March 15, 2011

Hysterectomy Recovery! A Cranky Fitness Guide

(Image credit: Resurge International)

I realize that hysterectomy recovery is a rather specialized topic. Very few Cranky Fitness readers are waking up fuzzy-headed in a hospital bed at this moment, wondering what will happen next now that the nice surgeon has yanked out a bunch of your body parts. You'd rather hear about a new super-easy exercise to firm up your flabby thighs, right? Or maybe clever hints on how to make cauliflower taste like cotton candy? Tips on how to tell if you have vaginal cuff cellulitis: probably not high on your list.

But hey, don't go away yet: hysterectomies are pretty darn popular! Even if you don't plan on having one yourself, you may well have a mother, sister, friend, or coworker who just can't wait to join this super-cool surgical sorority. Wouldn't it be handy to have a bit more info, so you can be all supportive and knowledgeable and not get your head bitten off by your loved one for making some dumbass remark?

Or, maybe you've googled here because you are facing surgery yourself. You may be worried about side effects, and curious as to how this operation will affect your physical fitness and psychological well-being. So, as a public service, I didn't just scour the web for resources to answer your urgent questions about hysterectomies and how to recover from them. I went the extra mile and had one myself! (The fact that I was four months "pregnant" with a big ol' fibroid-filled uterus had practically nothing to do with it).

So here is exactly what you can expect from your hysterectomy:

Any f*cking thing in the world.

Yep, from what I can tell there does not seem to be a "typical" hysterectomy experience. You could acquire super-human strength and x-ray vision, or you could end up with constipation, mood swings, and purple wombats crawling out of your navel. People mostly seem to have good experiences, but seriously, it's a crapshoot.

But I won't let the fact that each hysterectomy is unique stop me from sharing some information and tips. Here are a few things I learned about the whole hysterectomy deal, either from personal experience or from Dr. Google.

1. Where to go on the web: The best single resource for hysterectomy information is a site called hystersisters. They have a few general articles, some of which are helpful, and some... not so much. The real value is in the reader forums. Vast numbers of women have written about their experiences and shared helpful tips. Any obscure question or weird symptom you might be curious about? Someone has had that same question or symptom and can quell your panic until you can talk to your doctor. Which leads to the next tip:

2. Choose a kick-ass surgeon and a top-notch hospital. Yeah, so this might not always possible, given your location and insurance coverage, but to the extent you can ask around, it's worth doing some research. I had an awesome surgeon in Boston who cheerfully took on the huge mess I had in my lower abdomen and removed it all laparoscopically, and she kept on top of my follow-up despite my moving across country where even the longest speculum ever made could not reach me. And then I saw another great urogynecologist in San Diego. Do I think it was a coincidence that both these amazing, skilled, warm, professional and communicative doctors were women? I do not! Women doctors rock.

3. The recovery process may be something of a roller coaster ride. Expect a faster recovery if you get laparoscopic surgery, but don't expect miracles. There is at least one website advertising robotic laparoscopic surgeries that features a woman enthusiastically returning to the golf course a few days after surgery. For most women it feels pretty darn heroic to get out of bed, get dressed, and walk around. Yep, walking is good and helps with healing--but the expectation that one should be playing 18 holes before breakfast may lead to suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

4. You will need help. Preferable, an angelic spouse or best friend, and a generous and sympathetic social support network. I was lucky to have those, and it made a huge difference. (Not as helpful: small children, high maintenance pets, or surly teenagers. They should all be packed off to other quarters or supervised by someone other than yourself). And it's not a matter of strength, willpower, or determination: there are a bunch of things you're simply not allowed to do right after a hysterectomy. These include things like laundry, sweeping, shopping, driving, or subjecting yourself to any TV shows, movies, or radio programs that you do not personally approve of. (Okay, perhaps your doctor may forget to include that last one on the list, but don't tell your partner that. And speaking of partners, high on the list of forbidden activities is: sex. For a really, really, really long time. It kinda sucks).

