recovering from radical in va

Unknown
Unknown
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I had a radical hysterectomy on 1-29-08 Just hoping someone could shed some light on how i should be feeling 3 weeks after surgery. I have a weird hard to explain feeling in my stomach. Its like an achy sore sometimes spasms feeling. with more pain on my left side. This is my first surgery Im 39 years old and feel like a big baby sometimes. It didnt help matters that i had a stomach virus on Monday. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

Thanks,

Donna

Comments

  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #2
    Hi Donna,
    Three weeks is not long after surgery. Some of your spasms may be recovering nerves and muscles. Give yourself at least 3 more weeks to see if it subsides. I had a colectomy in Nov 06 and radical hysterectomy in July 07, and I still get a little sore sometimes. Remember, this was no play surgery--it was serious and deep, so your body has a lot of recovering to do. Keep your pillow handy for when you stand, sit, cough or any other things that will put stress on your abdomen. If things don't improve, stress it to your surgeon. Good luck and prayers to you.
    Kirsten
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #3
    Hi Donna,
    Kmygil is correct about the seriousness of your surgery and the fact that healing takes time. I am older than you, and had a radical hysterectomy also. My oncologist told me to do nothing for the first 2 weeks, and to take it very slowly after that period. It takes at least 6-8 wks to recover completely.
    A stomach virus stresses all those muscles that were affected by your surgery. You are not a big baby, it hurts. Try to remind yourself that you heal from the outside in. You may see that your incisions are mostly healed, but that doesn't mean everything is healed. Kmygil's pillow suggestion is a good one too. You must be scheduled for a post op with your surgeon, make a list of your questions for him. Also, call your doc's office if you feel there's a problem. Take care and rest. Keep me posted on how your are doing. RoseAnn
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    nonnatoo said:

    Hi Donna,
    Kmygil is correct about the seriousness of your surgery and the fact that healing takes time. I am older than you, and had a radical hysterectomy also. My oncologist told me to do nothing for the first 2 weeks, and to take it very slowly after that period. It takes at least 6-8 wks to recover completely.
    A stomach virus stresses all those muscles that were affected by your surgery. You are not a big baby, it hurts. Try to remind yourself that you heal from the outside in. You may see that your incisions are mostly healed, but that doesn't mean everything is healed. Kmygil's pillow suggestion is a good one too. You must be scheduled for a post op with your surgeon, make a list of your questions for him. Also, call your doc's office if you feel there's a problem. Take care and rest. Keep me posted on how your are doing. RoseAnn

    Kirsten and Roseann,

    Thank you so much for answering my questions. I have wanted so badly to talk to someone that has experienced the same thing. I'm really sorry you both had to endure it but i'm glad you're doing better. My doctor took 55 lymph nodes does that sound like alot to you? Once again thank you for the helpful info.


    Donna
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #5
    unknown said:

    Kirsten and Roseann,

    Thank you so much for answering my questions. I have wanted so badly to talk to someone that has experienced the same thing. I'm really sorry you both had to endure it but i'm glad you're doing better. My doctor took 55 lymph nodes does that sound like alot to you? Once again thank you for the helpful info.


    Donna

    Hi again Donna,
    I don't know how many, but all of my pelvic lymph nodes were removed during my surgery. The postop results said no cancer and all margins clear. I can't answer you question about numbers, but maybe someone elses can or note it down to ask your doc when you see him. I have my first check up tomorrow, and I am a little worried. I'm sure it will be fine, but I still wonder. Take care, RoseAnn
  • kellyw314
    kellyw314 Member Posts: 51
    #6
    I had a radical hysterectomy in May 2006 with 42 lymph nodes removed -- all were negative as well as the abdominal wash so I was staged at 1-c because I had 60% penetration of uterine wall I had sharp stabbing pains on my left side for at least 5 months -- they were intermittent and not related to exercise or movement -- I did develop a lymphatic cyst on my left side which was still there 18 months later, although smaller by abdominal cat scan -- dr said not to worry about cyst and forecasted before surgery that recovery really takes 6 months -- he was right -- I was moving and did return to work 3 weeks post-surgery (my choice) I'm sure you will continue to improve over time kellyw314
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    kellyw314 said:

