I feel Weak!

 I really need to hear from those of you who went back to work within a week! Where did you get your energy? I am on a clear liquid only diet, 7 days post-op, and I can barely stand in the shower!  Where did you get your strength from?! Please help!! I see my doc tomorrow!

Leah

Leah?! I'm Leah too!!! (sorry, I'm crazy)

I didn't go back to work within a week, I felt like I could have but I'm thankful I didn't. Because when I did go back to work I felt completely drained and started feeling like ass because I wasn't taking care of myself the way I should have, instead I was worrying about work.

I know it may not be an option but at least consider taking more time before you go back. You are more important than ANY job. If you don't feel ready, talk to you doctor about it and see what he/she says.

I wish I had a better answer for you, but I'm thinking of you. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

I has surgery on a Wed and returned to work that Monday.   THe first few days back were a little rough and I was exhausted by the end of the day, but it get better and easier each day.

Hope this helps,
Stella

 Thanks!  I think I just need to stop pressuring myself into going back to work so soon and not feel like superwoman! It's just that I see all these people posting how they went back so soon and I feel like maybe I am doing something wrong!

You are not doing anything wrong.  I did go back to work soon after the surgery, but I have a desk job and I can make my own hours.  I also have very little pressure and stress at work, so really, it's a perfect environment.  I went back half time for the first few days and then in about a week, I started to work full time.  It's OK to let your body heal and yes, you are going to be a bit weak after going through MAJOR SURGERY. Give yourself a break, the strength will come back when you are getting more protein in and your body heals up a bit.

Hi Leah! Im sorry you are not feeling so great. Each person is completely different, and its important to not rush yourself. I did go back after 1 week, but a shower still took a lil out of me for about the 1st 9 days. The only difference that I can think of maybe is the diet. I had liquids the day of surgery, pureed the second day and have been eating very soft foods since the day after surgery. I didnt puree anything, just chew it all a million times. I dont know if that matters, but maybe. Are you getting in all the protein you need?

 No, that is the problem, I am not having ANY protein!  Just clear liquids, and I'm pretty sure that will be for another week!!!! Only at stage II do I get to incorporate liquid protein shakes with my mushy food!  This is crazy!  It's not about being hungry, it's about having zero energy to even get out of bed!!

SORRY LEAH YOU DON'T FEEL WELL BUT AS SOON AS YOU CAN GET SOME PROTEIN IN YOU WILL START TO FEEL BETTER. AND AS FAR AS WORK I DID NOT GO BACK TO WORK FOR 3 WEEKS SO DON'T PUSH YOURSELF!!!

I went back to my desk job after a week, but I felt fine. It was a huge difference from my open hysterectomy in 2000. My surgeon's group has us on full liquids from the day after surgery. They sell protein enriched soups, hot chocolate etc so between those and my Nectar/Unjury samples, I was fine on protein. Which you need! Isn't there clear Isopure protein drinks? I never used them but I read a lot of people do. I think GNC has them. Take your time, build your strength, don't compare yourself to other people too much or it will make you crazy, and get some protein in you!!

 I thought I could go back in two weeks and nixed that idea after the surgery.  I am going  back 4 weeks exactly from the surgery.  I'm 56 so I think this was harder on my body than what I expected.  I have short term disability at work and I never claimed disability before even with maternity back in 78 and 80.  Wasn't an option back then.  Yes, my co-workers are going nuts without me and it is stressful and I feel guilty, but if I get a relapse and try to rush this with this new eating and getting my health back, I'll probably go back with in the hospital with complications.  I am slowly learning to eat mushy foods slowly incorporating exercising, trying to stay warm (always cold now), and take each day as it comes.  And if you were drained, you need that taken out and that takes time to heal too.