But what if you feel great? Then it gets frustrating, because you still have to lay off normal activities for as long as your doctor tells you to. I felt energetic and ready to get back to "real life" within a couple days of my surgery, but had to restrain myself from overdoing it. (Not chores, of course. I hate chores. But I wanted to go back to working out.) The reason for these restrictions? Sadly, it's not just about fatigue or fragility. If you're too active or do the wrong stuff at the wrong times you can seriously mess things up inside without even realizing it. One word that strikes fear in the heart of any woman recovering from hysterectomy: Adhesions. From what I understand, adhesions are nasty bits of scar tissue that form inside you where they shouldn't, and if they're feeling particularly malevolent they can glue your internal organs together out of spite. Are those dust bunnies under the bed worth going back for more surgery to unstick things? Think carefully before you let your inner Superwoman try to put on her cape. A bathrobe and fuzzy slippers may be the better choice.

5. Common post-operative complaints/concerns: See the post-op forum at hystersisters for tons of these. But highlights include fatigue, "swelly belly," bleeding, constipation, trouble urinating, mood swings, numbness, lumps, bladder spasms, joint pain, insomnia, headaches, itchiness, and comically insensitive husbands. If you're getting your ovaries removed as part of the process, and are not going on hormone replacement, you'll also get to hop on the express train to menopause and enjoy all those fun symptoms too!

Note: and yeah, there are even worse things that can happen, like you could become incontinent or your stitches could come lose and your guts could burst out through the hole in the back of your vagina. But the scary stuff is pretty darn rare, and being a bit of a hypochondriac, I decided it was in my best interest not to spend much time researching it.

6. Exercise: So once you've been cleared to ease back into an exercise routine, how best to approach it? Good question! And I still don't have a damn answer! Helpful post-hysterectomy resources for working out are practically nonexistent--especially if you are the least bit hardcore in how you define "exercise." Most advice seems geared to women who have never exercised before in their lives. Or you get some combination of "listen to your body," "listen to your doctor," "don't lift heavy," "don't do abdominal exercises for a long time," and "be really really careful!!!"

[Nov 2012 Update: Help is Here! A panel of personal trainers stopped by to offer advice, including videos, on how to safely exercise your core and abs post-hysterectomy, check it out!]

My own experience has been a bit frustrating, especially since I've also got a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis and a broken elbow. Five months out, and I'm still not back to my old strength training routine, though I'm figuring out aerobic stuff to do. For some reason, my beloved elliptical remains problematic and generates pelvic pain, but I can do a stair stepper. (I like the wimpy kind, where you can choose your own step height and speed, not the hardcore escalator kind where you have to trudge up real stairs and can't keep up with fast-paced music. Have you ever seen someone look happy on one of those machines?) Bike riding figured heavily into the post hysterectomy rotation--until I fell off and broke my arm. Yay me!

7. What the hell is pelvic physical therapy? Well, I'm finding out first hand. Turns out the reason I've been having trouble trying to get back to my exercise routine is because my pelvic floor and core muscles spaced out and forgot how to function properly. My transverse abdominal and multifidus muscles got a bad case of attitude and went on strike, and my pelvic floor muscles said, "oh, hey, no problem! We're uptight and neurotic anyway, we'll just do all the work and go into a semi-permanent state of spasm. Aw, don't thank us, we're happy to do it!"

So I'm now trying to learning how to find all these elusive muscles, relax or strengthen them as indicated, and breathe from my belly. Oh, and get used to having a very nice physical therapist lube me up and test my clenching/relaxing ability where I'm not used to having a whole lot of company.

(BTW, pelvic physical therapy is also an excellent idea for those suffering from urinary incontinence--a huge issue for tons of women that is rarely talked about except in Depends commercials. And really, do you want diapers to be your go-to resource when there are better options? If you are in the San Diego area, check out these folks for pelvic physical therapy. Not only are they staffed with excellent and personable PT's, they have free granola bars in the waiting room.)

So will I ever get back to doing burpees and pull-ups and bulgarian split squats again? I sure as hell hope so! In the meantime, I've got plenty to do on my exercise list, even if the results aren't visible to casual acquaintances.

8. So why have a hysterectomy in the first place? Benefits are unique to each person, but for many of us, all the hassles are totally worth it. There are lots of reasons to get a hysterectomy (cancer, insane menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, etc,) and plenty of alternatives to consider. So when you decide to opt to have a big chunk of your insides yanked out, it's usually because you are sick to death of coping with gynecological issues. Even with side-effects to deal with, my sense from both online communities and real life friends: very few women regret the surgery once they've fully recovered. And many wish they'd done it years ago.