    I had a radical hysterectomy in May 2006 with 42 lymph nodes removed -- all were negative as well as the abdominal wash so I was staged at 1-c because I had 60% penetration of uterine wall I had sharp stabbing pains on my left side for at least 5 months -- they were intermittent and not related to exercise or movement -- I did develop a lymphatic cyst on my left side which was still there 18 months later, although smaller by abdominal cat scan -- dr said not to worry about cyst and forecasted before surgery that recovery really takes 6 months -- he was right -- I was moving and did return to work 3 weeks post-surgery (my choice) I'm sure you will continue to improve over time kellyw314

    Roseann,
    I'm sure everything will be okay for post op. I also had everything come back negative. Its always great to get news like that after everything you've been through. Keep me posted on how things go.

    Take care
    Donna
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #8
    unknown said:

    Roseann,
    I'm sure everything will be okay for post op. I also had everything come back negative. Its always great to get news like that after everything you've been through. Keep me posted on how things go.

    Take care
    Donna

    kellyw314

    You are a strong person to go back to work after 3 weeks. I can understand you start to go stir crazy cooped up. Thank you for info on recovery. This is my first surgery and I was hoping all the hurt would be gone after 3 weeks. Just wishful thinking on my part. How long do the stomach and top of legs stay numb? How long do you hurt in the stomach area and have trouble getting out of chairs and beds?

    Take care
    Donna
  • kellyw314
    kellyw314 Member Posts: 51
    #9
    unknown said:

    kellyw314

    You are a strong person to go back to work after 3 weeks. I can understand you start to go stir crazy cooped up. Thank you for info on recovery. This is my first surgery and I was hoping all the hurt would be gone after 3 weeks. Just wishful thinking on my part. How long do the stomach and top of legs stay numb? How long do you hurt in the stomach area and have trouble getting out of chairs and beds?

    Take care
    Donna

    Donna,
    I had staples removed 2 weeks post surgery and that allowed me to move from a chair without much pain -- prior to that "uncomfortable is an understatment" -- I slept in a lounge chair recliner for the first 3weeks before tackling a bed -- it took a good month before I could roll over in bed and have a good night sleep kellyw314
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #10
    unknown said:

    Roseann,
    I'm sure everything will be okay for post op. I also had everything come back negative. Its always great to get news like that after everything you've been through. Keep me posted on how things go.

    Take care
    Donna

    Donna, Good news - check up went great. all healed no signs of any problem. and I'm free for another three months. Didn't mention this before, but I had a 2nd primary cancer site discovered after hysterectomy. Tumor of left kidney. That surgery was 10/25/07 just three months later. Partial left kidney and tumor removed. Am now in the process of healing from that. All cancer gone and margins clear. Kidney is functioning but leaking slightly and a bit slow in healing. Speak with surg. weekly. That was T1A renal clear cell carcinoma. Thanks for caring. It helps in this whole process. Hope to hear from you soon. Have you tried the chat room? It's a little intimidating, but there are some wonder people in there. Take care. RoseAnn
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    kellyw314 said:

    Donna,
    I had staples removed 2 weeks post surgery and that allowed me to move from a chair without much pain -- prior to that "uncomfortable is an understatment" -- I slept in a lounge chair recliner for the first 3weeks before tackling a bed -- it took a good month before I could roll over in bed and have a good night sleep kellyw314

    Kellyw314,

    Thanks for the heads up on what to expect. My family has been fussing at me for running the vacuum and some other household duties.I dont push myself hard but they say I could get scar tissue. Whats your opinion on the subject?

    Take care,

    Donna
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #12
    nonnatoo said:

    Donna, Good news - check up went great. all healed no signs of any problem. and I'm free for another three months. Didn't mention this before, but I had a 2nd primary cancer site discovered after hysterectomy. Tumor of left kidney. That surgery was 10/25/07 just three months later. Partial left kidney and tumor removed. Am now in the process of healing from that. All cancer gone and margins clear. Kidney is functioning but leaking slightly and a bit slow in healing. Speak with surg. weekly. That was T1A renal clear cell carcinoma. Thanks for caring. It helps in this whole process. Hope to hear from you soon. Have you tried the chat room? It's a little intimidating, but there are some wonder people in there. Take care. RoseAnn

    Roseann,

    Yeah I'm doing my happy dance for you!!! Its sounds like you've had a tough go at it. I am glad you are doing better but is the leaking part of the healing process? I'm not very bright when it comes to surgery and healing ordeals. As for the chat room I tried to get on but it said i need to download something for it to work. Just call me tight i was scared it would cost me something. If not i will try it again. What do you think about vacuuming and other household duties in 3rd week post op. My family wants me to stop due to scare tissue and pulling something loose.
    Once again thanks for taking the time to chat with me its wonderful to find new friends.Got to go teenage daughter thinking she needs the computer.

