8 Weeks After My Hysterectomy

I said I felt good last week, but that was because I didn't know how good this week would be! Seriously, things just keep getting better. Each day, my hysterectomy becomes more and more distant a memory, and my health just keeps getting better.

My mood is still up, my energy is increasing, and my pain is virtually nonexistent. The only time I even feel twinges is when I'm doing my ab exercises in Beachbody's Slim in 6. That's a great workout, by the way. I highly recommend it. But, back to my point... when I'm on the floor doing my ab work, I do feel sore and tender. Is it from the surgery? Some. Would I feel sore even if I hadn't had a hysterectomy? Probably! My abs were weak and out of shape anyway, and abdominal hysterectomy only intensified that, so my tummy muscles do scream out mid-crunch. Other than that, I'm feeling wonderful!

How about you... how are you feeling?

There is life after hysterectomy... and it's good. Enjoy!

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Misty - Is it okay for your to be doing crunches after only 8 weeks? I'm curious because I just had a hysterectomy and adhesiolysis 10 days ago. I am just now feeling somewhat better -- at least I no longer feel like I want to die which is how I felt day 3 and 4. I am glad to hear how well you are doing.

Misty from WhatContainsGluten? said...

Hi Rebekah,

Glad to hear you're feeling somewhat more human now. It'll only get better as the days go by-- I promise.

My doctor cleared me for exercise at 6 weeks, but I waited till 7 weeks. Ab exercises are actually important after hysterectomy, but you should definitely listen to your body... and your doctor.

I'm not pushing it as much as the videos suggest because I think it would be too much for me. I just do what I can, and figure anything is an improvement! At this point, I figure some discomfort is normal, but real pain is probably a sign that the body has had too much.

Thanks for visiting... feel better soon!

Yaya Tells All said...

So glad I stumbled upon a "human" perspective" of what I am dealing with. I just had a total hysterectomy, including my tubes and ovaries...6 days ago. To say that I feel awful, would be an understatement. I had NO idea how much I would mourn the loss of my female organs. Being 38, and having 3 beautiful, almost grown daughters...I still had not "closed up shop" in my mind. I have spent today crying over my loss. I am experiencing difficulty in getting my bowels to move again, therefore am NOT hungry or thirsty. I am passing on everything, because I feel naseuos and can't "clear out" my system. I have Fibromyalgia, and never thought I could get more exhausted than I previously was. WRONG!! Just getting up out of bed or off the couch leaves me so tired, that I have to catch my breath.

I understand that my operation HAD to be done, due to large, recurring tumors. I just always heard from friends how "thrilled" I would be once it was done. I saw these ladies dancing through fields of flowers, overly content with their decision. Unfortunately, I guess I over-estimated that dream just a little too much. Right now, I just pray to get back to SOME kind of "normalcy" in my life...and I can't find it anywhere. I've had surgery before...but, this has left me nearly distraught. I am guessing that much of this has to do with the hormones that I have lost (even though I was immediately put on a hormone patch.)

Thank you, so much, for sharing your experience with the rest of us. It does offer hope.

~Michelle~

Misty from WhatContainsGluten? said...

Michelle,

I just saw your comment. I hope you're feeling better now. So much of the initial depression is hormonal, but some is really... depression. It's a huge loss, no matter how much you need the surgery, no matter how many kids you have, and no matter how happy you "should" be. It's a loss. The good news is, you will feel better. Your depression will subside, your energy will return. It's been nearly three months for me now, and I feel so very good. I don't even think about the surgery everyday, and that's something! I hope you're recovering nicely.

Anonymous said...

I stumbled on to your blog by searching on Yahoo... I am 42 and a sufferer of endometriosis. I recently went back on the pill to stop my period for 3 months at a time and it really is quite pointless as I ache and cramp all the time.

I am ready to make the hysterectomy decision, but feel a bit hesitant...scared of other isues happening such as bladder issues or more pelvic pain down the line.

Everyone I know say it was the best thing they ever did, I am hoping that would be the case for me too.

I don't know what other alternative there is for me.

I heard the recovery of a hysterectomy done laparoscopically is best...and less recovery time. Any thoughts on this?

Sorry if I'm jumping the gun here since I haven't read your whole site yet, I just feel like I am on some fence, not knowing what direction to go in.

Thanks in advance.

Misty from WhatContainsGluten? said...

Hi, I'm no expert here, but a lot depends on how severe your endo is. Doctors often want to go in abdominally so they can really look around and remove all the endo. That was the case for me and most of the endo sufferers I know. I guess only you and your doctor can say for sure.

Good luck... I hope you feel better soon, one way or another. Oh, and for me, hysterectomy was a real blessing!

Anonymous said...

I just had a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy 6 days ago. I am an active person and I am worried about overdoing and getting adhesions but its hard to just lie around.
How soon can I get active?

Anonymous said...

To: Anonymous April 22, 2008 7:44 PM

Be sure to talk to your doctor about becoming "active". I guess it would depend on your definition of "active". The best piece of advice a friend gave me was to buy a cane. It helped tremendously.

