3 weeks post op

[Ru8yred]

hello, I’m now just over 3 weeks post op. I’m walking now but I’m absolutely exhausted most of the time and still feel quite spikey ? I’m achey and it just feels like I’m still healing but can’t quite seem to persuade people I’m still recovering. I can only really wear one pair of v v loose trousers as any pressure on my abdomen is really sore.

As I’ve never had surgery, and I have nothing to compare it too or know no one directly who’s had this, I’m not sure what to do. I still feel bad but not bad enough to be in bed constantly, but walking and functioning ‘normally’ is so exhausting. I’m also now stressing about returning back to work and I think the stress is making the pain flare up more.

Feeling very helpless and any advice would be amazing xx

[Tangoandmax]

Hey, all completely normal given the time frame. It takes 4-6 weeks to heal so do share that with anyone questioning whether you should be up and about/back to normal. You absolutely should not have to convince people!

Everyone is different, and it changes person to person. I had quite a bit removed, it took me four weeks to go back to working from home, but I only did mornings and have slowly eased back in since then. Just listen to your body, at week three I was still napping sporadically through the day. It is exhausting! Rest when you need, don’t push or overdo it, you’ll risk setting yourself back. It just takes time. Xx

[Ru8yred in reply to Tangoandmax]

I feel like no one believes me when I say I’m still not feeling good. Because my wounds from the surgery have healed pretty much now but internally it still feels sore. I had a lot removed and a cyst cut out as well and the coil fitted. I also seem to have good and bad days with the pain. I do just feel a little crazy now it’s been so long.

I think also I’m scared to go back to ‘normal’ as I can’t see how well I’m healed ?? So annoying it’s all internal and the surgeon said a weeks recovery was all was needed xx

[Tangoandmax in reply to Ru8yred]

Well that’s honestly not what you need. You need support, and a bit of it. Externally we heal much quicker than we do internally. Just because it’s not physically seen does not mean everything is ok, as normal with the disease. I’m sorry you’re reviving that attitude on top of trying to recover.

When I was discharged, they told me two weeks but it was likely I’d need a sick note extension from my GP. They said that every day should be better, but that absolutely was not the case, I did my absolute best to rest as much as I could but every day was up and down. I’d have two days where I felt good, I’m getting there! And then suddenly for no reason I’d have pain worse than ever. It’s not linear no matter what anyone says. You do what’s best for you!

It’s absolutely a huge lesson in patience, something I’m terrible at. But rushing back in won’t do you any favours, ignore the noise and trust yourself xx

[Comedykid]

3 weeks is no time at all. I am now on week 8 and honestly my pain twinges have only just stopped at around week 7, now I just have the occasional ache. It can take up to 12 weeks to heal internally, there is a lot they have done and moved about inside so it is going to take time.

I had 4 weeks off work with a sick note and honestly I probably still went back to early and I could only manage a fazed return. This week just gone is my first week back at work full time and even that took it out of me.

Rest when you need and push yourself to walk a few extra steps when you are ready.

[Lunaloo123]

I am in a very similar boat to you. All I can say is you must listen to what your body is telling you.

I’ll be four weeks on Friday and I still don’t feel 100% but that I should be.

You can only do what feels right and rest as much as you can. It’s a big thing to have surgery and not many people understand endo (including us). There is no specific time you should feel better so don’t feel pressured into rushing back- you don’t want it to send you back a few steps.

Keep your chin up and be proud of the fact you’re walking a bit more.

It’s all baby steps!

Take it easy xx

[Bumblebee11]

Oh hun- firstly, take it easy. Your body has just gone through major traumatic surgery. Okay so things are looking good on the inside- great, but I call that the landlord cover up- there are still issues that take a hell of a lot of time and love to heal on the inside. Honestly, give yourself a break. If you aren't ready to go back to work or normal routine etc. Tell your doctor- usually they're pretty good at extending sick notes if it's for the benefit of the patient.

I had my twins via c section and rushed to "be better" and then I tore internally and damaged myself a gooden (as well as causing loads more scar tissue for my endo to fall in love with). It was NOT worth it. I wish I stayed taking it slow and just enjoying some time to do simple things like read, binge cheesey movies etc.

Put you first. It's time

[Joonaspryte]

ive had 8 major surgeries, and three weeks is still eary days.

I cannot believe the surgeon said it only needs a week, thats ridiculous.

It also annoys me that people only focus on the outside scars, thats the access point, not where all the main work was done.

You take the time you need to heal, only you can know what your body needs.

[ccfd9]

If you are worried about going back to work then talk to your HR department, if there is one. They should let you do a phased back to work - going part time for a few weeks just to see how it goes. But don’t push yourself get much better first.

It can take months to get the effects of the anaesthetic out of your system. Obviously, you have internal inflammation so it will help to try an anti-inflammatory diet using low histamine foods. Another snippet that may help “Stop hating the part of your body that is letting you down but treat it like a sick child and love it better”.