6 weeks post excision surgery and still can’t walk far.

[Frangipani8]

Hi,

I’m 42 years old and I had a laparoscopy with four incisions 6 weeks ago. The surgeon said endo was severe and excised it from all of my reproductive organs and from my bladder, pelvic ligaments and an artery. They also removed endo cysts from both ovaries. Apparently everything was stuck together and pulled over to the left of my body too. They found it on my bowel, but will remove this at a follow up surgery, so a bowel surgeon can be there too. I will also eventually have a hysterectomy. Plus, I have adenomyosis. I have been signed off of work until next week and am seeing the doctor tomorrow to see how recovery is going. I am feeling a bit anxious about returning to work, as I am a teaching assistant and my job is quite physical. I have been building up my walking and get out every day, but find my legs ache and feel weak after about 15 minutes of walking. Has anyone else experienced this? I wondered if it was due to the ligament involvement. I have also been bleeding on and off since the operation, which seems to be getting better (they fitted a coil whilst they were in there, so could be that?)

[FazzyB]

Hi Sorry to hear about your struggles

You need a full hysterectomy as that is what i had last August and it was the best thing for me.

Also your story resonates with me as its a that I have gone through and plus some.

I am the simular age to you too, I had all those issues and more my life was hellish.

But I feel so good after the opp.

Life changes and for the better

Take care I wish you all the best and good luck 👍🏼 💜

[Cailleach]

I haven’t had this surgery, but I have had plenty other surgeries. It sounds as is what they did was quite extensive, so it’s not surprising your recovery is a bit slower than you expected. You are doing quite a demanding job, so please don’t be afraid to say you need more time off to fully recover. You are doing the right thing by gradually building up your strength.

Be honest with the doctor, including about what your job involves and your worries, and keep your manager informed - often better to phone as well as sending in a sick note.

I assume you’re in the public sector, but in any case most employers have access to an Occupational Heath Service, who can advise your employer, after talking to you, how to help your return to work. You should really be doing a phased return- reduced hours/days initially and maybe with some other restrictions on the duties you do till you are fully fit. You can ask your manager to refer you to Occ Health.

The coil can cause bleeding like you describe, go back to your GP/contact Gynae if problems don’t settle down.

I hope you feel better soon.