post-op 4weeks - what activities can I do?

All of your advice and comments have been very helpful.

I am starting my 4th week post-op. The Doc took both ovaries, uterus and cervix. He also put me on hormone patches after 2 weeks of night sweats and hot flashes. I can not sit on the couch one more week. Help!! I am stir crazy. I have been out shopping 2 times and once to the library, but now I am worried I have done too much. I haven't had any bleeding - just pain. I try to take it easy.

Can you tell me what things I can do without overdoing it?

My Dr. said I could add activities as I felt ready to do them - however, I have a lifting restriction of no more than 5 lbs for 3 months, and I'm also on complete pelvic rest for 3 months. I wasn't allowed to drive for 4 weeks, but I'm finally past that point.

I've tried not to do too much, but I have started going to some of my activities like church, Bible Study, choir, and worship team. I have also been getting together with a good friend of mine to go grocery shopping (I can't do it by myself with the lifting restriction).

I did notice yesterday evening that I had a slight bloody discharge - I haven't had any discharge to this point so I was a little surprised, especially since I didn't think I did that much yesterday. I guess the stitches are probably just starting to dissolve... I see the Dr. tomorrow so I'll know for sure then!

Oh - by the way - I have found that as I do more, I'm building my stamina and I'm able to add a little more the next day...

God Bless - Wendy

This is a hard question to answer because we are all so different. But...I'll give you my 2 cents worth. I divide my time between standing, walking, sitting, and lying down during the day. I predetermine an amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to tidy up the house or iron or water plants or sweep the patio, etc.---and when the time is up, even if I'm not done, I sit down. I stop before I hurt. I saved up several sit-down projects to work on during recovery (updating photo albums, address book, and getting my 2002 date book ready) and that has helped during my sitting times. After a while---the TV shows get VERY OLD! Ugh! I think the only time I overdid myself was when I took a walk outside and it felt sooooooooo wonderful, I walked to far and then, I had to make it back home! I've been a bit more careful about that now!

If I ventured out to the library, I made that my main activity for the day. I always rested (lying down) when I got home---just to stay ahead of the game.

This probably isn't very helpful, but I wanted to try. It IS VERY hard to stay on the couch when we have been so active prior to surgery.

I think the hardest thing for me to understand is what happens if we overdue it---in terms of damage to the body. I could live with making myself exhausted, but I sure don't want to tear anything or damage something inside. That is where I get nervous, so I have been really taking it easy---Ugh!

And then...I'm sure there are women that are out and jogging at this point! Just like having children...so many different scenarios! Good Luck with your recovery. I'll quit rambling!