dVH/RALH 4 weeks post hysterectomy (RA/LTVH) - recovery longer than I expected

Hi all!

I am 4 weeks postop and do feel I am recovering, just not as quickly as I thought. I thought the robotic thing would just be a 2 to 3 week recovery and I would bounce back on my feet. Geez! Was I wrong. I'm still dealing with some days I feel like I can get up and go but then next day feeling like I can't get off the couch. But from what I've read, that appears to be normal. I've returned to trying to do a little light housework and a little cooking but when I do, I'm totally zapped the next day. I haven't been brave enough to try going shopping. Don't think I could hold out very long. I am also still dealing with some vaginal soreness and discomfort. I can't sit flat on my butt for very long or it aggitates everything down stairs. I wonder if that's normal and how long it will last. I of course wonder if this is all normal at this stage?

The robotic is just a how, not the what has been done.

Recovering from a hysterectomy (as like other major surgeries)can take a few months.

The typical 6 six weeks timeframe is more about being mostly out of the danger zone. But healing continues, even if you can’t see it

I recommend you join the rev thread for ladies who had surgery at the same time you did, you’ll find out you’re not alone.

All what you are describing tracks for being in your 4th week. In your first post on this forum, I described what went on during this surgery internally: 4-5 sets of ligaments and many blood vessels cut as well as organs removed, and what was cut has been stitched or cauterized. I mentioned "recovery really does have to be thought of in terms of weeks rather than days, with some aspects lingering for a few months - definitely not like getting over a stomach bug." I had laparoscopic surgery, and it wasn't until my 4th week that I started feeling human again, and only then did I realize how long this was going to take. Here's the kicker: I had a textbook surgery and recovery!

So, I'd suggest accepting it. Your healing seems to be progressing on a typical timeline. I posted quite a few resources of what to expect in your first post, and GPMS referred you to your Recovery Thread. I linked your post above, and I'll invite you again to follow those links and join your Recovery Week group. I agree with her that I think you'll find you're not alone.

Not can I relate. I'm at 3 weeks. I am a fit, very active 50, premenopause. I thought I'd bounce back quickly. Everyone said, oh you're so healthy it will be quick. Boy was that wrong. I am just trying to tell myself at this point going slow now will ultimately make it quicker. At two weeks, I tried to up my walking and paid a price. I was back in bed and bleeding. Now I'm just forcing myself to lay around more even though I read about others that are up and going quickly. Each body has its own time schedule and there's no point in rushing it. Stay positive!

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Originally Posted by Mel48 Hi all! I am 4 weeks postop and do feel I am recovering, just not as quickly as I thought. I thought the robotic thing would just be a 2 to 3 week recovery and I would bounce back on my feet. Geez! Was I wrong. I'm still dealing with some days I feel like I can get up and go but then next day feeling like I can't get off the couch. But from what I've read, that appears to be normal. I've returned to trying to do a little light housework and a little cooking but when I do, I'm totally zapped the next day. I haven't been brave enough to try going shopping. Don't think I could hold out very long. I am also still dealing with some vaginal soreness and discomfort. I can't sit flat on my butt for very long or it aggitates everything down stairs. I wonder if that's normal and how long it will last. I of course wonder if this is all normal at this stage?