Our life for the past weeks has been surgery talk, hospitals, and a mom who just doesn’t seem like herself. Not to mention, my mom went home earlier in the week and we are all NOT HAVING IT. This hysterectomy recovery has been a lot harder than I thought.
On Tuesday, I hit one week post-op, and it felt like the longest week ever. I was released from the hospital 2 days after the surgery, thankfully, because I was ready to break out of there.
For those that don’t know, here is my preparing for a hysterectomy post and the reasons behind my surgery.
Hysterectomy Recovery
BEFORE
AFTER
The surgery itself went great. The doctor said it could not have gone better, which I like to hear. My fibroid was about 5 lbs, and the before and after is honestly crazy to me.
I guess because I lived with it for so long, I never thought about it too much. It was obviously super noticeable, I just dealt with it. Now that it’s not there, it’s amazing what a difference it makes.
I ended up having a total hysterectomy, but got to keep my ovaries, which I am super thankful for.
The recovery itself has been painful, but manageable. I went off of the medication about four days after surgery, mostly because I felt like I was living in a brain fog. I already live with anxiety, and didn’t need anything else clouding my mental state.
The doctor has given me a 6 week healing time before workouts or anything like that. I am really trying to cope with the fact that I cannot do Crossfit for the next few weeks, because I miss it so much. But, I am looking forward to the fact that I won’t have something hindering me in my workouts when I am cleared to exercise again!
The nerve and muscle pain may be the worst, only because everything seems so tense and tight at times. It makes sense, considering, that everything on the inside is trying to right itself again. I am really following the “no lifting, no twisting” rules (since I am not doing well at following much else in terms of the post op rules).
Post-Op Emotions
Part of me feels guilty for having to take the time to heal, for not being my normal self around my kids, and for struggling to just bounce back. Truth be told, my body and my emotions are just struggling right now. For the first little while I was essentially numb from dealing with the physical pain. Now that I have that semi-controlled, the emotional waves are INTENSE.
There have been a lot of tearful days and moments when I felt so frustrated with everything that was going on. It is really overwhelming for me, mentally, to go from being a Type A-get everything done-control freak, to having to sit and take the time to let myself heal.
Grace. That is what I have to tell myself every day. Everyone keeps telling me to take it easy and to give myself time… and I’m trying. Also, my girl friends will probably come hunt me down if I don’t (they have all threatened as much ;)).
I love and appreciate all of the support so much, but honestly, I can’t help what is in my own head. I wish I could un-feel the fear and anxiety, but all I can do is try to prevent it from controlling me and trust that He is in control.
Thankfully, this period in my life has also allowed me to see other things so much more clearly. My relationship with my husband, the importance of every moment spent with my children, and above all, my faith in God.
I am so thankful that there have really been no negative thoughts about not having anymore children. God blessed me with four beautiful babies, and I am beyond thankful for each of them. No part of me feels lacking in that area, or less than because I no longer have the ability to. I pray that if you are going through this, you feel the same way!
I’m taking every moment and cherishing it as much as I can, and trying to remember that all of the emotions that are flooding me right now are normal, and the result of a major surgery and a major organ being removed from my body.
*Here’s to allowing ourselves to heal during hysterectomy recovery, and any time that we need to*
I am very happy to know your surgery went good and I completely understand having anxiety and can only imagine all the different emotions having to go through something so personal and painful. I’m glad that you have support and four children whom you love and who love you. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am so happy that everything went well! I am also glad that you’re recovering great and quickly. I would have been mad if there were negative thoughts about your decision!
I have a friend that has just started to research about the hysterectomy process and if she wants to do it. I’ll share this with her.
