seen here on the boards over the past year.

I will say that when I first discovered this site at 3 weeks post-op, I had NO idea that I wouldn't be 100% at 7 weeks. Thank God for this site!

My very best to you...

Linda

Hi!

I am now 7 wks. post-op. I'm feeling well, but every time I am on my feet for very long I feel as if an elephant is sitting on me. Saw my dr. for my last post-op check last Thurs. He said I am healing very well, but it will be "a good 8 mos. before you don't feel the effects of having had surgery." He gave me the green light on all activities, but said to do it all very gently. I've listened to my body and I have permission from the Hyster Sisters to heed my body's advice. Others would prefer that I hurry up and get back in the groove, but the sisters and my DH all say to slow down. What excellent advice. My advice would be to fine a replacement, because you don't know how you'll feel. Better safe than sorry. And it sounds like the majority would advise the same thing. Take care, go slowly (especially when you are feeling really well, because you tend to do too much then), and rest even when you think you can't rest anymore! s to you!

I think that'd be too much activity and would ask someone else to do it. I'm almost 4 weeks postop and Dr. says no lifting of anything over 1 gal. milk until 8 weeks post op.

Good luck
Sandra C
TAH/BSO 6/28