So, anyone else out there have any gyno complaints, medical gripes, hysterectomy experiences or insights to share? Or just wanna say hi? It's all good!




70 comments:

  1. Crabby, it's good to see you in the blogosphere. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. You really do go the extra mile when it comes to research.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Leah! It's been so long I've gotten pretty rusty. Wait, that was about the blogging, not the gynecological issues...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So happy to have found this, one year on from a radical hysterectomy to remove cancer & my pelvic muscles are apparently spasming!! (don't know if that's even a word!) Wish I'd found this b4!

      Delete
  3. Yea for another blog post! Still miss you. : )

    As a side note, a friend had a hysterectomy about the same time you did. She's still fighting some major recovery issues. She also had bladder repair and my guess is things were pretty darn messed up when they got in there. She's on a strict "no jumping, no ab use" policy for a year. A YEAR!!!! Oy vey.

    Here's to a speedy recovery of the elbow at least. : )

    ReplyDelete
  4. SO glad to see you back! The broken elbow was Just Not Fair.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

    ReplyDelete
  5. Crabby, glad to see you posting. Too bad it is with such an experience behind you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I haven't had this experience but I'm also going to PT for my right hip and anxious to get back on my bike and hiking.

    Thanks for sharing this info...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yay! A Crabby post! Excellent.

    Sorry that it's been a tough road back to healthiness, but I must caution you on one point: don't go back to doing chores too soon. Chores are very strenuous, while lounging by a pool being fanned by pool minions causes healing to happen faster. Well known scientific(ish) fact.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just want to say hi! Hope this means you may be back? And get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you all! And actually, the recovery has mostly been great, it's just the getting-back-to-the-gym part that brings out the whining.

    Hmmm, pool minions, what a grand idea. Have to see about getting some of those. Oh, and a pool, that would be awesome too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nobody said it had to be your pool... I'm sure Charlie Sheen wouldn't care. Or, more probably, if you told him he'd said it was okay then he would believe you.
    [What, isn't that one of the side benefits of living in Southern California, being able to poke fun at stars?]

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey Crabby! Glad to hear the recovery has mostly gone pretty well. Hope the elbow heals soon and that the return to the gym is not too far off. I know that would drive me crazy too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Crabby - it's good to see you around these parts! Thanks for the information on something I hope I never, ever have to deal with!!
    I can sympathize, though, with the plantar fasciitis, and hope you get relief from that soon. (shock wave therapy worked wonders for me!)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good to see, er, read you again. I've missed you.

    My doc insisted on a hysterectomy with my 5th C-section, so i've never been sure what symptoms were due to surgery and what to just being postpartum. Recovery seemed to take no longer than with the other children, but it may be that exhausted new mommy brain just blurred it all.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My mom had a hysterectomy in her 30's. The doctors have always told me that would be my fate too. I'm 100% determined to avoid that:) So you will understand if I read your post through my fingers over my eyes right?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I was so excited to see your post Crabby...miss you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well I hope you got all the good time off from your job that ALL WOMEN DESERVE.

    4 mos preggo with fibroids??? Hmmmmmnerrrrr...... That sucks when you feel like you are in shape and work out.

    I hated my periods and had ablation 2 years ago and it was the best thing ever. So, if you aren't ready for big league surgery, it is the way to go. No more money each month on the products = more for wine.

    Keep us updated on the mend!

    ReplyDelete
  17. OK, so I commented like the second one back when you posted this & I don't see it here.. :-(

    I DID just so you know! :-) I also wrote that I hope you are better soon & lots of other stuff & that I had done a kegel post the week before you posted this! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. If you need a hysterectomy, and your gyn doesn't know how to perform a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy...find one who does! LIGO has trained over 1,000 gynecologic surgeons in Minimally Invasive Surgery since 2006.(MIS) LIGO was founded in 2006 by gynecologic oncologist Kate O'Hanlan, MD. Check us out: www.LIGOcourses.com and www.ohanlan.com.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm one of those that wished I'd gotten a hysterectomy years before I did. It's been 6 years and it is wonderful not dealing with the monthly pain monster. My doctor wasn't able to do mine laproscopically but he did a great job with minimizing the scar.
    I agree that surly teenagers should be shipped off during the recovery. Too bad I didn't read this before. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I came across your blog and i found its very informative.. Cranky fitness is doing a great work.. You made our work easy... Very good posting..

