Recovery struggles 5 weeks PO

[KH_Naker]

I had a hysterectomy 5 weeks ago (laporoscopic, kept my cervix and ovaries), and I am really struggling with this recovery. I'm due to go back to work after 8 weeks, and I'm very concerned that I won't feel ready. I know I've been more active than I should from time to time (when my doctor cleared me for "light activity," I figured that meant I could walk 5 miles...). Today, I went to a park and walked a bit (about a mile) and have been incredibly fatigued and in so much pain on my left side since. I don't know if I'm simply not resting enough, but I am also very concerned with what I am reading here about difficulties with fatigue and going back to work. I'm afraid that I won't be able to get through a full work week. Recovery seems to last much longer than what medical professionals have been telling me.

[ballamory13]

Hi, would your employer consider a phased return to work? Perhaps starting back part time and increasing to contracted hours over a few weeks. If you have access to Occupational Health, they can advise. 😊

[KH_Naker in reply to ballamory13]

I'm in the US (but am curious about what Occupational Health is!) and I think that it would be possible for me to phase back into office, by working at home, then gradually commuting to the office. It's crazy how just going places seems to suck so much energy! Thank you for the suggestion!

[Magsiemoomoo]

Hi

I had a total hysterectomy (includes cervix), unilateral oopherectomy and excision of endo nodules in pouch of Douglas end April. I'm just over 6 weeks into recovery and I have to be honest after overdoing it a bit lifting or bending at times in the first few weeks I totally relaxed and did little. I'm only how starting to feel a bit like myself. I still get the extreme exhaustion some days mid avo, after doing what I would class as light housework even. It has been a bit of a roller-coaster. I too am due back in 2 weeks to work and not sure how ready I will be by then but we shall see. What O have found is that resting when you're exhausted or feel like you need it is a must to continue to recover well.

Not sure if this helps but hope your recovery gets better x

[KH_Naker in reply to Magsiemoomoo]

Thank you for sharing, and yes, it does help. I've experienced similar exhaustion with doing very light activity. Wishing you all the best with your recovery and return to work.