    Take care,
    Donna
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #13
    unknown said:

    Roseann,

    Yeah I'm doing my happy dance for you!!! Its sounds like you've had a tough go at it. I am glad you are doing better but is the leaking part of the healing process? I'm not very bright when it comes to surgery and healing ordeals. As for the chat room I tried to get on but it said i need to download something for it to work. Just call me tight i was scared it would cost me something. If not i will try it again. What do you think about vacuuming and other household duties in 3rd week post op. My family wants me to stop due to scare tissue and pulling something loose.
    Once again thanks for taking the time to chat with me its wonderful to find new friends.Got to go teenage daughter thinking she needs the computer.

    Take care,
    Donna

    Hello again Donna,

    No leaking isn't normal, but it is healing. It is was much worse, but getting better, and kidney is functioning normally other than that.
    As for the chat room, once I registered as a member, access to the chat room was included. All I did was click on the "chat room" sign. No cost to me. You mentioned abdominal and leg numbness. I do still have numbness on my lower right abdomen and upper leg and it's been almost 7 months. Doc says it will disappear.
    Be careful with what you do. light housework is ok if you feel up to it,but lifting and vacuuming might be better to wait another few weeks. You don't want to take any chances. Let family take care of you. You'll all feel better. That's hard for a mom to do, trust me, I know. You can email me too if you want to talk. I enjoy hearing from you. RoseAnn
  • Orange31
    Orange31 Member Posts: 3
    #14
    Hi Donna, RoseAnn and others....
    Thank you all for posting on this thread. I just had a hysterectomy last week and I've found your posts quite helpful. As much as I feel good things are still kinda 'wierd' if that makes any sense.....

    I joined this website in October or so and just started chatting on here this week. Would love to "meet" you all in there.
  • kellyw314
    kellyw314 Member Posts: 51
    #15
    unknown said:

    Kellyw314,

    Thanks for the heads up on what to expect. My family has been fussing at me for running the vacuum and some other household duties.I dont push myself hard but they say I could get scar tissue. Whats your opinion on the subject?

    Take care,

    Donna

    Hi Donna,

    I think good advise to forego housework even though you are feeling better -- I was told not to lift anything weighing more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks post surgery -- nurse gave a as a reference a gallon of milk which she said was about 10 pounds -- I did follow that advise and didnot do grocery shopping (lifting bags) for that time and have not had any issues I am aware of -- heading onto 2nd year anniversary this May - rest and take it easy kellyw314
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #16
    kellyw314 said:

    Hi Donna,

    I think good advise to forego housework even though you are feeling better -- I was told not to lift anything weighing more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks post surgery -- nurse gave a as a reference a gallon of milk which she said was about 10 pounds -- I did follow that advise and didnot do grocery shopping (lifting bags) for that time and have not had any issues I am aware of -- heading onto 2nd year anniversary this May - rest and take it easy kellyw314

    Kellyw,

    I guess that vacuum is just gonna have to wait. My family helps me I just want to do it myself. If someone had told me a month before my surgery that my husband and kids would have to do cleaning I would have been so excited. But sitting at home drives me crazy I need to be busy. I'm also getting out of shape more so than i was. Oh my did I just act like I wanted exercise. I think I have a fever or someone else is in my body. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Talk to you later.