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Crabby! Good to see ya post! 'Course, I do see your tweets, but it was still fun after months of ignoring blog feeds to finally feel like catching up tonight and see what I didn't expect, a blog post from you!

    Like Christmas!

    Glad the recovery is going OK... my *h* job was back in the early 90s, but I still remember the experience. Your post was right on! Walking lots helps.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yikes! Quite the experience...and yet your post still made me laugh. Female doctors do rock by the way! LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  23. OMG I loved your article it as dead on and so helpful.... love it. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the insight. I am due to have the procedure next Tuesday (10/11) and I have been searching for info on recovery and what exactly falls under the umbrella of 'Normal Activities in 2-4 weeks'. I play volleyball 5 nts a week and softball 2 nts a week and it's pretty competitive. I guess I won't be doing those activities for quite a-while as that may not necessarily be termed as NORMAL for most folks!!!! Thanks again

    ReplyDelete
  25. Whilst on a hunt for hysterectomy recovery info, Google led me to your post and I'm so grateful! I'm a month away from surgery and dreading it. You shined humorous, helpful, light on the whole thing. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the article. My surgery was last week and I'm already impatient to be 'back to normal.' They found all kinds of surprises in there, which kinda explains why I felt rotten for so long. Guess I'll keep taking it easy. I need more chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi, Ive just recently had a hysterectomy and went online to look for information during my healing process. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, it's been really scary. I can breathe better now knowing that what I'm going through is common. Oh and I dont mean to brag but my fibroids were like a 5 month pregnancy. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm facing the possibility of a radical hysterectomy and you showed up in my Google search on recovery time. Thanks. I didn't come away with anything more solid than there is no typical hysterectomy, which is a big thing to come away with - but more than that the hystersisters forum will be my go to place if it turns out I need the surgery. I'm crossing my fingers, and my legs, until then. Appreciate the humor. Such a relief.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Well, I had a hysterectomy 13yrs ago (31) and they left one ovary and tube...fast forward to last week. They had to remove my tube and ovary because I had a tumor in my tube. I'm now on the Estrodat patch to be changed twice weekly.

    I asked all those years ago if they would please take everything out but the doctor said no because of my age and now he has just removed a tumor. He said that the tumor probably isn't cancer but it still has to be tested, I still had to go through all of this hell. I'm just not real impressed with the whole situation. I just wish he would have listened to me 13yrs ago and did what I wanted. I have a high rate of cancer in my family so that's the main reason I wanted everything gone.

    So, I'm feeling pretty good post surgery. Tomorrow will be one week since my surgery. Not sure what to expect with the hormones....anyone else on them???

    ReplyDelete
  30. I just had me surgery nine days ago.Its took me awhile be i finally want thouhg with it. Am glad i did now. I cant go to the bathroom to dO # 2. It hurt win.I go than.I google some information and end up here, Very helpful.Stories.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So enjoyed your humorous take on this adventure. Scheduled to have a go in a few weeks time...mostly prolapse problems (first: uterus, then: bladder and now the rectum is getting in on the show ) and I will be soooo glad to be done with THAT!! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Can't get any answers when I can use the Eliptical. 8 weeks post hysterectomy and prolapse surgery. No problems at all spent one night in hospital. Started walking and more walking 4 days later, also driving didn't think it was all such a big deal.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I went to a naval hospital, first mistake. 3 surgeries in 7 weeks, first, vag hyst, second same day to fix a knicked vein, third when my cuff tore. Ever since the first my floor has been on strik, only nothing is helping. I can only go number 2 if I take senna. Its like my rectal muscles arent pushing at all, plus since i had a constant urge to go for 3 months i have no urge to go. Wtf?!?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Any one else feel depressed? I had a vag hysto 2 weeks ago and feel totally ignored and unimportant even though I know I'm important to my sweet husband and 4 kids. Maybe I just wanted to be waited on. Dishes don't do themselves...

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sorry, I haven't been back to this post in a while, but it's great to hear from you all!

