Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Feb 20-Feb 26,2012

When people ask how I am I don't usually say "good" either. I usually say I am tired. Because it's true. lol.

I went to a party this weekend. One for adults! Usually I only get to go to kid parties (which completely wear me out). I am not a big party person, but it was fun to get out and there weren't too many people. The ones who were there were interesting.

Then yesterday, DH and I talked about our "roommate issues." This is how I refer to differences in household expectations and arguments over chores not done. Since I've been down for the count, no one has been doing anything.Time for this to change.

So yesterday, after our good talk, I got some stuff done. I swept up dog hair. I prefer to suck it up with the vacuum but our vac is quite heavy and my back hurts a lot lately. Nothing else too major, but enough small things that I was really tired last night. Physically tired, but not in pain, because I really did pace myself. I still tire very easily so I take lots of breaks.

I have been feeling frustrated though because I feel so very far behind. I found a way to slowly get caught up. Yay! But then I keep having weird things pop up that are frustrating, time-consuming and possibly expensive to fix.

I was going to get a few groceries yesterday because we were out of coffee beans. (This constitutes a domestic emergency at our house.) I was getting my canvas bag out of the back of the car to bring into the grocery store when I noticed that the handle was frayed. I thought it got chewed up in the washer, but I was wrong. I reached for a different bag and found mouse poop in it. UGH! Mice in a car can cause major expensive damage. Plus it's just plain gross. So I had to clean out the car, but to really get it clean I will have to get it detailed.

From what I have read, the best way to keep mice out of a car is to keep the area where it is parked mouse-free. Um. It's in the driveway and we live on the edge of the boonies.

<mini-rant>
I am just annoyed because every time I feel like we've finally got things together, some weird thing happens. When I was a month out from my second brain surgery, we had a flood in our kitchen which also affected the bathroom. We had horribly noisy construction going on for 6 weeks while I was trying to recover, plus part of it wasn't covered by insurance so we had major costs to fix it all. This was on top of major medical bills.

This year I guess it's just pests so far. Yuck. But at least the lice checks came up empty last night. I am just tired of things adding to our workload and costing extra money. And I could do without the "ick" factor.
<end mini-rant>

The upside of things is that at least we'll get some tax money back to help pay the medical bills. And to my surprise, DD cleaned up something on her own. That alone is probably cause for celebration. Plus yesterday, I was able to go an entire day without wearing a panty liner.

I'm at 8 weeks tomorrow but I still have had some spotting pretty much since the hyster except for maybe 7 days (not in a row). It also seems like either I am spotting or I am completely dry. Like overly dry to where I need a moisturizer. Once the spotting is over, I guess I'll see if this is an all the time thing, or something that varies with ovulation.

I think I am still ovulating with my single ovary, because I have been getting pimples periodically, like before. But other than that, (and feeling very amorous for a few days probably close to mid-cycle) I don't know how to tell.

I'm not dancing and seeing unicorns. I'm 7 weeks post op now and every time I get up, I'm reminded of my hyster. My incisions are still numb and very sore. (3 laps and a abdominal)

I have lumbar facet joint arthritis and it is worse than it was before the hyster.

I was in very good shape before the hyster, but now I feel weak, old, and feeble.

I started walking (I was a runner before the hyster) 2 weeks ago. Nice easy walks - not fast, but not slow either. Each time I walk a mile. I've done this 4 times in the last week and a half.

For the last few days I have been tired, sore, and achy. I just feel like I'm not making any progress. The last few days I've felt pretty crappy.

On a good note, I'm not really leaking urine anymore. I have/had a vvf - fistula. The surgeon hooked my bladder when suturing the vaginal cuff. It did not heal properly. Anyway, I think it may be healing on its own. I see my uro/gyn April 30th. If it's 100% healed, there needs to be confirmation.

So, I walk and do kegels.

I hope I begin to feel more like normal soon - I'm starting to feel discouraged.

