Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Apr 23-Apr 29,2012

mdickerson: oh dear. I read in another thread pink spotting is ok, red spotting is not. I hope you're ok.

Another lesson in moderation hitting the HysterSisters, thank you for sharing because every day is an exercise in self-control and it helps to hear where those limits might be. Do you need more pain medication than ibprophen? That's what it's there for. I had to take a Percocet last night, why does that feel a bit like defeat? But it kind of does. I'm just so glad to have it on hand though.

We are a bunch of ambitious women!

OK, off the computer, my abdomen is starting to complain!

mdickerson

Me too. Not bad pain just two steps forward, one step back.

Hi Pacific NW, you're right it does feel like a setback although I know it's not. I had major knee surgery 2 yrs ago & knew my limitations upfront; when ur on crutches & have screws in your knee it's a definite reminder. When all
of your trauma is on the inside there
are days you tend to forget a little.
I have really enjoyed reading everyones posts. I have friends who have had hysters in the past but nice to know what everyone is going through now.
I have really enjoyed everyones

I had red spotting , pain and increased belly swelling after a week and a 1/2 and decided I felt well enough to go grocery shopping, buy a baby gift and clean the kitchen. Laid around the next two days until the bleeding stopped. The doctor just said to take it easy and I would be ok which I was. Now I mentally decide what I will do each day as well as schedule a morning and afternoon time to get off my feet. It is way out of character for me as I normally rest never and sleep little. However, it seems to be working and I'm feeling well. It is a very conscious effort to rest before feeling tired.

I've been fatigued today - but really, it hasn't been that bad. I want to stay awake as much as possible so I sleep good tonight. I had to attend two meetings for work (located just a mile down the road) and could lay down on the couch for both of them. But just being there exhausted me - and so when I got back I took a nap.

The hardest thing for me now is watching my poor husband having to do all the household chores. And today, my youngest daughter started puking and has the flu - so more for my husband to keep up with - along with trying to get work done. I feel so bad about not being able to help more. He assures me that the he is okay - he just wants me to concentrate on healing so I don't have any setbacks and get back up on my feet in good time.

The swollen belly is still there - I look 4 months pregnant or so and am up about 6 pounds from when I went into surgery. The swelling is due to the large hematoma and some water retention. I do drink a ton of fluids through-out the day. I'll be glad when I can get back to regular exersize again - I miss it.

Glad to see so many of you doing well.

Just wanted to thank you all for your posts-I don't always have time to post but I try to check out the website every couple days to see where everyone else is in their recovery. I'm 2 weeks post-op tomorrow and since I had to have an ultrasound two days after my discharge to make sure I wasn't retaining urine he said I didn't have to follow up until 4 weeks. I like many of you feel pretty good. I stopped heavy pain meds at day 9 but have them if I should need them-taking Tylenol and Motrin for pain. My daughter plays softball so I've been walking and enjoying her games. Yesterday I went to volunteer at our local pregnancy crisis center and it felt great to get out and spend time with some lovely ladies. Last night I was exhausted and pain was up a bit. I decided to rest most of the day today, had a slight pink discharge and not happy about it but I also realize I have to pace myself. My 8 inch incision site looks good. I came home with steri strips only but I'm sure I'm stiched inside. Other than that I thank God for my speedy recovery and strength to rest!!! God Bless you all! Oh yeah my doctor put me down to be out 8 weeks if needed-will probably go back at 6-can't imagine how some are going back so soon.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by adpitan Just curious. Is anyone having difficulty with their appetite or cravings? For some reason, I'm really just not all that hungry but am craving chocolate shake.

Yeah, like you said, appetite poor. For me, it's protein. Peanut butter takes really good, and I'm craving meat.

Ok, realized it's been a few days since my last update. Been doing a lot, actually. When grocery shopping- had the kids do all the lifting and rode that electronic grocery cart. It felt good to get out of the house. Went camping for a night (we have an RV)- warned my husband I would be up in the middle of the night and I was- had a BM coming and it took until 3 am to arrive. I am finding I can do a lot, as long as it's "A LITTLE" at a time. I can tell when I am overdoing it because I need my stronger pain meds at night or I don't sleep.

The most bothersome thing at this point is everything seems to revolve around my butt and having BMs. Even gas wipes me out- I need to rest as it causes pain as I feel it snake around my intestines before it finally comes out an hour or so later. If I have a really hard BM, I hurt for hours afterward. Seems like I am taking pain meds around my BM, rather than on a schedule. Keeping up with daily fiber is a must, but even then it just lessens the pain.

Anyone feeling "bossy" with telling others to pick things up? I packed for camping but didn't lift a thing- the only way it happened was by me telling my kids (they are all older- 14 to 22) what to do at each step so I didn't lift anything heavier than one food item at a time. It felt a little lazy of me to be giving all the directions, rather than be helping, with the items. I did make dinner at camp- something simple, but I feel it's still lopsided. I'm trying to make myself rest, but it's a chore.

hi!
i am 2 weeks today from my surgery. i am feeling pretty good...as long as i don't laugh too hard. just feel kind of bruised. i am still spotting...and i hate to say this...but it smells awful. like old dried blood. the spotting is light brown. so, i am guessing that this is just the old blood moving out...but the smell can be overwhelming. is anyone having this?

I am 12 days post op and feeling good. I am still a little tender and only take motrin on occasion. Yesterday I voted, went out to lunch and got a Mani/Pedi . When I got home I was ready to go to bed early. I am so lucky that I am able to sleep throughout the night.
Tomorrow my mom goes back home. She has been here doing everything. Since I have had my surgery I only have had to take care of my personal needs. My husband will be at work during the day and I know I will try to do things around the house. I just hope I do not overdo it tomorrow.
I do enjoy reading about everyone's progress. Continued healing wishes to all of you.