You will think that you are ready but you are not. Give your self time to heal and not develop new scar tissue. It was months before my scar tissue went away and I stil have some areas of slight numbness.

I stayed with my parents for four weeks after surgery. Funny story: I wanted to start walking to rebulid my strength but I also did not want to walk to far from home and then not be able to return. I improvised; my parents have along lot and I would get out there in my floppy hat and cane and walk for 30 minutes from the back gate to the front gate. My three year old niece would try to walk with me but since I never went out of the gate let alone to the park she abandoned me after three days.

At this point I should mention that in June 2007 (age 38) I had a total abdominal Hysterectomy due to Endometrial Cancer which included the removal of lymph nodes. It was one year ago this week that my doctor informed me of my condition.

Back to getting active, this is actually a good time of the year because you can get out and move about. Take time to get used to your "new body" as some things may work differently. Many weeks after surgery I could only get up the stairs on one leg. Seriously, if I placed my left leg on the stair and then tried to move my right leg I would get this searing pain in my groin. I talked to my surgeon, she was perplexed and gave me Celebrex. I used half of the prescription and have been fine ever since.

I know this is long but there is so much that happened and no one told me...

Back pain: At four - five weeks I developed excrutiating back muscle pain. It would hit me so bad at times that I would have stop and stand still until the muscle stopped seizing.

Anesthesia, Dilaudid and Norco: Of the many things I was told, no one ever told me that Anesthesia would stop my digestive system to the point that I did not have a bowel movement until one week after surgery. Afterwards I talked to friends who told me that it could have been two weeks before I had a bowel movement. Let's just say that three days after surgery I was going nuts. Be sure to take a stool softener with every meal even when nothing is moving. When it starts up, it will move and not look like anything you have ever seen before. While you are on painkillers continue to take a stool softener until you are finished with the painkillers. Just be careful that you do not become dependent on the stool softeners.

Weight gain, loss, gain: You will pickup fluid weight after surgery. You will lose the fluid weight and then some. You will then regain weight. It is the latter that you need to be prepared for and act on as soon as possible.

Sadness and Depression: This will happen. For each of us it will occur at varying degrees and times. If you have dealt with depression previously, let your doctors and caretakers know so that if the symptoms return you can get help. If you never have dealt with depression before, learn about the signs and tell your caretakers it can sneak up on you and blindside you.

Skin Scars: Buy a tub of 100% shea butter. Once your wound heals use the shea butter twice a day.

Back to work: When you first return to work you will be exhausted by the evening. Take your time and go to bed. If you carry a bag besides your purse, get one that you can carry on your shoulder. Carrying items in your hands for a distance may pull on your abdomen.

Afterwards: You are now free from pain and a lot of worries. Seize the moments and enjoy your life. I know you may have had other plans or at least wanted to be able to make plans. I too wanted to have children but now I cannot. I do struggle with it but I try to find things to be grateful for. And sometimes I cry and move forward.

Each of our journeys will be different but we have one thing in common. We are healthier now that we were before.

Be well and be safe. ;-)

Anonymous said...

To the person who replied to the anonymous my name is Lisa Thanks for your reply.
As you said the info all comes after.

When I said I was an active person my job is a joiner so I am accustom of lifting lumber daily and I usually play soccer a few evenings a week, and I have a six year old that I do everything for, so it is really hard to be quiet.

I had a to force myself to keep quiet as I don't want to cause any problems but I am out and about quite a bit I have a little discomfort but mostly I feel like I am myself thats my problem I am ready to get back out but I am afraid as I said to do damage guess that the 6 week mark is soon here anyway Thanks again

Anonymous said...

Almost 7 weeks post TAH and left ovary taken, suffering severe vaginal wetness had tests to rule out problems with bladder leaking my consultant thinks its fluid on Abdomen causing problems and told may need surgery anyone else had this prob, glad I had Hysterectomy as previous prob gone but feeling a little down at the moment good to read all comments hoping to feel human soon!!

Anonymous said...

I'm in my 3rd week of having a partial hysterectomy. There are areas on my stomach including the stitches that are very itchy. Does anyone know what I can do for relief? Also will my stomach size ever go back to normal?

Anonymous said...

I had a LAVH on the 8th of July. Every that I know that has had one told me I would feel great. I am still waiting for that. Then yesterday I started getting severe vaginal pain that drops me to my knees. Today along with the pain I am starting to bloat any ideas if this is a normal thing?

Anonymous said...

allison,same problem ask dr for detrol helped my bladder spasms

Anonymous said...