    The recovery sure can suck, and to not get the sort of support from family, doctors etc that you need to heal properly had got to be frustrating and depressing.

    Sadly, sometimes you have to become your own advocate, which may be easy for some people but for me it sure isn't. Speaking up and trying to find better resources is hard enough when you're feeling well, let alone when you're suffering.

    Hope you all found hystersisters.com, at least it's a good place to discover you're not alone! (I have no affiliation with them, just think they're great).

    Good luck and hope everyone is feeling better soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think people need to mention that prune juice and black licorice help keep the bowels happy, they don't taste great but help alot. I was interested in the adhesions part of your blog, I realized after reading it I'm doing way too much. I just hope it's not too late I would hate to have internal scars removed. I am 45 and have had an ablation 3 yrs. prior to my hysterectomy. I have bathed my girls,gone shopping,cooked cleaned,driven and walk up and down stairs all day long. I don't have much help and the 7 yr. old and 3 yr. old count on me. So hopefully i haven't already caused damage. Should I slow down? I feel like I already sleep way too much. Thanks for your input.

      Delete
    2. Add a little 7 Up or diet if that'a your thing, to the prune juice. It was what saved me. The senna, psyllium, all of the other fiber just gave me diarrhea.

      Delete
  36. Thank you for posting your experience. I had gone to hystersisters.com and couldn't find a recovery plan from somoeone I could relate to - diy OCD fitness geek. YOUR post is exactly what I needed to read. Got it! I'll start hiring the pool minions post-haste and plan to let my body go saggy until I can feel the innards squeezing again. Weird, but I guess this could be considered a de-load period after years of chasing strength!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thank you so much for your info, just found hystersisters and reading your words made my day! My surgery is 3 wks away and I am nervous and looking for exercises to do before and after!

    ReplyDelete
  38. The best info i've found is Michelle Kenway's site. She is a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Australia and has great info on working out post hysterectomy.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am so pleased I found this post! I am 7 days out from surgery and so nervous, you have gone through alot of the concerns I have. Thank you for your honesty!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Crabby, this is probably the best article on hysterectomy recovery that I've ever read ! Not only full of useful info, but you also made me laugh.

    I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and have been reading a lot on the web since then. For anyone in the UK, the hystersisters are great but mainly US based, if you want a UK forum then the Hysterectomy Association are very good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, and thanks so much for adding the UK resource!!

      Delete
  41. Yvette, I feel your pain. I have a chore resistant 11 yr old and other than heavy stuff, started driving and doing pretty much everything once the dog came out of the kennel one week post op. Im 2 weeks post op. Everyone keeps asking if I need anything but seriously, I think people ask that to be nice. If I said "ummm, yeah. Would you take my dog out, make sure my kid takes a shower and bandage that staph infection she managed to get one week post of, empty out my cat litter and drive to the store and get my groceries"...I seriously doubt they would stick around. My own mother wont even help..well, she did bring me some tea and did a load of laundry, after asking me if I was allowed to carry the hamper to the car because she hates those things. I totally wish I could farm my kid out for about 3 weeks because shes a royal pain in the a$$. Im probably doing too much but when youre a single mom what choice do you have? I had one friend say "I wanted to take you out to get food because I just dont do that bringing meals thing" about 4 days after my surgery. Geez. Honestly I would rather do stuff myself and improvise or get a $50 an hour maid to come over. One person brought me a 10 lb container of oatmeal and put it in my living room. Haha! Like I could even pick it up a week ago. Ive only had one real friend who picked me up at the hospital and has come by pretty much every day or called to check. Not family, thats for sure. I'll probably get adhesions and one things for damned sure...there'll be some family members who wont be getting any text replies anytime soon.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This sounds like me! Difference is I have four girls (12, 10 & twin 4year olds). My surgery was Monday and it is now only Saturday. Meanwhile, my (occasionally wonderful) Husband (currently living in S. Dakota for his job while we're in Wisconsin. We will be moving to SD in April??) didn't even come home for the surgery and 'I' feel guilty because he is all panicked that our sex life will take a dump.

