Thursday Thoughts: 3 month surgery update

Hello! Today, I’m sharing my three month update after having my total hysterectomy in October. The short version is that all is well, I’m so happy I did it, and the recovery was a bit quicker than I thought it would be.

That being said, I love this quote from Brene Brown:

First, here’s my original post from October.

And… here are a few details about my recovery process and easing into a new normal:

I stayed one night in the hospital and came home about 24 hours after my surgery. My recovery was slow and steady. It was difficult for me to slow down and give myself some time to rest, but I knew that’s what I needed to do. So, that meant asking for help, accepting help, taking some time off work, and reminding myself to take it day by day.

My abdomen with three small incisions was the main issue with soreness for the first 10 days or so. Walking around actually felt good, but sitting or lying down made me realize how much I use those abdominal muscles. The first couple of nights, I slept propped up, but then I was able to sleep on my side with a few pillows for support. I’m a side sleeper, so that was of great relief for me when I was able to get comfortable on my side.

I didn’t really need pain medication. As I mentioned in my first post, I followed doctor’s orders with taking them for the first couple days, but then Tylenol/Ibuprofen did the trick.

I had follow up appointments with my doctor at two weeks and seven weeks. (I was supposed to see her at six weeks, but they called me to reschedule it.) My annual exam (yes, you still go to those even minus some lady parts) was also scheduled for that day, so it all worked out. After that appointment, I was cleared to start working out again, and I felt ready to get back doing so. Up until that point, I had just been walking to get some steps in and burn a few calories. I was happy to start doing more cardio and weights!

I wasn’t supposed to drive for the first two weeks, so that was an adjustment. Travis was basically a super star Uber driver!

I was very tired the first 3-4 weeks. Very tired. After about three weeks, I definitely took a turn for the better with my energy level and stamina. That being said, I did over do it a few times. I just would wake up feeling pretty normal and kind of plug along with my day at a regular pace until late afternoon when I would feel a little achy and exhausted.

By six weeks, I felt so much better. I’m just a tired person. I can take a nap most any day! So, now I’m back to my normal tired rather and exhausted tired… 😆

Prior to my surgery, I was having daily cramping, lower back pain, abdominal discomfort and bloat. All of those issues are gone now. I’m still looking for my abs, but I’m glad to be able to do some crunches w/o having pain, bloat, and exhaustion afterwards!

For hormone replacement, I use an Estrogen patch to delay menopause. I change the patch once a week, so that’s just another alarm I set on my phone as a reminder 😂 I haven’t had any night sweats or whatever else comes with menopause, so I guess the patch is working!

While it took some time to come to peace with the decision to have the surgery, I am very glad I did it. I continue to be thankful to have been able to make the decision on my own and at my own time. While I feel at peace, I still have some lingering sadness about my journey and struggles through the years. It feels odd to have closed that chapter of my life. My struggles with infertility, miscarriage, and endometriosis were a part of my life for so long, that some of the “I wish I could have..” or “What might have been..” still linger. I know some people can just move on, but I also had so many share with me to take the time to “grieve” that chapter of my life.

So that’s my update! Again, I just know I learned so much when Shay shared her experience and updates, and writing these posts has been a form of journaling for me which is an added bonus in recovery and therapeutic as well.

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope you are having a great week!