5 weeks post op
Posted , 6 users are following.
I am 39 years old. 5 weeks ago I had a total hysterectomy. They took everything but my ovaries. The recovery has been okay but I still feel uncomfortable wearing regular clothes. I went back to work 4 days ago and I feel exhausted, sore and swollen. The gyno only comes to our town once a month and the nurse forgot to make a follow up appointment so I have yet to have a follow up by my dr. I was feeling okay before I started working but my first week has been hard and painful. Is it normal to still have painful incisions and swelling after going back to work.
... I work reception but am on my feet and have to do light duty cleaning. I thought it would be fine but I am not feeling good.
1 like, 5 replies
gillian_78558 shauna82062
Posted
Hi there. I'm 7 weeks post op. Had a total TAH. It is the hardest thing I've ever had done. Exhausted, weepy,swollen and still having a bit pain . I have just been put on to HRT to help with the hot flushes.. I Havnt gone back to work yet . I want to go back but i feel that my body or mind is not ready. I . I work in retail. Listen to your body . X.
WeBe shauna82062
Posted
Hi Shauna,
My view is returning to work after 4 weeks is very early and you are putting way too much strain & pressure on your body. I am 7 weeks post op following TAH with ovaries intact, I do not intend to go back to work before October as my body is telling me I'm not ready. Please remember this is major surgery you have gone through. My surgeon and nurses could not stress enough how much I needed to rest during the first 6 weeks, no lifting, driving, vacuuming or light exercise. Just short walks to keep circulation in tact. They told me all the horror stories of women returning to the ward having suffered a prolapse of some sort and having to have further corrective surgery.
I'm sorry if I'm sounding overly negative but please don't over do it, particularly at work (are your employers sympathetic or do they expect you to pick up where you left off?) Try to see if they can lighten your duties "as a trade for returning to work so quickly" or see your GP and ask him to specify via a certificate either a phased return to duties or light duties only. Your health must come first.
robyn94818 shauna82062
Posted
You have gone back far too soon. Did your Specialist not impress on you the need to do NOTHING much at all for at least first 6wks? Even years ago TAH's would be off work for at least 6wks with no vacuuming, driving, hanging out washing etc. etc. Besides I would expect you would need a post-op check-up to see if everything has healed enough for work clearance. What country are you?
Biggirl shauna82062
Posted
Hi
I had a complete hysterectomy 2 years ago robotic.
Sounds like you might be doing too much too soon
Holy cow working after 4 days is crazy!
Take time to rest. I'm not on hormones are you?
It literally took my body over a year to even feel somewhat normal. Surgical menopause sucks it hits tough...
karen42074 shauna82062
Posted
hi Shauna
you are doing too much too soon.
Most folks aren't ready to return to even light duty work until around week 13/14 post op. and even then, can make it a phased return...part time and different-lighter duties..
go back to gp and ask for extra recovery time off and phased return when you do feel ready, otherwise you are setting yourself up for later health issues by not allowing proper healing time.
hope you feel better soon
bw's
k