Thread: getting back on my feet from a hysterectomy

I don't know if this belongs in the fitness category but I think it does so here it is...lol

I had a hyst. on Monday and I have like zero energy if I try to do anything. What are some ways to start rebuilding my muscles and not loose all my flexibility while I heal? I know its only Saturday but I am not one of those people who never sits still and I am going stir crazy but everytime I mention this to anyone they say "oh just relax you will be back on your feet soon..."

Any little exercises that can be done seated? I have started doing some arm and hand undulations and some chest lifts/shoulder work while seated... anything else anyone can think of would be greatly appreciated..g.:

Hi Amira,

Just wanted to say that general anesthesia can really wreak havoc on your body, so healing is not just about the obvious scars; it's also about letting your whole body recover. The thing is, if you start doing too much too quick, you will risk impeding the process for short term gains. After a surgery, the best thing to do is to sleep and eat nutritious food so the body gets the nutrients and the energy it needs to repair and recover. Regaining flexibility with a healed body is much quicker than trying to heal a body while trying to do too much. (And broken stitches suck major balls and leave real ugly scars.)

BTW, I apologize if sound like I'm mothering you. I'm just trying to spare you some of the stuff I had to deal with post breast reduction surgery. Taking it easy and slow is actually faster going, as difficult as it may be to comprehend to an active, go-getter person who just wants to get back in the swing of things asap.

So... Sleep. Eat good, clean food. And drink some orange juice everyday (helps with the scars). And don't try to move until you have energy to spare bc your body needs it right now.

Not what you wanted to hear, I know... Sorry! HTH and hang in there,

Kem.

Hi Amira,
reconvalescence after a hysterektomia needs 6 weecks....be relaxed....try do do every day a little bit more...now the time is only one weeck! A few years ago, women after hysterectomia stay in the hospital for 2 weecks!!!! take Your time! Don't be hurry!
Best wishes from Salima
(working as gynaecologist ;-) really)
Gynäkologische Praxis Elisabeth Gotzmann - Huttwil

Thanks Kem:) I know I should be resting (and I am) but it is soooo hard. I am the one who runs the house, works, hauls the kiddos everywhere, and I dance as much as possible. My husband has been really stepping up and I appreciate how much he is trying but being stuck on the couch or in bed is making me bored out of my mind. I am trying to research more of the history of ME dance and different moves, rhythms, and proper choreography... anything but actually dancing.
ooh I didn't know about the orange juice...I will try that.
Thanks:)

2 weeks!!! ACK! They let me out next day. I think it was a little early but they did tell me to expect to need about 6 weeks to recover fully. I am resting a lot. I will use my time to research and relax. I guess I just need to remember that in the long run I will heal faster if I let my body heal and not push it before I'm ready. Its just hard to sit and be still. Its not in my nature:(

Depends on how you had it done. Vaginally heals faster. I had abdominal incision and had both ovaries and uterus removed as I had PCO and endometriosis. When the doc said plan on 6 weeks I nearly feel out of my chair. Couldn't believe it. But, at least for me, it was true.

The worst thing for me was lower back pain because your back starts compensating for the fact that you can't use your abs for a while. Sleeping on my side with a pillow between my knees and one wedged under my lower back was good.

Your doctor or his or her nurse should be good resource on how fast you can do thing. One of my friends suggested this and it really helped. Walking through the grocery store pushing a cart. Sounds so simple but it really helped with keeping me upright, balanced and using both the front and back muscle gently.

If you had your surgery vaginally things should progress much more quickly since you won't have had the abs cut. Keep in mind that mine was bikini line hip bone to hip bone. My administrative assistant had her vaginally and she went home the next day and was back to work in less than two weeks.

General anesthesia takes a lot out of you. Drink fluids, sleep all you want, eat protein, go slow.

Souzan

Oh dear Amira,

Sending you all the good vibes I can... cause in a month (March 20th) it is going to be my turn to go under the knife for an hysterectomy.

I have 4 fibroids to be remove and my uterus. Take afternoon naps and enjoy it,,s:: read good books and listing to music you like and visualize lovely choreography in your head... If you are in a good shape and use to be active, it should go faster than you imagine.

2 years ago, the surgeon who remove my appendict gave me 6 weeks to recover, and I started dancing again after 3 weeks, slowly but surely, no jumping (saidi) and it went well, you'll see! ,r:;

I will be thinking of you on the 20th ..g.:

Kiss 'n' take care!

Qamar

When I had mine I felt the same way! Could not stand just sitting there waiting to heal, BUT you HAVE to! I went back to dance WAY to fast, didn't wait for the doc to say OK. Didn't have any problems long term but was left wondering, why the heck am I trying to dance?
I have a good suggestion to keep your mind busy (TV stinks!) make a costume! That is what I did! In fact I made two. They came out great because I had LOTS of time!
Or if that isn't your thing a whole costume, get busy with all those costume fixes that we are all going to do and never get around to! Listen to music and take notes on combos to it.
It may not get you back in shape fast but you will not go crazy!