I recently had the same surgery and today marks week 1 post-op. Everything you stated in your post is exactly what I’m experiencing. I too, have 4 kiddos and was confident in my decision to have this surgery. But the emotions of it all are what I struggle with. Constantly being told my household doesn’t function without me to now not being to do my day to day activities makes me feel a bit guilty. On top of feeling like I’m gaining a pound a day because I cannot exercise like I was previously. Being someone that’s always struggled with weight, now getting into a healthy, enjoyable routine AGAIN and I have to keep still for 6-8 weeks. Everyday is challenging….
I hope that you’re feeling much better now! It is a struggle, but one thing I learned is that our households will survive and making sure that we prioritize our health is so important.
I hope you get your strength back and get better soon. :0)
I didn’t know what it is so I had to Google about hysterectomy and oh my it sounds so painful. Get well soon girl 🙂
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I had my total (including ovaries) ten years ago. There are things that remind me daily of my decision to do this. However, I don’t regret one minute of it. Hugs, it will get better.
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is not often that women are open about what it looks like to be a mom and woman from the inside. I admire your courage. Swift healing to you.
It’s so great that you are on your way to a full recovery. You sharing your journey is a help to many!
I appreciate you sharing your story on such an important topic. I’ve been thinking about my options and having a hysterectomy. Thank you.
My mom had this done as well and a few years in, she’s very happy with her decision. The post-surgery was also difficult for her but we did what we could to help her through it. Wishing you good health and a continued safe and fast recovery. 🙂
FIVE POUNDS?!?!? Bless your poor heart. It sounds like it’s been rough for you. Glad you’re on the mend!
Take your time and heal completely! Thinking of you and sending you positive vibes.
My mom had a hysterectomy when I was younger, but I really didn’t know much about it. This is some great information. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that a very hard journey to go true! I wish you all the best in your future, you are amazing!
I have followed your story pretty much and I am so glad your surgery went well! We bless God, he is indeed Faithful. At the end of the day you will come out stronger and better and your story will be an inspiration to women around the world who are going through this same struggle.
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Thank you so much! I felt all of the support. 🙂
oh I didn’t know about this! I hope you heal ASAP, sending you a lot of strength and positive vibes.
Thank you so much!
My total hysterectomy (including tubes) is scheduled for July 5th so I really appreciate you sharing your story. So far, I think my anxiety is regarding the fact that I’ll be out of commission for so long afterward and not able to care for my 18 month old. I’m so glad you’re doing so well. God’s blessings to you and your family!
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Praying your recovery goes smoothly, mama!
Always so great to hear that all went well and you look amazing!!
I’m one year post op hysterectomy and just now feel myself. All went well but I now feel I’m into my new normal which didn’t kick in until about 6-9 months after.
Love connecting with others that had the same. My fibroids was about 10lbs total.
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That’s about the same as mine! I am so glad you’re starting to feel like yourself again.
I had my total hysterectomy in May and it was really rough! Hang in there! It gets better! I just had abdominal repair and tummy tuck and I’m surprised at how much easier it is than the laparoscopic hysterectomy. It’s crazy!
Oh no! Sorry you went through that! Yes, it’s great to be informed before hand of things you should look out for when recovery from a C-section. Thanks Jenn
I am 14th day post op today. Reading your article /journey gave a relief knowing that I am going through is a normal process.
I also wanted to come out stronger and happy once I am fully recovered
I hope you are feeling stronger:)
Thanks for sharing! I will have one next week, and I need it, thanks. Hope you are completely heal
I am currently 2 weeks post op and every single word you wrote I can relate. It is almost as if I wrote this. Thank you for unknowingly inspiring and motivating me to keep pushing through. The emotional roller coaster I’m experiencing is overwhelming, but I cling to hope that it’ll get better.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am two weeks in and my emotions are starting to get the best of me. Especially since I am also class a. Thank you for showing me there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m a week away from my hysterectomy, I know it’s needed, but your post have given me so much encouragement going into i, thank you for sharing!
I hope it all went well and you are fully healed:)
Thank you for sharing. I related so much with your testimonial and finally feel I am not alone in my anxiety.
You’re absolutely not alone in it!