    Take care,
    Donna
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #17
    nonnatoo said:

    Hello again Donna,

    No leaking isn't normal, but it is healing. It is was much worse, but getting better, and kidney is functioning normally other than that.
    As for the chat room, once I registered as a member, access to the chat room was included. All I did was click on the "chat room" sign. No cost to me. You mentioned abdominal and leg numbness. I do still have numbness on my lower right abdomen and upper leg and it's been almost 7 months. Doc says it will disappear.
    Be careful with what you do. light housework is ok if you feel up to it,but lifting and vacuuming might be better to wait another few weeks. You don't want to take any chances. Let family take care of you. You'll all feel better. That's hard for a mom to do, trust me, I know. You can email me too if you want to talk. I enjoy hearing from you. RoseAnn

    Roseann,

    I guess the vacuum is gonna have to wait. I told Kellyw that i was bored at home and looking for something to occupy my time. I feel like someone else was talking for me I have never been one to exercise. I guess something like this serves as a wake up call.
    Thanks for updating me on your situation. Glad to hear everything is okay. I feel like we all have a connection and good news is always welcome.
    As for the chat room I will have to try it again.
    Thanks for your the opinion on my vacuuming.

    Take care,
    Donna
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #18
    Orange31 said:

    Hi Donna, RoseAnn and others....
    Thank you all for posting on this thread. I just had a hysterectomy last week and I've found your posts quite helpful. As much as I feel good things are still kinda 'wierd' if that makes any sense.....

    I joined this website in October or so and just started chatting on here this week. Would love to "meet" you all in there.

    Orange31,

    Hope you are doing well. I totally understand what you mean about weird. I'm still trying to explain the feelings i have. I'm gonna try to get in the chatroom the next time someone is in there.Hope everything goes well for you in the next few weeks. I can tell you its very boring not being able to do like you want to.

    Take care,
    Donna
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #19
    Orange31 said:

    Hi Donna, RoseAnn and others....
    Thank you all for posting on this thread. I just had a hysterectomy last week and I've found your posts quite helpful. As much as I feel good things are still kinda 'wierd' if that makes any sense.....

    I joined this website in October or so and just started chatting on here this week. Would love to "meet" you all in there.

    Hello Orange31,
    Glad to hear our posts help....I've gotten lots of support in here and in chat. Weird is a good description...feel that way too. So hard to absorb and understand all of this. I'm in chat almost every night....Some great and some not...But it helps to just listen sometimes. Hope to see you in there.....feel free to contact me here or via email if I can be of any help. RoseAnn
  • renee2u
    renee2u Member Posts: 27
    #20
    Hi Donna... I had a radical hysterectomy many years ago but it was a doozy. I was so full of endometriosis that it took the Dr 3 hours of surgery to clean me out. He said he had to scrape my pelvic bone for 35 minutes to get it all off... I guess I was pretty much a mess! I remember that after 1 month I was still sore... I really think it took almost a year to really feel normal again. I had such bad periods that it was a relief to not have periods anymore but because I was such a mess the Drs would not start hormone therapy for 6 full months to make sure all the endom was dead. So at 36 I was thrown into menopause.... I thought I was going to scream! I had the hysterectomy on a Tuesday and was release from the hospital on Friday... 3 days later I was puking my guts out... had a fever... (probably the flu...)... went to my Dr but nothing they could do.... a few days later I was better... but it was hard to puke and have stitches... OMG! After 6 weeks I started walking... built it up and within 3 months I was walking 5 miles a day... That really helped with the soreness... but I can remember that it took a full year before I felt like a normal person again!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #21
    renee2u said:

    Hi Donna... I had a radical hysterectomy many years ago but it was a doozy. I was so full of endometriosis that it took the Dr 3 hours of surgery to clean me out. He said he had to scrape my pelvic bone for 35 minutes to get it all off... I guess I was pretty much a mess! I remember that after 1 month I was still sore... I really think it took almost a year to really feel normal again. I had such bad periods that it was a relief to not have periods anymore but because I was such a mess the Drs would not start hormone therapy for 6 full months to make sure all the endom was dead. So at 36 I was thrown into menopause.... I thought I was going to scream! I had the hysterectomy on a Tuesday and was release from the hospital on Friday... 3 days later I was puking my guts out... had a fever... (probably the flu...)... went to my Dr but nothing they could do.... a few days later I was better... but it was hard to puke and have stitches... OMG! After 6 weeks I started walking... built it up and within 3 months I was walking 5 miles a day... That really helped with the soreness... but I can remember that it took a full year before I felt like a normal person again!

    Hi renee2u...Thanks for responding back to my questions! Sorry you had such a hard time but its great to know you are doing better. I feel alot better now still have some soreness but nothing like before. I go for my 3 month checkup in June I'm sure he will shed some light on things for me. Take care and have a great day!

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