LSH recovery time?

Hey ladies,

I am scheduled for a LSH on the 24th. When the doctor and I decided on it he said the recovery time would be about two weeks and then I should be able to go back to work (I have a job where I sit at my desk and counsel people all day). Well, today I went into my pre-op appointment and they said I would need at least 4 weeks. Now - I recovered from my c-sections very quickly (was drive two days after I delivered my second baby, and three after the twins) so I assumed this wouldn't be any worse than a c-section. Plus, I honestly can't afford to take more than two weeks off work. I don't get paid for that time off and with Christmas right on the horizon and four young children to have Santa visit (my oldest is 8 years old) I can't take any more time off than two weeks.

They were also saying that "There needs to be someone at home to help you." My husband went back to work right away after my c-sections so I assumed that since I am having this done on a Friday he could go back to work on Monday - they looked at me like I was crazy. We have no family besides our kids and we have no friends, it is just us so there really isn't anyone to come and help.

What did you guys who had the LSH do? How was your recovery time? Those of you who had a c-section as well how did it compare. We are leaving the Cervix and the one Ovary I do have in so it is just the uterus that is leaving.

Thanks in advance,

Angel

Hi Angel,
I am scheduled for a TLH on November 19th and the gyn told me to plan at least two weeks as well but I am having bladder surgery as well and the urogyno told me to plan 4 weeks so I am going to go for 3!!!! I also have a desk job but my husband is only taking a couple of days. Just make sure you have things prepared ahead of time. Things that are easy to heat up and things that are easily accesible.
Good Luck.

I had my LSh on 8/26. At the two week mark I was feeling really good. At three weeks I was really sore and that lasted through the 4th week. Although the surgery is simple on the outside it is still major surgery on the inside and will take time to heal. As soon as I didn't need the presciption pain killer i was able to drive, which was immediately.
But I can't stress enough that this is major surgery and to take it easy. Everything get pushed aside during surgery and your abdomin is blown up so nerves are disturbed and there are alot of internal stitches. Don't rush things.
I have my 6 week check up this friday and I'm feeling good.

i was perfectly fine at 2 weeks and was released by my dr for running, gym (just no very heavy weight lifting), and sex. i have always recovered very quickly from any surgery i have had. unfortunatly no one can plan on complications, set backs, etc. you really just have to wait and see how you feel. good luck!

I too was back at work in 10 days. (teacher). I think your doctor is right as long as all goes well. I healed quickly. Best of luck to you

Hi Angel,

I posted almost the identical question a few months ago when I was considering a hysterectomy. When it finally came time to schedule, I talked extensively to my doctor about what to expect as far as recovery. I had some pretty lofty goals as far as returning to activity, and since my surgery was elective, I was willing to put it off until next spring if he didn't think I was being realistic with my expectations.

I had my LSH the Thursday before Labor Day weekend. I spent that Saturday and Monday at family get-togethers for the holiday. Tuesday my husband went back to work and I was at home bored out of my skull (luckily I had a laptop from work and was able to log in to some meetings remotely). Wednesday I drove myself to an eye-exam and then get a haircut. By Thursday I was back to work--desk job, and worked a bit shorter days at first.

The real test was the following week. At 11 days post-op I was able to coach a 2-hour gymnastics class. No lifting or demonstrating (doctor's orders), but he cleared me for that--that was one of my pre-op requests. At 12 days I was skating with my hockey team for our first practice of the season--another pre-op goal.

Like I said, I had some restrictions on the activities. Lifting limits, no hockey games where I risked rough contact, etc.

My doctor didn't make any promises on my recovery at my pre-op, as there is always the risk of complications and stuff. But he did assure me that he would do everything he could to get me back to my normal activities as soon as possible, and said that my schedule was realistic if everything went as planned.

Keep in mind that some of it depends on your overall health before, and how complicated your surgery is. My doctor said that it helped that I was thin, healthy, and physically active prior to surgery. My LSH was relatively easy because I had a very small uterus, with no unexpected complications (he removed a peritubal cyst on my left side, and some adhesions on the right ovary, but nothing major).

Overall, my recovery was much easier than I anticipated. Best of luck to you with your surgery.

-Anita

Thank you everyone. I hope things go well - I don't see why they wouldn't.

Angel

I had an LSH on 8/11. I physically felt pretty good immediately. I actually had less pain after the surgery than I went in with. I was DYING to go back to work at 2 weeks, but my Dr made me wait for 3.