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

	Quote:
Originally Posted by laura13 [color="DarkSlateGray"]Hi Sisters! I found these lists of what was ok and not ok to do in the first TWO WEEKS following surgery... Allowed Picking up pillows and repositioning them-allowed Turning on dishwasher AFTER SOMEONE ELSE HAS LOADED IT-allowed Folding laundry-allowed Taking short, easy walks and gentle stretching-allowed Asking others for help-allowed and encouraged

One minor thing - doing the dishes as long as someone else puts them in the sink and puts them away later.

I screwed up after my last cyst surgery by too much lifting a week after surgery. This time, I'm not lifting anything heavier than my laptop for at least two weeks.

Danirae - I know what you mean! It almost feels too good to be true (re. periods). I have a bunch of pads and tampons to give away, but something is almost scared to do it because this might not be for real. LOL

Laura13 - Thanks for the list. Good reminder!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by forcythia One minor thing - doing the dishes as long as someone else puts them in the sink and puts them away later. I screwed up after my last cyst surgery by too much lifting a week after surgery. This time, I'm not lifting anything heavier than my laptop for at least two weeks.

I believe the list recommends ONLY turning on the dishwasher...no lifting or putting away of dishes. I wouldn't recommend standing and washing the dishes at the sink either. Possibly directing the person who is lifting as to where to put away or you will loose your spatula for three weeks....
Also, be careful with that laptop...especially when lifting it off your lap and twisting to put it next to you...

The point is "Don't do it." If you are doubting whether to lift, push, pull or stretch, Don't Do It! A simple move like bending to pick up a dropped sock can potentially result in a lot of internal damage and de-rail your progress. So, leave that sock on the floor, leave the dishes in the sink, don't make the bed, and just wave to the dust bunnies gathering in the corners. I gave the "Clean Police" a couple of weeks off.

"I only have one chance to heal properly."

Laura

i do like to stand maybe more than recommended post-op. I think it has to do with remembering that the drugs you got for surgery back in the 70s left you feeling very unsteady and dizzy for days. I don't have that reaction with post-op pain drugs today.

With "doing the dishes," I completely agree with you on not loading or unloading the dishwasher and with putting or dishes away. But, if you feel OK standing, and you're just doing some dishes in the sink, I can't see doing a few dishes as problematic (don't bother cleaning heavy item, especially not iron skillets).

Even made myself breakfast this morning, three days post op.

For many us, taking care of yourself involves doing as much for yourself as you reasonably can. I hate to feel helpless, and you basically are the first day post-op. Whatever I can safely do for myself, I'll do.

Hi! This is my first post since surgery on the 12th. All went very well. Surgery was at 100pm time that was scheduled. I was awake in recovery at 430pm. My Dr. was wonderful. When I woke up pain was maybe a 4. The nurse game me something and that was the last drug I had for pain. I had a little floaty feeling till the anesthesia wore off. The dry mouth and the scratchy throat from the tube were my biggest complaint. Continued till the next day. I had cranberry juice, tea and water. Also a couple bites of pizza and fresh fruit around 600pm. Didn't sleep at all the night in the hospital. Was wide awake. The nurse took my catheter out around 530am and I immediately started my rounds walking the floor. Gas was moving out and Dr. came in at 730 am and released me to go home. I think the moving around and the car ride moved the gas from the anesthesia to my shoulder By the timeI got home and it was horrible. Worked through that. Taking Gas x and an occasional ibuprofen seem to help. Hot flashes haven't kicked in yet. Waiting. Sleeping is somewhat of an issue. Fall asleep then wake around 2am and have trouble going back. Went out to get a bite to eat second night. Each day is better. No bleeding. Already had a couple of BM's with no problem. I definitely feel the wait and anticipation were much worse than the actual procedure and post op. You will all do fine and you too will be on the other side soon. Feel great.

Great that you've made such progress!

My surgery was july 9th. I have been getting around really good since Thursday. I am down to just ibroprofin (sp) and stool softeners. On sat I went yard saleing. I had to get out of the house. I didn't pickup anything heavy, drive, or bend a lot. I figured it was walking around. The walking felt good but I underestimated the bad roads we had to go on, so I took a long nap when I came home. I have washed dishes twice but felt fine doing it. I have 2 children under 7 so I have to take care of them. They r being great helps though.

The main problem that I am having is constipation even though I am off the meds. I have only had 1 bm this week. Last night I woke up like 4 time because of the rectum pain. I have been doing everything I'm supposed to: drinking water, eating LOTS of fruit, fiber, walking, taking stool softeners religously but nothing is working. I can't stand up straight because I get pain. I gave up today and took a laxative. Wow lots of cramping now. But I'll deal with the cramping if I can get things moving. Now just waiting. Lol.

My hormones are kinda crazy right now even though I kept my left ovary. I am getting hot flashes (they r not too bad) and have been having crazy dreams. Either I am fighting somebody or they are hot and steamy. Its not fair. Its going to be hard waiting another 7 weeks if I keep waking up hot and bothered. Lol. Has anybody else been having dreams like that or am I crazy?

Day three and four post-op, still doing good. Still no pain, just some soreness. But it gets a little better every day. I'm so thankful that I haven't had any bleeding since I left the castle. It's really hard not to do anything when you feel good. But I'm not, because I don't intend on having a setback. Good luck to all my sisters out there. Wish y'all the best. Take care and God Bless.

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.