Recovery Progress Reports for Hysterectomy dates Jul 09-Jul 15,2012

Hi all! I'm now on day 4 of recovery and here's the update:

1. I feel really good except that I'm constipated. I've been taking Colace to no avail so I took Milk of Magnesia night before last - the minimum dose. NOTHING. Ugh. Last night I took the middle dose, 3 Tbs. and now I have the runs. At least it's moving, yay! I'm ready to be regular again. I have been drinking water, walking, eating healthy, etc.

2. I've been really resting and taking it easy which is difficult for me as with most women I'm sure. I'm used to going all the time, doing everything and keeping things in order. I've had to really work on letting things go and not worrying about it.

3. Walking - I've been trying to stay with an exercise program by walking 30 minutes every day. I am also doing some hand weights (5 lbs) and squats. The doc cleared me for this so that has been something to look forward to and enjoy. I have a fear of gaining weight and getting flabbier because I can't run for 6 weeks.

4. I'm struggling with the intimacy thing. I will have to learn to enjoy intimacy with my husband without having sex. That's a struggle because we love it so much! I had a tough time this morning especially.

5. My kids are amazing. They've really helped me so much with everything. They're older, 17 and 19 so they're really good at seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

6. I have a great support group of neighborhood women who have provided a week's worth of meals for us. I didn't feel that this was all that necessary until I got them. THEY ROCK! No cooking, no mess, no noise of others in my kitchen. My family just makes a plate, heats it up and viola! A meal!

7. I'm off of my pain medication although I am taking Ibuprofen. Other than that, nothing.

8. I'm looking forward to laying low another week or two and then getting back into the swing of things!

Thank you to all of you who are posting about this journey that we are on together. I hope that we can learn from one another through this!

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Originally Posted by forcythia I'm three days post-op and just did my first walk outside - around the block which is a half mile. It was a very slow half mile. While I'm currently having no pain while sitting (yay!), my gut hurt quite a bit during the walk (haven't had any Motrin in over 6 hours). But, this is good. That means I may not need pain meds during the day and only at night (when any little twinge will wake me up). Also, last time I had cyst surgery, I remember it was hard getting up and down from the toilet. The toilets in this house are fairly low. Even though I had more extensive surgery this time, getting on and off the toilet has been no problem. I have lost about 20 pounds since the last time, and I've been walking a lot, so my legs are probably stronger now than then.

Good for you, Forcythia! I hope that even though you had some twinges you enjoyed the time out of doors. I really do think that fresh air helps so much!

MrsJ - absolutely agree with you on getting out a little. I also have a back deck, and if it wasn't so humid out, I'll be there a little more.

I am post op day 5 today from TAH. Not doing too much, seems my short walks, small meals and a shower is all I can handle so far. I feel like maybe I should be able to increase my activity but not yet. Yesterday was a tough day for me as I was trying for success in the bathroom but all is well now in that department thank god! My appetitie is finally returning although only in small doses. My pain overall is pretty well managed except forthis burning I am having today which is preventing me from my shower. I hoping its normal and will subside so I can shower and freshen up. Does anyone know if this is normal? Thanks

I had a supra cervical laparoscopic abdominal hysterectomy on July 9, 2012. My incision is healing well and I'm not in too much pain. I wasn't expecting the emotional ups and downs. I thought since I still have my ovaries, I wouldn't feel so empty inside. Was I wrong...

Katie22 - I'm sorry you're feeling those ups and downs. I've heard that the ovaries take a while to "kick back in" so maybe they just haven't done that yet. I hope that you're finding things to get your mind off of it. Have you been getting outside for walks? Studies have shown that getting outside improves your mental state. I hope that it helps and keep us posted!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by clindoc I am post op day 5 today from TAH. Not doing too much, seems my short walks, small meals and a shower is all I can handle so far. I feel like maybe I should be able to increase my activity but not yet. Yesterday was a tough day for me as I was trying for success in the bathroom but all is well now in that department thank god! My appetitie is finally returning although only in small doses. My pain overall is pretty well managed except forthis burning I am having today which is preventing me from my shower. I hoping its normal and will subside so I can shower and freshen up. Does anyone know if this is normal? Thanks

I'm one day behind you and I'm hoping I'll have a bathroom success story tomorrow! Thanks for the post!

Post-op Day 6 from TAH

Today seems to be a turning point. I am making sure not to do too much, but it is nice to start to feel human again.

1. I am getting up and out of the furniture faster and without help. We have a oversized couch--it is easy to get lost in it.

2. no pain meds today or ibuprofen.

3. Went for a car ride today. It was wonderful to get outside. I used my daughter's mini pillow pet in my lap to keep the seatbelt off the incision.

4. Walking and standing upright without pain or being hunched over.

5. Was able to get in the kitchen and make myself a snack.

I know I still have to take it easy and not over do it, but it is nice to do more than I was last Tuesday.

I do have one question. How long do you wear the belly binder/belt for during recovery?

Sending hugs and prayers for everyone's revcovery.

All!

It's wonderful to see you all making your way here after your surgery. Your Sunshine Sister, Laura13, has been doing a great job with the thread but I wanted to jump in and say Hi! and

Please remember that we are all different. Individual surgeries, doctor styles, healing speeds, reactions...the list goes on and on. One person can barely get out of bed at several days post op while someone else is out driving to WalMart. Try not to compare if it makes you feel like you aren't healing properly. We all heal at our own pace. If it hurts, don't do it. Listen to your body and YOUR doctor. I was out walking around in the yard at three days post op and found myself pulling weeds. No harm done but what a dummy!

It's fun to hear from everyone, don't be shy and let us know how you are doing. We want to hear from everyone!

I am on day 5 of TAH and last night and this morning were murder until the bowel movement. Been drinking water and eating fresh fruit and veggies, but was able to escape the constipation fate. Staples are scheduled to come out Tuesday and hopefully the pain I feel (feel as if they are pulling) will be gone.