LSH: Upcoming hysterectomy 4/29: Energy levels improve post op?

One of the worst things I've been struggling with is the constant fatigue and complete exhaustion that's been getting worse and worse each month. I'm assuming it's due to the endometriosis and adenomyosis because I certainly wasn't like this before...

For those of you who've had your surgery, how are your energy levels post-op? (After the first few weeks of healing, of course...)

I REALLY hope to be my energetic, active self once again!

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Originally Posted by april2017 One of the worst things I've been struggling with is the constant fatigue and complete exhaustion that's been getting worse and worse each month. I'm assuming it's due to the endometriosis and adenomyosis because I certainly wasn't like this before... For those of you who've had your surgery, how are your energy levels post-op? (After the first few weeks of healing, of course...) I REALLY hope to be my energetic, active self once again!

Good morning,
I just had my hysterectomy on April 18 th for an extreme and extensive case of adenomyosis. I know exactly what you mean by the energy levels dropping! I was happily working out 5-7 days a week...than BAM! It was all I could muster to even get out of bed everyday. It got so bad for me that I had to start FMLA early. I am only a week out from my surgery, I know, but my experience has been that while I am really tired from the actual surgery, it's different. My body is asking me to take short walks, instead of screaming "noooo...lay down!" Of course it will be a while until I feel normal. But everyday gets me closer to being me again, and that is a great motivator for healing. So yes, it will make a huge difference for you. It will just take patience and kindness for yourself as you heal. I wish you all the best and an uneventful surgery and recovery.

Hello april 2017

Something I remember from my own adventure before hysterectomy was always informing my doctor that I felt like the life was draining out of me every month. I knew from peeking at my records that menorrhagia was part of this especially with the heavy amount of bleeding along with huge clots. It wasn’t until after surgery that I discovered that I also had adenomyosis. When I got the reports back post surgery, it was noted that I was anemic and prescribed iron supplements.

This could be a part of what you are going through now with any fatigue or extreme exhaustion. It is something to discuss with your doctor too. Once you have surgery, your body will be undergoing reconstruction. There will be a different kind of tiredness and fatigue that you will slowly work your way through. Your progress will be made from day to day then week to week. Either way you will get there sweetie.

Here are some articles to read also:
Expectations vs Reality

10 Tips for Preparing for Your Hysterectomy

4 Reasons to Have a Hysterectomy

There are sisters all around that have been or are going through many of the same things you are. We will all be around to help.

for your upcoming surgery and the hope for an uneventful recovery.

Amy- I'm so glad to hear you are recovering well! I, too, was an avid exerciser....now I am more of a narcoleptic! Vacuuming the living room causes me to need a 2 hour nap.

Hoping you the best on your recovery and getting back to living your life to the fullest!

Lisa- thank you for your kind words and awesome advice! I'll definitely read the links you sent and try to not let my expectations impede my recovery reality.

Your energy levels may increase post op, but you will have to be patient. Your body will use a lot of energy to heal, so it could potentially well take a few months.

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Originally Posted by amyx173 Good morning, I just had my hysterectomy on April 18 th for an extreme and extensive case of adenomyosis. I know exactly what you mean by the energy levels dropping! I was happily working out 5-7 days a week...than BAM! It was all I could muster to even get out of bed everyday. It got so bad for me that I had to start FMLA early. I am only a week out from my surgery, I know, but my experience has been that while I am really tired from the actual surgery, it's different. My body is asking me to take short walks, instead of screaming "noooo...lay down!" Of course it will be a while until I feel normal. But everyday gets me closer to being me again, and that is a great motivator for healing. So yes, it will make a huge difference for you. It will just take patience and kindness for yourself as you heal. I wish you all the best and an uneventful surgery and recovery.

It's so nice to hear that you are doing so well. My surgery is set for this Friday and I am also hoping for a good recovery I don't know if I have already asked you this but I was wondering how old you are (if you don't mind me asking). I'm 51 with suspected adenomyosis myself and just wondering if we were close in age. I was also wondering if you had your cervix removed. I apologize if my questions are too personal but our cases seem similar so I was just wondering. It helps put my mind at ease to hear of someone's positive recovery. Sending you well wishes and a continued speedy recovery.

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Originally Posted by Dlynn51 It's so nice to hear that you are doing so well. My surgery is set for this Friday and I am also hoping for a good recovery I don't know if I have already asked you this but I was wondering how old you are (if you don't mind me asking). I'm 51 with suspected adenomyosis myself and just wondering if we were close in age. I was also wondering if you had your cervix removed. I apologize if my questions are too personal but our cases seem similar so I was just wondering. It helps put my mind at ease to hear of someone's positive recovery. Sending you well wishes and a continued speedy recovery.

Hi there!
Oh please, ask away! I really don't mind and I hope I can settle your nerves a little. I am 44 years old, so not too far apart in age. I did have my cervix removed because it was called "odd" and she didn't want to leave it in and find out later it should have come out. I originally fought to keep it, but I am since glad they just took it. I no longer have to go in for my yearly paps, so a party for that! My surgical pain is less that what I dealt with leading up to my surgery. I am relieved that I had this done. Now if only I could let myself relax into the healing process It is so much easier said than done to give yourself permission to do nothing! Everything will be fine for you, and soon you will be on the other side of this thing better than you were before. Big hugs to you XXXXX

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Originally Posted by amyx173 Hi there! Oh please, ask away! I really don't mind and I hope I can settle your nerves a little. I am 44 years old, so not too far apart in age. I did have my cervix removed because it was called "odd" and she didn't want to leave it in and find out later it should have come out. I originally fought to keep it, but I am since glad they just took it. I no longer have to go in for my yearly paps, so a party for that! My surgical pain is less that what I dealt with leading up to my surgery. I am relieved that I had this done. Now if only I could let myself relax into the healing process It is so much easier said than done to give yourself permission to do nothing! Everything will be fine for you, and soon you will be on the other side of this thing better than you were before. Big hugs to you XXXXX

Thanks again for such positive feedback. So glad to hear that everything is going well for you. Just wish I could get over this anxiety about wether I'm doing the right thing. I haven't had any significant pain in almost 3 weeks. To the point where I just wish the pain would return before surgery so I knew this was right for me. Thanks again so much for listening and being a great sounding board for me. Sending you well wishes and great success with your recovery.

I'm so glad I'm not alone. For the last year I haven't been able to make it through the day without a nap! My dad died last April and then we got married in October so I attributed it to life stress. But it's likes where's my energy?
I have adenomyosis as well and while my periods are slowed/stopped because of the depo provera shot, my cramping pain is excrutiating. We take an annual business trip every February and this year was horrible. I slept more than I was awake. That was my wake up call to press my doctor to do something because my husband just could not understand! He's definitely starting to now but that trip was horrible.
I'm hoping to start working out after my hysterectomy. Hubby has talked about getting us a treadmill. I've gained so much weight from the birth control and I'm too tired to do anything about it right now.