Hello, this is my 7th week after partial abdominal hysterectomy. I never post anything like this, but I wish to mention something that might help any of you as your comments have helped me. Resting is not in my nature either. I am not a patient, patient, also, I underestimated the gravity of the procedure I had done; so I watched it on you tube, needless to said, it opened my eyes, this surgery is not a piece of cake as I thought, after that understood it is a lot they do inside, I had to really be patient, and it is working. The doctor told me sex was OK after the 6th week- bad idea! My body was not ready for it, I was bleeding enough to soak a pad, and the next day I was in pain all day; therefore I had to go back to bed rest! I will give sex another 2 two weeks to make sure. The swelling and numbness continued until I remembered something my mom told us as we were growing up, “Apply potatoes, or lettuce leaves to get rid of swelling, and aluminum FOIL to help with pain.” IT WORKED! I was “kind” of depressed thinking my lower belly was going to remain swelled for good, but the swelling was gone in two days! I hope this helps any of you. Good luck to all of you, and thank you so much for all of your help. Sorry for my writing, I know it is atrocious! : (

Anonymous said...

Hi, this is my 5th week after partial abdominal hysterectomy. I too never post anything, but feel this is all worth talking about. Its my thought that your age factors into how quick you recover. I think that 6-8 week recovery time is optimistic. Also, I feel like the 6-8 matters on what kind of job you are returning to. What level of physical activity do you have to do? What kind of rest do you get between work days? Everything matters. Oh, and sex after 6 weeks. Um, I don't think so! I too went into this procedure knowing it was needed and pretty sure it would all work out. The pains and guarded feelings I have are very unsettling. My incision site is very sensitive. Almost like all my nerves are sitting on top of my skin. My entire body is super sensitive. Again, not sure if any of this is normal. Will have my 6wk post op appointment next week and will ask a lot of questions. Even still, I am having a burning sensation in my left groin. No idea of what that is. Also, have a very odd pain in the left groin (besides the burning). Still cannot sleep on my side. If I try to, it feels like all my insides slosh to one side! Weird! Still have swelling at the incision site. No itching or anything. Will I ever be normal again??? Really concerns me. I am an older woman, so not getting pregnant is not the downer. My downer is being very physically limited.
Enough of my input. Good luck to all that go this route. You have to do what you have to do! Just know your limits. Do not get bullied around by an insurance company, doctor, or anyone. Express yourself. Take care of yourself:)

Anonymous said...

I had a partial abdominal hysterectomy 7 weeks ago, well last nite my bf and I tried sex for the first time it hurt and I m still hurting! No bleeding jus hurting...could something be wrong or could it be from not having sex for 3 years then having a hysterectomy then trying

Rebekah said...

I too, was very skeptical about having a hysterectomy. I laughed at my Dr for months. My issues were non life threatening. Finally, after doing g some googling, I found out that 1 in 3 women have a hysterectomy by age 60. Wow! That's what helped me decide to jump on board. (I'm 7 weeks post-op) After having my hysterectomy, my Dr told me I had andeomysis. (Don't quote me on the name, I honestly can't remember. ) It's like endometriosis but it has a diffetent name because it's in a different spot. It's in the lining of the f the uterus, I believe. It's gone now, since my hysterectomy. Google said there's no way to test for it, until after having a hysterectomy. I'm feeling pretty good & have availed no regrets what so ever.��

Jamally said...

Hi everyone I had a total Laparoscopic hysterectomy they left my ovaries 😉 on 5th Dec 2018 I'm hitting 7 weeks this coming Wednesday
My recovery has been great gentle walking end of week 1
Light indoor cycling week 2
Jogging week 3
Now I'm week 7 I'm back teaching group fitness classes core, indoor cycling and step aerobics I'm still listening to my body but loving it
The fitter and more conditioned you are prior to surgery certainly holds you in good stead for a smoother quicker recovery
Oh and I turned 51 in January
Trust in what your body can deliver
Happy recovery everyone

Stacey Grant said...

I’m 7 weeks post op from vaginal robotic. I was great first two weeks and then in severe pain next 4. Finally at 6 weeks it was determined I had vaginal cuff cellulitis. I’m on antibiotic, but still having severe pain on my lower left side. I can tell exactly where it’s at. I think my OB is going to have to go back in. Anyone else experience anything like this?

Anonymous said...

Hi Ladies, hope you are all doing well. I am 51, my baby days are long and and my boys are all grown. I had a Laparoscopic hysterectomy on 3/11/19. I kept my ovaries as well. It has been a long 8 weeks recovery. I am physically fit and the down time is killing me. I am used to daily workouts. I hesitate to push any workout as my abdomen is very tender. Biking is out of the question as I cannot lean forward. I am swollen at the end of the day. I am back in my clothes however cannot button my pants....way to sore. I can't even drive yet as the seat belt pressure is too intense! I am very frustrated and was wondering if anyone has had the same tenderness? Is this normal? Will it ever pass? Many thanks and happy healing to all.

Anonymous said...

I'm on 8weeks post op from abdominal total hysterectomy. I still having pain n swelly belly. :(

Unknown said...

I am 7 weeks post op from abdominal TAH. Anyone else with vertical incision not healing? It stills seeps and is scabbed over. Dr gave me cortisone cream which I started yesterday. I still have swelling in my belly. I am so depressed and frustrated.