    No friendships were harmed (or helped) during this whole event 'cause no friends showed up to help!. My Mom stuck around for two days after I left the hospital, but she is 70+ and it was like taking care of a 5th child, but one that still has some sort of power control over me to make me fee guilty that I am doing as much as I am physically after this big surgery, BUT don't forget to get the dishes into the dishwasher, pick up after the kids & the dogs, get me a cup of coffee while you're out there and what is for dinner?

    It snowed yesterday, My 12 year old shoveled as best as she could, but I still found myself out there clearing the car off and the rest of the driveway so I could drive to go get my kids and the two others I babysit after school. As a temporary single mother, I've got to do it (or make sure the things get done) since I was let out of the hospital, I have done all the MOMMY Duties including, shopping, dishes, laundry, sweep, mop, shovel snow, cleaning, Homework help and chasing after the twins, taken the trash out (then dug it out of the snow bank from the snow plow). My dryer is on the fritz so in addition to trying to fix it, I have been running clothes through the wash and hanging them up in the basement.

    Although I feel fatigued and bloated from the surgery, I do feel pretty good. No issues, bowels and bladder back to normal and emotional balance is good too, but I am climbing the walls to get back into my workout routine. I have found through my workouts that I feel more rested and healthy, but waiting for the go ahead from the Dr. is frustrating at best!!! Adhesions!!! Just one more hurdle that I am sure I will be facing in the near future.

    Minions by the pool? How do I get that gig? Thanks for your blog it was a great read. And thanks for letting me vent. As the saying goes "This too shall pass."

    ReplyDelete
  43. I can relate to your post on hysterectomies better than anything else I've read. My surgery was 11/8/12. I was released to start working out right after Christmas. I've had no issues with my workouts. The abs are a bit slow in coming back, but they are getting there. My issue is that in 2 monts of working out 6 days a week and watching what I eat, I have had zero weight loss. I've even tried weight watchers, logging my food. Nothing, nada, zip. I kept my ovaries, but still no weightless. I'm hoping my metabolism is just stalled and strength training will get it moving. Any tips?

    ReplyDelete
  44. My surgery is schedule for March 19, 2013 and I am counting the days. Can't wait to get rid of thie "bad boy" that has been causing me so much pain and misery.

    Love you site

    ReplyDelete
  45. I had a hysterectomy 6 weeks ago and I read hystersisters all the time. I have found it very helpful. As you said, almost any question you can ask has been asked and answered in the past. I loved reading this blog and think you should post a link to it on hystersisters. This made me laugh which is always a good thing when you're worrying about what you should and shouldn't be doing. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sorry I haven't been back to the post in awhile, but thanks all for stopping by and sharing your stories!

    Blink, the weightloss issue is tough! I have a post on that here, but no magic solution, alas: http://www.crankyfitness.com/2011/09/menopause-and-weight-gain.html

