how long till I feel better?

As I was laying around feeling sorry for myself this afternoon it occured to me that the best place to find at least some sympathy if not the answers to my questions would be here from my new sisters. Today I am 5 days post-op from TAH/LSO and am wondering just a few things. When will the incision quit being so darned ouchy? When will the start to shrink? And when will I quit being so tired? I seem to only be able to make it about 6 hours at a stretch without a one or two hour nap. Other than the sore, swollen belly and the tiredness I think I am getting along pretty well. All things considered. I have cut back on my pain medicine thinking that was causing the neverending fatigue but it has made no difference that I can tell. I just have never been a person to lay around and all the time. I know it is very important for me to get as much rest as I can but I am bored out of my mind.

Also, I had read on here where some of the ladies were telling how wonderful the light support panties were in keeping the swelly belly supported. I have been unable to get out and buy any and then it dawned on me to just cut the legs off a pair on tummy control pantyhose and it works perfectly. Just thought I would share that.

Thanks you all for listening to me whine.

to you all. I have come to depend on this site for help and inspiration. I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.

Janet

hi, I had a TAH on 9/6 . just this past monday my belly finally doesn't hurt nearly as bad. like I can bend over and tie my shoes, and get off the couch or out of bed without grimacing in pain.... As for the swelly belly mine really started to go down on monday and I noticed a big difference today I can actually fit into my work clothes again.. I was feeling the same as you at your point..also I am down to only one daily nap and I was someone that never took naps before.. hang on there ..it does get better..Kathryn

Thanks for the tip on the pantyhose thing. Wish I owned pantyhose (never thought I would say that)
I am sore and tired too and I am almost 2 weeks post op. I hate it. I did go to grocery store today for the first time. It was kind of nice, I was only there for about 20 minutes. My daughter took me.
Anywhooo....just wanted to let you know the support of this site and your feelings are ones most of us experience at some level, I think. Don't like it either.
Good luck and prayers and hugs are with you,
Lemme know how you are doing,
Monica

Hi Janet, my name is Michelle. I'm 10wks post from TAH/BSO. You are very early in recovery and I understand the questions and bordom. Unfortunately the swelly-belly can take up to a year to go away (sorry). I still have that pouchy belly by the afternoon. You should start feeling a little better each day, but remember there is a lot of healing that is being done inside. Take it easy and rest. Walk when you are up to it - that helps with the bowels and getting rid of the gas. Also, drink plenty of water. I've recently returned to work (and wish I was home resting). Be a good princess and do what the DR says and you will be feeling better soon.

Keep us updated on your progress.

Michelle

I am 4 weeks out from my TAHBSO, and it DOES get better. My incision isn't as touchy, and as a matter of fact, when I went to my doctor's apppointment, she didn't have to help me nearly as much sitting back up after my exam. As far as your pain medication, unless you REALLY don't need it, take them!!!! At four weeks my pain has changed, but not gone away. It seems to be more nerve endings healing, and probably other things, too. It is not nearly as bad, though.

Do yourself a favor and SLEEP when your body is tired; it is important for healing! I am sleeping less-at first I slept about 12 hours out of the day!!

Good luck, and I hope you feel better really soon!

I'm six weeks post op and actually found myself *bouncing* up the stairs the other day. I stopped at the top of the stairs, smiled and told myself I probably shouldn't be doing that yet. I was just so surprised! It definitely gets easier. Hang in there and enjoy the pampering and late mornings sleeping in. It all ends to soon.
s,
Laura