When I had bladder surgury last year, I had an 8 week recovery. I organized my costumes, reread all my BD magazines, watched a lot of DVDs, and made a costume. I continued to go to troupe practice and wrote out the new choreos we were working on. There are other things you can do besides dance. PLEASE return to dance slowly!! I hate to see a fellow BDer in pain! Get well & I'll send out good vibes!

Originally Posted by Qamar60

Oh dear Amira,

Sending you all the good vibes I can... cause in a month (March 20th) it is going to be my turn to go under the knife for an hysterectomy.

Thank you all wow!..g.: I will be thinking of you too on the 20th. I had extensive fibroids (inside and outside my uterus) and endometriosis. They cleaned them out twice before the doc and I decided to just take it all out. I have 3 kids anyway and had my tubes tied after the last one so its not like we were planning any more babies.
So I am home minus my uterus and ovaries but I am also missing over 5 lbs of tumors. I know big! lol So that is good. I just have this insane neurosis about gaining weight. I was anorexic in high school and I still keep myself in pretty decent shape without going overboard. I just keep hearing that little voice in the back of my head saying I am going to gain weight and its going to be hard to get off and I need to workout.... I know dumb but still there
I had it done vaginally with the laproscopic assist so my incisions are really small. I get exhausted so easily so I know I can't dance yet. No saidi for me, stairs are rough and our house is full of them, can't even imagine hopping. lol

Maybe a costume would be a good thing to work on. I don't sew very well, although I can hand stitch enough to get by..... I am sure that I can hand attach rhinestones and fringe and stuff.... oooh something to keep me busy...of course now I have to get someone to take me to the craft store lol
Thanks for that suggestions ladies, you all rak..g.:

While I never had a hysterectomy, I have known others who have, and the six week recovery prescription isn't for nothing. When any of them tried to get back to their normal schedule earlier than the six week period, did they ever have a setback! They didn't necessarily have to sit around all day but had to limit walking around a lot and definitely driving.

I am only guessing but I bet you could keep up your upper body movements and for the lower maybe some tummy flutters. I am just guessing but while all your "guts" are rearranging themselves inside back to normal, I would leave them alone.

Hope the time goes by fast and you feel better soon!

Just make sure you don't have the mind set of: "oh I had it the Vag. way so I can recover faster!" I had it that way also! There is SO much to heal INSIDE! Let yourself heal!
YES costume stuff! Hey just tell someone who cares about you, I'm going NUTS! PLEASE take me to a fabric store and I will then sit and work on costumes!" I made my dear hubby do it for me! Poor guy, he always states that Joanne Fabrics sucks the testoserone (sp?) right out of a guy, but he took me bless his heart!
As for gaining weight.... I had mine six years ago and have seen no change at all. I eat the same and am the same size! So don't worry so, have a vacation for yourself!

no experience with this at all but sending you healing energy and loves:)

Amira,

Listen to your body. If it hurts, stop or slow down. You are going to tire easily and it will take a while to get your strength and endurance back.

Your organs do rearrange when you have had so much taken out. Be mindful or any urinary issues in particular since your bladder may end up somewhere it wasn't before.

Once you get through all this I guarantee you will feel so much better. It was like a miracle when I had everything out. No more pain. Migraine headaches nearly disappeared. Mood swings stopped. I couldn't believe how much daily discomfort I had been enduring for so long.

I went on HRT right after surgery but got off hormones about 5 years ago without problems.

Why not take up some new hobby you've been thinking about getting involved in. Maybe something with your kids.

Souzan

Let the hubby and your kids take care of houseworks. OK, it won't be perfect but stay cool about it and let them spoiled you, you're whort it! ..g.:

Qamar

The hubby has been fabulous! He really is cleaning and taking care of things and offering to get me stuff so that I don't get up too much. I am going to have him take me to the craft store today so I can get started on that costume top....oooh I am really excited...not sure about how to do the belt right but I can at least work on the top:)

Thank you thank you! Big hugs (from the couch lol)

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way!

I have no personal experience with this, but since you're not able to dance right now it might be a great time to work on zills! You can work on some complicated rhythms while listening to music and visualizing yourself dancing. It keeps you connected to the dance without pushing yourself too hard too fast.

I 2nd the BIG change after healing! I am a new woman, best damn thing I did! You'll feel the same, just wait awhile, it's great!

I'm so glad to read this post. I'm considering a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis & adenomyosis. As others have said, listen to your body. Wait until you start to feel your energy return & as it does, gradually increase your activity level. That might look like a short 15 minute slow, soothing walk around the block or at a leisurely pace on the treadmill.
6 weeks is a good guideline for how long you can expect to recover to your pre-surgery activity level. If you push too hard too fast you will probably face some set backs which will ultimately be more discouraging. Celebrate the abilities of your body each day, and find a way to work in some activity that matches your energy level & general sense of well being for that day. Remember that there may be some days where your body wants rest, so park it on the couch and crack open a good book.
Two activities I have found that are great for easing my body back into a fitness routine after surgery are cycling & aqua aerobics. When you see your Doc for your first follow up, discuss options for getting back in the saddle.

I've no experience with this either, but I want to send you good healing vibes.
Please listen to your body - as much as your mind wants to tell you differently, ignore it. I love all the suggestions from everyone. Here's to a speedy recovery.