    And, to the most recent anonymous, thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it! Haven't been back to hystersisters in a while, and oddly enough, never posted there, but I'm always glad that it's out there.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great post! I just had a radical hysterectomy due to uterine cancer (got all of it - yeah!). I'm lucky in that I had laparoscopic sugery (5 holes vs. long incision that I had with my 2 c-sections two decades ago), but don't let that fool you into thinking you can be active sooner. Sure, your tummy may not look or feel as bad as those with a traditional incision, but your insides need the same healing process. The meds can fool you into thinking you're able to do more, but don't! Give yourself a break!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I just had a radical hysterectomy on August 2,2013. I had the exact surgery- Laparoscopic- 5 holes .I was diagnosed with endrometral cancer. The first 2 weeks were great! I was feeling so good and pretty normal. I was walking every day and feeling stronger. My 3rd week( this week) I started feeling more tired and started having light spotting. My tummy started swelling week 3. I have experienced more sharp pains in my tummy especially when I have a bowel movement.
    I am having lots of bowel movements, unlike my old life which was only once a day. I am also peeing lots more. I just started having night sweats. I can't believe this is happening since I had already gone through menopause a few years before my surgery. Has anyone had any of these experiences?I hope I have not done to much. I am also scared about scare tissue. I went in the pool yesterday for a few minutes and did not swim. I only moved my legs walking in the pool since part of the from of my thighs are still numb from removing 26 lymph nodes. Does anyone have any advise? I read a blog and found out that going in the pool was not a good idea. I hope I did not do any damage.
    I will try to relax for the next week , but it is so hard to do nothing. I'm so depressed.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great informative article, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Now, your article is my kind of style. It's frickin groovy to look for advice and not repeat, "blah, blah, oh hell! Next." You gave me and my husband a few laughs while learning.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just want to tell women that are hesitating, that having a hysterectomy was the best decision I ever made - wish I hadn't waited as long as I did. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. so I had a partial hysterectomy june 2013. since then, i have had severe and chronic lower left lumbard / back and, what feels like, hip issues ( left side ). About 2.5 months ago, I started running on a track, at a local school. I run 5-6 miles. Since then I have felt like my back pain and left hip / pelvic pain has reduced, substantially. What I find now, is that every time I run, my lower abdominal area gets sore. I am wondering could this be because my muscles are tightening ? and everytime my muscles in that area are worked out and sore, I feel like there is some kind of hormonal change in my body. Kind of like when your uterus is shrinking after birth. My nipples hurt and itch, like crazy and I have these emotional moments. It reminds me of post-postpartum. (sorry if this is TMI), just hoping to get some feedback. Has anyone else experience anything of this sort ?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great read! It's now years after you originally posted this, but I've just written an article on my experience with the robotic hysterectomy (not posted yet however) with a timeline that hopefully will help women be less afraid. But on the exercise - I asked first post op appointment about it (I'd lost 100 lb. , not working out was a scary thought if we're talking 6 weeks). She said I should not "overdo" (ME? LOL). I asked if I could walk a mile... she said yes, whatever I could handle. I've been walking 2 brisk ones. Did a step cardio basic the other night and have a tiny pull in my groin. Not sure if this working out is making the abdominal swelling worse or what, but I feel compelled to keep at it!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am two weeks post op and this is the best information I have seen. I haven't laughed this hard in months, nor have I felt like I was anywhere near to normal for two weeks. Thank you for the resources! Can't wait to get started on my road back to running :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. 4 weeks post op, robotic radical hysterectomy. The pain in my legs of 25 years stopped on post op day two. My back stopped hurting after 15 years post op day three. I'm no longer a fur bearing mammal!! :-) I have only had to shave my legs twice instead of daily because it's not growing like a forest! :-) my hair has stopped falling out by the handful and my nails, for the first time in nearly 30 years are growing like crazy!! My IBS has stopped as well. I suffered so many years with this mess, so needlessly, until I found a gyn doctor who agreed it needed to all come out. I'm not even having to take HRT and I am perfectly fine with that and it's caused me actually less discomfort. Before surgery, I had hot flashes, night sweats, you name it. I sleep better at night, the restless legs syndrome is gone. My God, I feel like a human being again. Best thing to happen to me was getting this mess out of me! I don't have mood swings, nothing. If anything, I feel comfortable and relaxed because I'm not in constant aching all the time. Talk about a new lease on life!! Thank God and I sincerely mean that. What a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great to hear it went so well! We tend to hear more about the stuff that goes wrong than all the happy campers who are so glad they had the surgery. Thanks for checking in!

      Delete
  56. This was an awesome article! My LAVH was dec 15. I have an 18 month old so of course the no lifting thing didn't last very long...I also felt good so soon after that I'm sure I did too much...now at four weeks post surgery I'm still spotting, not bleeding, but still all day every day, not connected to lifting something heavy. I go back in this week to the dr but am worried I messed something up for good! I'm also on the patch since they took everything out due to fibroids and endometriosis...anyone know how long this annoying result will last? What is the spotting from anyway? I've read that bright red bleeding means a pulled stitch, but this isn't that...ugg!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. This is the best blog I have read since I have been Googling the **** out of Google. 4 weeks since mine and I have no energy and somehow ended up with a Vag tear which I think is worse than the symptoms of the hysterectomy. I too tired to type. Will this pain ever end ?