Hugs to you, Four Seasons. I'm impressed that you are walking 4 miles a week. You're far ahead of me. I hope you continue to gain strength and will feel like running again soon.

I'm not dancing yet either unfortunately. It's my primary exercise but I haven't had the energy yet. I can leave the unicorns.
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UPDATE: Never mind about the not needing to wear a liner. I'm spotting again. I think it's to do with the doc using what he called a slow-dissolving suture.

And, tomorrow makes 8 weeks so I am cleared for sex (non-deep, non-vigorous sex). But I don't much feel like having sex. Oh, well.

I am feeling tired too. But I think some of that is chemo related. This past weekend I vacuumed for the first time. I also worked out doing a Jillian DVD yesterday. I did skip a couple of the core exercises because I was afraid of doing too much right away. I haven't had swelly belly in a week - yay! - and all my regular clothes are fitting me again. I have lost weight, again probably because of the chemo.

The worst though is the insomnia. I just don't sleep more than 4 hours at a time. It is horrid!

Take it easy and slow sisters. Your day to do all you wanted will come.

I love seeing the positive comments...some shopping for new clothes, returning to activities...

Today I went back to work for the first time, after 7 weeks. It was a "half day," which ended up being about 6 hours of work, 1.5 hours commute, and 30 mins of lunch. I am beyond exhaustion and am stinging and swollen, and can't say I was too productive, but it is a bit early to go to bed. Soon though, since my day starts earlier tomorrow. I was not surprised at this experience, but it's not a great feeling.

Hopefully I will acclimate quickly over the course of this week, since I am required to get back to full schedule (and significant productivity) next week. I have to say, my employer is behaving well overall.

well had a rough start ,, went for my 6 weeks postop appt. really stinks no work yet,, having some troubles ,, severe pain on left side,, lower back problems and really tired cann't seem to get my energy back .. so doc did ultra sound found fluid arond ovary and possible adhesion,, so might have to go back in an take the left ovary and then had more blood work.. i really want to feel better soon.. possible go back to work May st.. will be done work on the 17th due to college summer break,, really want to work for a few weeks,,back to the doc's on the 27th,, maybe good news,, feeling really depressed.stinks..

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Originally Posted by DancingPopcorn _______________________ UPDATE: Never mind about the not needing to wear a liner. I'm spotting again. I think it's to do with the doc using what he called a slow-dissolving suture. And, tomorrow makes 8 weeks so I am cleared for sex (non-deep, non-vigorous sex). But I don't much feel like having sex. Oh, well.

Dancing...I understand about the spotting. The doc broke it to me last week that the vag cuff is held together with "120-day" sutures. In my case, some of those sutures are exposed. While that doesn't compromise the strength of the closure, it does mean that activity is likely to cause spotting or even a bit of bleeding until we hit the 4-month mark. Also, doctor recommended that, when we resume after the 8 weeks milestone, my partner should use a condom until stitches dissolve, as much for his comfort as for mine. I have to admit that, with my really sore abdomen (a vertical incision that's fairly small but annoying), I am not exactly feeling my most seductive yet :-)

9 weeks today. Felt depressed, and sad all day. No energy. Lots of joint pain. And discomfort in my abdomen, from my sling and bladder operation. Its hard to know if the pain is from the hysterectomy or my bladder operation. Wonder if this is common to feel depressed and sad? I am using estrgogel and test. cream. Both drs. said, i am healing good.

Gunna, the last few days I've felt pings and pangs in the rectal area, around my vaginal cuff (or so I think that's where its coming from), and of course, all along my incisions.

If I sit too long, I'm uncomfortable. If I stand too long, I'm uncomfortable. If I sleep too long, I'm uncomfortable.

I'm wondering if nerves are connecting/healing. My outside incision are nice and healed, however, I don't know how many layers of inner stitches that I have healing. Not to mention, my bladder was hooked during the suturing of my vaginal cuff! I'm dealing with a healing bladder too.