I decided to wait for some time to provide an update on my hysterectomy so that I could provide details on the recovery path. Today is Day 12 of my recovery and I am so grateful that this is done! I am struggling with not being able to lift or exercise, but I am sure the four-to-six-week window will go fast.
First, I will start with the fact that I way underestimated recovery for this procedure. I really thought I would be back to work in a day or two, especially since I have a remote job. I had surgery late Tuesday afternoon and by Friday I mustered up the strength to log on to work and join meetings for a few hours.
My doctor prescribed Toradol, Gabapentin, and Cyclobenzaprine. Toradol was for the pain. The Gabapentin was for nerve related pain and helps with the burning, shooting and deep ache pain you may experience. The Cyclobenzaprine was prescribed to help with pelvic floor muscle spasms. These were the two things I hadn’t really prepared myself for. I guess it makes sense that when you have rooted around in the abdominal cavity (cutting ligaments, nerves, and vessels), that your pelvic area gets a little angry.
I did not have a lot of pain in the normal sense post-surgery. In fact, I couldn’t feel my sutures at all. I only took pain meds for the first two days and was up to walk every few hours. Most of what I did not anticipate was more the discomfort. The best way to describe it was a dull ache with a lot of pressure and bloating.
Another fun fact that most people may not prepare for is the impact this procedure has on your digestive system. The anesthesia and subsequent recovery medications impact motility and you have to be very cautious of straining due to the vaginal cuff and sutures. I won’t get into too much detail here since it’s not a pleasant topic but trust me when I suggest that you start off on a stool softener several days before surgery and for several after.
I have stayed pretty active. As active as one can be when we have been suffering these terrible sub-twenty-degree temperatures and snow still on the ground. I had to be more cautious due to the fall risk, but I did manage to drive on Day 9, almost 90 minutes to a work meeting. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, other than seeing some sunshine finally! My body does very clearly let me know when I have overdone it. It is best described as exhaustion. Not an “I need to sleep” sort of feeling, but just a need to rest.
All in all, recovery took more out of me than I expected, but at the same time, for being a major surgery, it also was not a horrible experience. I still have bloating, pressure, and spotting, but it’s all subsiding a bit day by day. I feel like the end of week three will be a solid turning point for me. I can for sure say that I have not met one woman yet who regretted this procedure!
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