at six weeks out from major surgery ~ Yes this is normal! They cut you inside and outside which weakens our core...so yes, I would recommend whe n your back hurts to try to take 10-15 minutes to elevate your knees so they are higher then your hips as this will force the back and pelvic floor muscles to relax...perhaps you have been over doing it a bit and this is your body telling you to slow down...you might also try resting in that position with a heated rice pack in case it's muscle spasms...also keep in mind on top of all the work they did you are also dealing with processing the drugs they use during the surgery so your body is going to feel pretty rough...and your ovaries may still be sleeping...but if in doubt always a great idea to pick up the phone and chat with the dr. or better yet make an appointment and visit...if they are not taking good care of you...find another dr. for another opinion! Most of the time for any pelvic surgeries I have had I am not back to full capacity until 3 months...and better at 6 months and good by a year...remember this is Major surgery...your body has been through so much give it time to heal! Perhaps you could get a couple more weeks before heading back to work? Have you been released to exercise? gentle stretching would help if this is the case...perhaps pelvic floor physical therapy? don't give up just yet...it will get better!
I'm 6 weeks post op vaginal hysterectomy. I'm so tired after moving around. I have found that my back hurts a lot as well as my sides? I am going back to work tomorrow and I'm sure I will be feeling it tomorrow night. Is this normal and does anyone kno how long this lasts? Also they only took my uterus and cervix.. They left the ovaries and Fallopian tubes.
If you can please repost this on a new thread,this thread is from dec 09,,,I think more folks would notice it if it was your own thread and current date!
But I noticed it am CL and I can help a bit I think...first post this on breast cancer forum too, get a different perspective.
What your considering is a preventive hysterectomy. what a tough call given your symptoms. I checked your home page but did not see your age that would make a bit of a difference to know how close you are to menopause,it would be a factor to consider.
As I am certain you know breast cancer and ovarian cancer often go hand in hand.
I would insist if I was you that surgeon do a diagnostic laproscopy and insist a biopsy of large cyst. I assume the cyst was seen during a ultrasound?
Because Dr doesnt think it looks suspicious is reassuring however what if he is wrong..err on the side of caution!
Alrighty about hysterectomy you will hear the horror stories because most of the easy, success stories do not get written. I have been the leader of this community for almost 2 years. Honestly about 25% of women whip right threw hyster,,,50 %ish have a bad few weeks then slowly heal, 25%ish say it about was the worst pain ever and have a very hard time getting hormones right. I know for a fact they give up to soon ALL women can be helped with right post op hormones....its like anti depressive meds what works for one does not the other its trial and error and some ladies need a cocktail more than one hormone.
those with 'normal' recoverys like I had hurt bad really bad for first week, then week 2 and3 its bad but more bearable..then you feel kinda ok but must remind self to follow drs orders and not over do,,lots of rest for 6 weeks no sex, tub baths, lifting, excessive bending etc..you kinda have to be a couch potatoe.........long term recovery most need bio identical hormones..I took them for a year and stopped as my only symptom wasvery few hot flashes, (at first it was more emotions, drenching night sweats)
Please read/search on the DaVinci Robotic hysterectomy method,,I had this kind its state of the art..least invasive..easy for docs to do precision work.
Im here if you need more advise feel free to pm...
Cherie
I had early stage breast cancer three years ago and have had a few cysts in my uterine cavity the past couple of years...ones that get bigger then smaller...last ck I had something new, a larger cyst in the endometrial cavity that the dr. did not think looked suspicious. However, she said I might want to consider hysterectomy considering my history, so I decided to do a complete. I have read some horror stories online, however, and am now reconsidering, since it is not really necessary and I'm really just doing it for my own peace of mind (so I won't have to worry about uterine, ovarian or cervical cancer). I am really torn about what to do. Any recommendations?
This is my 6th week post op as well. I am feeling pretty good for the most part. I am still very tired and from the waist down it aches. At the end of the day, or before, I have to just recline. If your body is saying "stop", then do so. You only have one and no one can do this for you. I was glad to find this site, I look several times before surgery for a support forum.
Isn't this site wonderful. I am now 6 weeks post op, and am still really dragging myself around. Just so glad to be able to talk to others who are having the same problems, as no-one understands what it feels like unless they've been through it all. Think I will try the lexapro at night thing and see how that goes. May we all have a happy and healthy 2010, as we all definately deserve it.
Also, I've been on Lexapro for over a year now. It. can cause lots of nausea and tiredness. My doctor has me take before bed-helps me sleep and no nausea. Maybe that would help you too?
Thank you for this post about sleep. I am 3 weeks post-op and sleeping till noon! I haven't slept past 8am since my first child was born 4 years ago! I just thought I was being lazy. It's good to know there are others out there struggling too. Not that it will make me get up earlier, but at least I won't feel so guilty!
Hey - I think it's pretty normal. I'm 3 weeks... and while I'm healing just fine - I have not gained all my strength and energy back. That time frame is different for everyone. Some get it all back by the 6th week check-up... some don't. I say you don't have anything to be too alarmed about. And about the depression - I'm glad you're catching it early. Depression is very common after any surgery... but with this particular surgery - It very well may have to do with your hormones. Don't let these things worry you --- that will just add to your lack of strenth ... and your depression. You're doing the right thing by talking to your doctor!
I know how you are feeling and again its normal. I have taken lexapro before and did not do well on it. how long have you been taking the lexapro? The emotional feelings is normal too...My doctor told me that some patients get PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder due to the surgery and realizing it is so permanent. Something that has been getting to me is that seems like every friend I have has gotten pregnant...
I started feeling better around my fifth week. Just take it easy and not worry about anything, this is time for you to rest, read, watch stupid shows on TV. What kind of pain medicine are you on?
Here is another website to look at. There is tons of information and other women who can talk to you.
http://www.****************s.com/
Well i'm 3 1/2 weeks post op now and still feeling terrible. Dr put me on Lexapro, and don't think its working yet, but I am so nauseous I can barely eat. Christmas is just 10 days away, and I just can't get myself motivated. Everyone is being so patient and helpful, but I can't get over how horrible I feel. This is my 6th surgery that has the 6-8 week recovery time, but I honestly can't remember feeling this lethargic, and definately this emotional previously. Guess I've never had my ovaries removed before. The Dr also said, that because of all the pain I suffered for the 6 months leading up to surgery, that he has seen a few people like me, who completely crash after surgery. I just want to wake up one day soon and actually feel motivated to do something, ANYTHING...........When does this get better??????
I have been on mine for about a month. I have been on them in the past but this is the only one I have ever liked and seems to be helping. What did he give you? and don't mind the doctor some times they don't have any common sense, just book sense....
Well just got back from gp, and am trying the anti depressant first. Have had them years ago and they did help alot. How long have you been on yours, and are they kicking in. Must admit my gp seemed a bit weird today. I'm sitting there bawling my eyes out, and we got on the subject of work certificate, then he asks do I want to go back now!!!!!!! HELLO, I am struggling to get out of bed, and he has some strange idea I might feel like going back to work tomorrow. My husband was so angry. Anyways, just going to try and think positive, and look forward to my new HAPPY life.
Hello, I am 5 weeks post op and it is very normal for feeling exhausted and even depressed. Even at 5 weeks I get crazy tired if I try to do too much during the day...If you are not ready for the HRT then don't go on it. I am currently taking an anti depressant first to see if that will help for a while...Might want to ask about that...Hope this helps, Try to just take it easy...sleep if you are tired, this is just one of the ways your body is healing it's self...