four weeks after cystectomy and still in pain...is that normal?

[bogusjourney]

Hi!  I am new here and have a question about recovery time.  I just feel that I need to get some perspective on real experiences with this.  I had a cystectomy on June 24 to remove three cysts from my right ovary.  One month before the surgery I had a 7cm cyst that ruptured.  This was my second surgery: in August of 2008 I had a bilateral cystectomy.  I've been told the cysts are due to endometriosis.  I went on birth control (progestin only) after the first surgery in '08 and was fine for a while, but obviously that wasn't enough to keep cysts at bay.
Anyway, here's my question: how long is the average recovery time?  I waited 6 weeks after my first surgery before I started exercising and really being active again.  Of course I gained some weight during that time.  This time around I resolved not to let myself gain again and started back with my personal trainer as soon as my incisions healed, around two weeks after the surgery.  But the thing is that I'm still in pain -- a lot of pain, on my right side.  Should I hold off on the exercise for now?  It makes me so anxious to think about just sitting around all day!  And what's up with this pain -- has anyone else had this experience?  I've been on percocet now since May 19th (when the first, ruptured cyst started to hurt) and I don't like the idea of it at all.  My doctor did an ultrasound on Monday and says there are no new cysts that could cause the pain.  My right leg is tingling and falling asleep, too.  Any clues or perspective anyone could give me will help enormously -- my family keeps telling me it's all in my head :*(
Thank you!  Amy

[bogusjourney]

Really?  I wasn't aware that I could injure myself by exercising again so soon.  Wow I really regret doing that.  Thanks for the response!

[MarieMichele]

I think you may have started exercising too early after surgery and it is only prolonging the recovery rather than helping.  I only hope you have not ruptured any of the internal stiches before they were ready to dissolve on their own.  Take it easy.  

There's plenty of time to exercise after your body is properly healed.  Walking is the best exercise for now if you feel you must do something.  I needed about 8 weeks before I could walk at a fast pace without feeling it inside.  Prior to that, slow walking was all that could be done.