TVH scheduled....relieved, but worried!

Hi. I'm 49, and have scheduled my TVH on 4/19. I have moderate/severe uterine prolapse, and recurring cysts on my left ovary. The plan is to take the uterus (since apparently it's trying to exit on its own anyway!), cervix, and possibly the left ovary, leaving the right ovary intact so I can avoid HRT.

I am not really scared about the surgery itself, as I have been through a tubal and endometrial ablation. Totally looking forward to not having the pain of cysts rupturing, or the pain and pressure of my uterus sinking. I am somewhat concerned about the recovery period though.

Like I said, I'm 49, but in above average physical shape. I do some kind of exercise 4-5 times a week.....fitness walking, eliptical, Y classes, weights, etc. I'm also active in general, working in my yard, etc. The part of this whole ordeal that worries me the most is the amount of time before I can return to work and to the gym. It may sound nuts, but in the last year I have lost about 20 pounds, and work my butt off to not put it back on. The thought of not being able to work out for 4-6 weeks totally freaks me out!

I know my doc said I may feel pretty rough for the first week, pain and lots of tiredness. The second week, he said I could start walking again....not hard or fast, but getting out and strolling my neighborhood or a slow pace on the treadmill. No lifting for several weeks. I teach high school, so I am planning to go back to school after 2 weeks, spending most of my time sitting down. I can take a 3rd week if necessary.

Is returning to an exercise routine a concern of anyone else? What about plans to return to work?

Thanks for any feedback, and best of luck to all of us facing upcoming surgeries!

I too lost 20 lbs and was able to keep it off for a few years. Unfortunately, with my condition, I have gained it all back. I would exercise and couldn't figure out why I was not losing anything but now I know why. As I haven't been feeling too good, I don't do any vigorous exercise now as its too hard on me. But I sure as heck miss it as I love it... as crazy as that may sound. I am sure your body will tell you how it will feel after surgery. So the key will be to listen to your body and to your doctor and not push yourself. You only get one chance to heal properly and so when you have completely recovered, you will be able to resume your exercise program.

I understand your desire to bounce back quickly, but I am concerned about your urgency at getting right back into things right away.

I've read elsewhere that walking on the treadmill is not advisable, even at a slow pace, so soon after surgery. You need to be able to adjust your pace if you feel a pull or pain. I started walking around at the hospital the night of my surgery and I had an abdominal incision. The key was that I was going very very slowly and had a pillow pressed against my tummy the entire time.

Even though you are not going to have exterior wounds, you are going to have a lot of tiny stitches inside that need time to heal. You are also going to be tired for quite a while due to 1) Surgery 2) Pain Meds 3) Pain 4) Blood loss from Surgery 5) Your body using a lot of energy to Heal itself.

Please don't try to rush yourself and push yourself so hard. Even sitting for long periods of time is going to be exhausting for a while and possibly uncomfortable - remember you are going to have stitches in your v-jay-jay. Could they reschedule your operation so you could recover over summer break? If not, I highly suggest you take the full 3 weeks that you can take. I took 6 weeks off & was still wiped out for several weeks after returning to work.

If you just walk, walk, walk (slowly & thoughtfully) you will help your gas pains, muscle aches, etc. and keep your weight under control while you heal. Seriously, as long as you're not laying in bed all day eating whole pans of lasagna and brownies, you should be ok for a few weeks. You may be surprised at how little appetite you have for a while, so you may actually lose a little bit.

Please don't worry so much about getting back to working out - concentrate on resting and recovering and taking care of yourself! Pamper the Princess!!!!

Good point, Raquel. I know my doc said the same thing about just being up moving helping with the gas pains, etc. I don't plan on anything strenuous for at least 4 weeks, or however long it takes. Strolling my neighborhood will probably be as rambunctious as I get! I just worry about how hard it will be to get back into my workout routine.

I do like the Pamper the Princess part though! I think I will adopt that mantra!