Is it normal to still feel tired and achy?

I had a abdominal hysterectomy nearly 6 weeks ago. My uterus was the size of a 5 month pregnancy and was full of fibroids etc. My question is, is it normal to still feel pretty awful? I am very tired and ache alot. I'm going back to work teaching in 2 weeks and I'm really nervous about whether or not I can handle it. I keep hearing about how wonderful I should be feeling and I'm not!

I am sorry you arent feeling 100% yet. Please remember that your body has been through so much and is still healing. Have you started walking a little bit every day? For me, this helped alot. I didnt go far but, every little bit helps.

Keep your head up! Big hugs!

I felt very similar to you at 6 weeks - I couldnt get back to work until 11 weeks so don't push yourself too much. This op can take its toil on us and everyone recovers at a different pace.

I was feeling frustrated (and a little guilty) but I realise now that Im getting better that I was really sick and needed that time just to heal

Be kind to yourself....you've been through a lot

I was still feeling pretty bad at 6 week. It takes your whole body to heal & that takes a lot out of you. You one have one chance for a great recovery so be good to yourself. If your not ready for work maybe your doctor could write you a note to stay home longer. I could not have gone back to work at 8 weeks. Best wishes.

If you're stuck and HAVE to go back, even when you feel you're not ready, then you'll have to control the areas of rest you can. Like trying to keep your feet propped up (very helpful.) Asking others to help you whenever you can, resting more at home (enlist others if you can to kick in more), etc. Take much care!

Kara

I wasn't up to going back at 6 weeks so waited until 8.

Although I felt much better by then and went back part time it was still really tough and I just sit at a desk driving a computer (in a really stressful environment). The tiredness was overwhelming & I still think it was the only set back in my recovery!

Don't beat yourself up, if you are not ready to go back try and delay it by a week or two.

Hi Henry
I am also a teacher, I had a TVH and went back to work half days at 6 weeks. I am now at 7 weeks and working full time. I am exhausted. So if you can take more time, do it. Teaching is a tough job and you need to be feeling good. I wish I had done another week of half days.

Hi Henry. I feel like I should be feeling better, too. I'm a professor & had to go back at 4 weeks. Luckily I'm only teaching one class this month, but I'll be teaching a full load starting in Feb. I'm so exhausted!! I know I went back too soon, but had no choice. As soon as I went back to work last week, I caught some respiratory infection that I can't shake. My advice is to rest when you can. Take care and boost your immune system before you go back to work.

It took me 3 months before the tired achy got better. From what I have read on this site it does take a year before you start to feel better. My energy level came back by 5 months. I would have days when I could not do anything. My body would just shut down once a week so that I could sleep. So take it slow and by all means do not push yourself your body will let you know when you have gone overboard.

Our dates are within 2 days, same procedure and same huge uterus size!!! I asked for an extension at my 6 week check up with my doctor. If you can afford it and have the continued support I would take it. I only feel about 60-70% myself. It is not just the body stuff but also the mind and emotions and spirit. Take more time if you can--you and your WHOLE self need the time and TLC to heal--take it, you deserve it after all we have been thru!!!