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Posted 7/13/2009 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could help me here.  I'm normally a lurker but decided to finally post a question.

I had surgery on Wednesday-full hysterectomy and I'm doing pretty well.  What I'm worried about is I'm extremely weak and have an excruciating headache.  If I'm on my feet for more than 10 or 15 minutes I feel like I could collapse.  I have a call into the surgeon but thought I'd ask here to see if I should ask him anything specifically related to lupus.  I took myself off of the pain meds b/c I thought maybe that's why I felt that way but I'm really not much better.  In the hospital they told my my potassium was low so they gave me some meds for that but I didn't get sent home with anything.  I probably should have asked but I just wanted to get the heck out of there!

If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it!  Oh, I'm eating what I can and I am staying very hydrated so I don't think that's the problem either.

Thanks!

Kelly

Posted 7/13/2009 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kelly,

 

I had a hysterectomy last November.  I'm 8 month post-op now.  I remember being VERY weak and not feeling great for about the first 3 weeks being home.  It takes about 2 weeks for your body to get rid of the anesthetic.  You should be taking your pain meds.  Even if you feel not too bad, take them.  Your body needs to have peace and quiet and if it's struggling with any pain, you won't recover as quickly.

 

Don't do anything!  Just rest and relax.  Walk slowly around your home, but don't overdo it.  You just had MAJOR abdominal surgery. 10 or 15 minutes on your feet is probably too much.  You're only 5 days post op.  Go really slow.  I had to stop working for 4 months.  No lifting of anything for the first month.  Nothing over 10 pounds until the 5 month. 

 

Stay in touch with your family doc and let them know if you feel that something isn't right.  Do you have a 2 weeks post op appointment with your surgeon?  They'll go over what you can and can't do.  But for now, don't do squat!!  You don't want to jeopardize your recovery.

Pamper yourself!

Ginny 

Posted 7/14/2009 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ginny!

I did speak with my Ob/gyn and she is sending me for some bloodwork today.  She said I did lose alot of blood during the surgery and maybe it's not rebuilding like it should.  She sent me some iron pills and estrogen to see if that levels me out.  I'm still only taking Advil b/c I don't feel like I'm in that much pain-just a headache but I had that before the surgery anyway!  I just can't handle the percocet they gave me!

I will be making my 2wk appt today but I'm in good contact with my doc anyway.

Thanks so much for your reply-it helps to hear that somebody else felt the same as I do.  I always think the worst with me.

I'll keep you updated.

Kelly

Posted 7/14/2009 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Kelly,

I'm glad you got in touch with your doctor.

My hysterectomy was about ten years ago, and I was unprepared for how difficult the recovery would be. Ginny gave you great advice. I didn't get off the couch for a few weeks - don't remember how many but probably three or four. I suggest that when you talk to your doctor again, or to his nurse, you ask for a different pain med. Not only will the pain meds help your body rest, they will help you rest as well.

The good news was that after the recovery period I suddenly felt better than I had in years! My hysterectomy buddies had all told me that I would but I didn't think I felt bad. I had just forgotten what it was like to feel real good! I hope you have the same experince.

Let us know how you're doing.

Pat
Posted 7/14/2009 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kelly!

 

Oh that's good you're getting your blood tested.  Important to keep on top of things!  The way you're feeling is definitely on par with everyone else.  You're normal!  Yeah, I always suspect the worst with me too. At least we're not in denial concerning our health, right!

 

I started to feel REALLY well and so different at about the 3 or 4 month point.  Now, at 8 months I feel so incredibly different and it's hard to believe that my periods are gone!  It's an amazingly freeing thing!  Like Pat said, I forgot what it felt like to feel really good!

 

If you have any questions about your hyster please feel free to email me.  Click on my name and my contact info will be there.

 

Rest well today!

 

Ginny

 

 

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