5 wks post op

Hi, i am 39 years old I had a laproscopic full hysterectomy (cervix and uterus). I returned to work 2 wks post op because I am an elementary teacher and needed to be start the beginning of the school year. I know it was to early but my doc thought that I should be ok. I have two incisions that are really sore, and are red around them. It actually feels like a stabbing pain. My abdomen under my belly button burns and is really sore. I am also really bloated. I am not sure what type of pain is normal and what is not. Today my upper thighs are cramping and are really sore. I have also had a low grade fever since my operation. I do not have a mom and have no one to answer these questions to. I see my doc on Wednesday, but should I do anything sooner.

Take the advice of the doctor but I think you went back torsion I didn't go back for eight weeks

Hi Jill,

Sorry to learn you're going through this.  Sounds as if you might have a local irritation or infection of those incisions.  It happens.  Having a low grade fever might mean that you do have an infection. And, pain is not a good sign.  

Please don't be worried, but to be cautious, I think that it would be best not to wait till Wednesday, especially if you might have an infection that could spread.  Is there a way that you could go to an ER?  My doctor told me that if I was in pain, running a fever that I should go right to an ER.

Best of luck to you and let me know how you do!

I think you should contact out of hours or go to your nearest hospital it sounds like it could be an infection hope you feel better soon

HI jill

I'm very surprised that your doctor agreed to you returning to work after just 2 weeks, whatever your job - I have a fairly sedatary job as a legal secretary but I was told 6 weeks minimum before returning. I'm also surprised that your employer expected you to do so.  I had a vaginal hysterectomy last year, so no external wounds at all, but at 2 weeks post op, and feeling completely back to normal, I had a very severe bleed after tearing internal stitches.  And this was caused by nothing more strenuous than reaching down behind my sofa to remove a plug from a socket.  Your internal stitches would still be very vulnerable at 2 weeks post op so going back to work in a school and no doubt having to bend etc is asking for trouble.  I had a very successful op with no pain whatsoever and so the sort of pain you are having doesn't sound normal.  You must get medical advice and definitely not be working.  You need to rest until the stiches heal.  Don't be a martyr - it's really not worth gambling with you health - your employers won't thank you for it.

Best wishes an keep us updated

Shani

x

Thats so true i had abominal hysterectomy and had eight weeks as I also work in a school and do alot of walking about

I too had a laproscopic total hysterectomy in March this year.  I understand your dilema for returning to work but 2 weeks is a bit too soon - I am amazed your doctor allowed this. I am a farmer, whilst this is totally the other end of the work scale - I have only just started to work back on the farm. My consultant said that for a "normal job" that didn't involve lifting etc.. he would expect me to be off work from 6-8 weeks. For my job it was 6 months! I agree that you should seek medical advice with regards to your aches etc.  Do you have an out of hours surgery to can attend?

​Best of luck - us ladies that go through this, put too much on ourselves in terms of recovery but in the long run we only hurt ourselves. I hope you get some answers and rest up when you can.  Elaine xx

Oh my goodness. 2 weeks is way too soon for any job.

You only get one really good chance at a proper and full recovery otherwise you are setting yourself up for later problems.  

Def sounds like infection, and swelling-swelly belly is completely normal and usually due to overdoing things, and esp at end of day.

I would seriously ask for time off to recover properly.  Most folks arent ready to return to work before week 12+. Recovery process can feel a bit like one step forward, two steps back.  Be kind to yourself. Rest.  And seriously, would consider changing any doc who said you were fine to return to teaching so soon after major surgery. Best wishes on your recovery. K

Thank you everyone. I saw my doc last week and he put me on antibiotics to clear up infection in incisions. He said the cramping and fever after surgery. Feeling so much more better the. I was last week at this time. Still tired. When I lift stuff I feel like myself inners are going to fall out... Is that normal? Or is that a sign that I am lifting and doing to much?

HI jill its coming up to 5 weeks for me , and i feel as if my insides are coming out , when i start to walk , i have sit back down which is a relief and inside feels like pulling and is acheing only when i walk , all so when i try making a drink or sit on toilet and when i just stand and get out of bed, im back at docs weel after next, it probably your body saying you doing to much, dont rush it , im defeantly not.

Yes that's true just take it day by day and just small walks a day

Hi Loulou,

5 weeks is still early days.  Your stitches will dissolve over time, but for soe people it's more like 8 weeks or more externally.  Internally, though about 6 months!  So do be careful.  My doc said don't lift anything heavier than a half gallon milk carton for the first 6 weeks!

Best of luck to you!

HI lynda do you know or anybody else know if i can drink diet coke yet, all ive drank since ive come out is water , decaf coffee and tea and im getting fed up of it, its been nearly 5 weeks sonce i had my op .

Yes its OK to drink diet coke though I didn't touch alcohol for six weeks

Hi, Loulou,

I think it's probably okay if you want to drink diet coke.  I'd start drinking it with ice in a glass, so you can get some of the flavor, but a little water, too.