My milestones!

Even before I had my surgery I was researching recovery milestones constantly to have a sense of what to expect. Sadly, there is not a lot out there readily available. I am extremely grateful however for the online support groups I have found through Facebook, TikTok videos, and YouTubers, which were more helpful than what I found searching Google. Also, let's be real, searching the internet for risks and what to expect is like the #1 way to scare yourself before having surgery. Because I'm SUCH a good friend to you, I'm not even going to tell you about some of the things I found on the dark web.

Before I dive in, it's super important to remember that everyone heals differently. No two surgeries are exactly the same. I had 4 fibroids removed, the largest the size of a grapefruit. A cyst was also removed from my right fallopian / ovary area. This was done through an open myomectomy. How I was doing in week 4, is how others may be in week 2 or 6, or whatever. Even my doctor told me that she had patients completely out of commission for 8 weeks, while another was up on her feet getting her hair done the next day (I do not know how the hell that is possible, but this gives you an idea). Leading up to surgery I was experiencing very heavy bleeding on and off, cramping, feeling faint, so I was not my best fit healthy self (obviously healthy enough for surgery) compared to someone who may be. I will say that in a lot of cases women seem to wait until things do get unmanageable symptom-wise, similar to myself, to finally get surgery. This blog post is not supposed to be focused on my thoughts regarding us women minimizing our symptoms :)

I also want to state that I have the best gynaecological surgeon and doctor that anyone could ever ask for. I do not know what my life would look like without her and I am so grateful. I am tearing up thinking how grateful I am for her, she has given me my life back.

Day 1

• Moved from recovery into my hospital room, tired and slightly out of it. Once I came to a bit more, my pain took over. Pain medication was increased and I was put on oxygen to help me breathe better.

• Throat is extremely sore from breathing tube from surgery. I drank a ton of iced water and it helped significantly by the time morning came

Day 2

• Urinary catheter removed

• Got out of bed for the first time to pee, with a lot of help

• Passing gas, very painful cramps before it is released. And girl, if you also had part of your procedure by hysteroscopy, you are gonna queef :)

• Had to significantly increase my pain medication, I barely slept the night before which set me back. My pain management is challenging.

• Pad check: I am bleeding moderately

Day 3

• Able to go to the bathroom with help, able to make it back to my bed without help, but very slowly and carefully

• I walk part of the hallway of the hospital (Motorin', what's your price for flight?)

• Slept for 2 hours straight (longest amount so far)

• Given Lupron

• Discharged home in evening

• Had first actual meal, haven't had an appetite before now

• Pad check: Light bleeding/spotting

Day 4

• First bowel movement = complete

• Showered, with Nick's help

• Brushed and braided my own hair

• Got on and off toilet by myself (supervised, but still by myself!)

• Appetite is back, ate three meals

• Able to get around without holding on to someone

• Pad check: Light bleeding on and off

Other Week 1 Highlights

• Pain management is still a challenge, but Nick sets up a schedule for when I am to take everything. Putting these alarms into my phone was extremely helpful. And yes, waking in the night to take your pain meds is important to stay on top of the pain when required.

• Bleeding is inconsistent but manageable

Week 2 Highlights

• Able to go up stairs without help

• I have had some of my first people visits

• Gave myself a manicure (it's horrible, no chance my local nail tech is losing me as a customer)

• Swelling around incision is coming down

• My bandages are removed at my post-op appointment, the stiches have dissolved for the most part and my incision is healing well

• Uterine foley catheter is removed by my doc, this is surprisingly not painful at all

• Bleeding is heavy at times. I was warned it would be because of Lupron that I was given in hospital.

Week 3 Highlights

• Able to go down stairs without help

• Able to get out of bed / couch mostly without help

• Showering independently, but it is very tiring!

• Walking independently for the most part

• My parents and brother come over for a Saturday night dinner

• Still experiencing some cramping, light bleeding on and off

Week 4 Highlights

• Nick had bought tickets for me as a gift for Christmas to see a comedy show. I put makeup on, got some leggings on, and we enjoy some food outside of the house. I am very crampy the next day, and tired

• Can get dressed by myself

• Going for small daily walks most days

• Experiencing a fluttering kind of feeling instead of cramps, am told this is normal and also reported by people who have had hysterectomies

Week 5 Highlights and Beyond

• Able to put my socks on by myself

• Going for longer walks every week

• Starting to help cook meals and help around the house

• Energy is improving, but even at week 8 I need my daily nap (I have been having daily naps since September so not sure what I'm going to do when I go back to work..)

• Less anxiety about getting out of the house and going into a restaurant etc. This is something that is a work in progress, and will be for some time I think :\

Tips:

• Do not be afraid to ask for more pain meds in hospital! If you are in pain, you are not recovering. The medical field is concerned about addiction which I get, but make sure you ask and speak up for yourself if it ain't cutting it. Fighting to get a decent amount of pain meds to bring home is another battle - make sure you are aligned with your doctor on this before surgery. I am so lucky my doc and I were on the same page.

• Movement, drinking coffee and chewing gum helps get that painful gas moving

• Throne (toilet booster seat) was hugely helpful and helped make me more independent

• You need to conserve your energy. Take it slow, and be thoughtful about the way you move, avoiding using your core. If people ask to visit and you ain't ready, don't be shy.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Independence in recovery will come, but while you are vulnerable lean on those (literally) who are around you

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be patient and focus on the wins! Trust the process, take care of yourself, and follow your doctor's directions. Some days would be harder than others and I would get down on myself, but you have to remember the progress you are making and better days are ahead. You got this!