Surgery recovery time?

[always_asleep]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to judge when to go back to work after surgery.

I'm having excision surgery of my endo that is also deep infiltrating on my bowel as well as POD, uterus and ovaries (potentially bladder too not sure on that yet until they go in). It's being done by 2 surgeons (an endo surgeon and a general surgeon).

All websites say 2 - 4 weeks recoevry but for me that just doesn't feel realistic. Just from a diagnostic lap with no removal, it took me 3 weeks to feel remotely like myself again (the fatigue is crazy) and then I'd say another week before I felt confident and not uncomfortable to travel/work etc (I have a very active job, I work in theatre so move around alot)

What are people's personal thoughts/experiences on this? I'm leaning more towards the 6 weeks mark to take off work so I don't risk hurting myself or going back too soon - but don't know if I'm being excessive. I'm just thinking that as I'll be having more organs involved in removal, the recovery might be longer.

Would really appreciate any thoughts, thanks in advance xx

[Leanne102]

My surgery was 2 years ago, with a very similar diagnosis,and it took me a couple of months to feel somewhat normal so I'd go with your estimate of 6 weeks. I think anyone is incredibly lucky to be recovered in a few weeks, but I don't think it's very realistic either.

[Endofitall]

6-8 weeks much more realistic. Best of luck

[Scoutybob]

I'm wondering the same. It's so hard to estimate isn't it because everyone's so different! I've got my surgery at the end of the month and very similar diagnosis to you but without the bladder. Mine is for excision of all endo (stage 4), undoing all adhesions, removal of large endometriomas on both cysts (with possible loss of one ovary), probable removal of both tubes and potential bowel resection.

I have a remote role so I'm hoping I'll be back sooner. I had originally just put in for 2 weeks annual leave and hoped I could start work again. I was told on another board that was completely unrealistic. I've now been offered an additional week paid, which is great news! But after the 3 weeks' it's unpaid and I really can't afford that. Also, a lot of my salary is commission based and I really need to be back at work.

I'm finding it impossible to know what to expect (1st surgery) and also because I've got so many variables once they're in. It's stressing me out if I'm honest! I wish there was clearer or more definitive advice.

[egWound in reply to Scoutybob]

Hi, I’ve just had a large cyst, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes removed plus adhesions sorted. I have to be honest with you it has been a rough ride to get better. I have struggled with swelling, walking and a little depression. I’m coming up six weeks after my operation and I’m just starting to feel myself again. I just wanted to be honest with you because like yourself I thought I would be up and about at two to four weeks. I hope this helps and I’m sending you so much love. X

[Scoutybob in reply to egWound]

I appreciate the heads up. I wish it was more clear cut so we knew what to expect x

[Scoutybob in reply to egWound]

And hope you're doing ok. It's a long journey xx