    ReplyDelete
  58. Same as everyone else I have googled the bejjeburs out of my data to find something on exercise post lapro hysta... nada... just bad news everywhere. I am super lucky though. Awesome family made me stay still for a week then three more weeks at my mums in her mid 70s, very classic, oldfashioned, English wife and mother, so won't let me do anything, even when she is looking after her hubby too..
    I also had an Inguinal hernia repair at the same time which post surgery hurt more than anything I have ever felt...... this in turn stopped me in my tracks so helped with the hysta repair. I'm only 3 weeks post op. Only neg I have is boredom, but sitting still is a great skill to learn in a world of stress and anxiety. My advice, if you can, sit as often as you can even if you don't need to, drink heaps of water, laugh gently, and eat beautiful food. Use the 6 weeks to focus on you. As a woman in my 50s I can't remember a time in my life when I have EVER had permission from ANYONE to do very little for 6wks. Ladies, invest in this time to allow your body to rebuild. If you are alone, order in, get a cleaner, and get a home visit from a hairdresser or beautician you are worth it.
    Great blog thanks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. This has been the best blog for me too!!! I died in laughter. I am laying in bed with lots of pelvic pain where transverse abdomens end at the pubic bone. I did a lot of burpees and kickboxing. My surgery was Feb 1, 2016. I figured Id research this to see if Im allowed to work the abs yet. I do cupping massage so I have a couple of cups on my belly to help get rid of the scar tissue. I also had pressed straight down on the painful areas to help it to release some pain. That is called Trigger Point Release.
    I was real upset with this so called awesome Surgeon and gyno Dr that they never told me about the post surgery. Such as needing a walker!! I could hardly stand up or sit down. I almost peed standing up. As soon as I got home after surgery I laid in bed....that takes about 5 min to do. Then I had to pee so badly because I drank gallons of water to get out of hospital....but I couldn't find a way to get up out of bed. My man had just walked outside to talk with the neighbors. He had set my cell phone 8 inches to far for me to reach, so I couldn't call him. Make sure you plan your new room with all your books, tv remotes, water pitcher, blankets and lay in a nice recliner. That will be your new room for a week!! Hopefully your bathroom is nearby because every step you make hurts like hell. It feels like you are tearing your insides apart when you lift your foot. Im not trying to scare you, but this was my life for 10 days. You also need to learn how to get out of bed. Little did I know that you can't. You can only lay on your back. You will wish badly to lay on your side. You will need to practice on holding a pillow on your belly and slide off your mattress somehow... Pretend you can't move at all, but need to get out of bed. A lady once told me to buy a SPNX underwear. Luckily for amazon, i did and it helped. It took the pressure off my belly pain. The only thing that kept me going was packing up all my tampons and pads and giving them away!! I can finally go on vacation without a worry!!!! Us women are tough, but damn it hurts!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Just had mine two weeks ago and I am so surprised by how little information there is for the robotic surgery. The most I get is it's easier than the other. Well. Thanks. It hasn't been horrible but yes the pain the first week. Ouch. Then I ran a fever. Now the weather is beautiful and I want to exercise but no go yet from the doctor. I am going insane.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I have large uterine fibroid and multiple fibroid all over my womb (womb measures 15cm). I had a uterine fibroid embolisation in April last year. Before this treatment my womb measured 23cm. I still suffer every month with period pain, large blood clots and heavy bleeding. I was wondering if i would ever be okay,i try medications on hospital,the fibriod stay remain the same,my husband how has been taking care of me before abandon me,because i was unable to get pregnant for him,i was praying to God to help me out,i was chatting on facebook i sure a link,of a testimony of a man,on how Dr Ebhota help him to cure her wife fibriod,with his herbal medication,for over 6 years,after dr Ebhota treatment her wife got conceive with in two months,that was how i make up my mind to contact him,when i contact him there was no respond for two days,i was waiting for his respond,the third day he respond to me,that was how i explain every thing to him,that was how we make am agreement on how to purchase the herb,the following week of it,he send the herb to me,he gave me instruction on how i am going to be drinking the herbal potion,for 21 day,after the herb got finish,i went to met my doctor in hospital,with the doctor report shows that the fibriod has finally reduces to 3cm,immediately i call Dr Ebhota with happiness and send the cope of the result test to him,after that he also send a fertility herb to me,i am so happy,i am 3 month pregnant now,for any one out there that is passing true this problem should call him,+2349035324155 or email ,drebhota123456@gmail.com,Dr Ebhota God we always empower you and bless you to do your good work to people

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting, Cranky Fitness readers are the BEST!

Subscribe to comments via RSS

(Note: Older Comment Threads Are Moderated)